Kenyan skies welcomed their first visa-free travellers on Friday, marking a historic shift in the country’s immigration approach. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system replaces traditional visas for citizens of 53 African nations, aiming to boost tourism and strengthen regional ties.
While technically “visa-free,” the program requires a pre-flight application and a $30 fee. Despite this hurdle, the response has been enthusiastic. Over 5,000 applications flooded in within days, with 2,141 already approved. This surge reflects the potential for a five million-strong tourism influx, a major economic boost for Kenya.
Kenya is now “visa-free” for every human on earth.
But you can’t just get on a flight. You have to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization, pay $30 and wait up to 3 days for approval.
So, a visa? pic.twitter.com/ySueczwlhW
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 5, 2024The ETA system also streamlines border control, collecting bio-data like flight details and travel purposes for enhanced security. This aligns with President William Ruto’s vision of modernized border services that bolster security while facilitating smoother travel.
However, CNN’s Larry Madowo offered a dose of reality. He pointed out that for 51 nationalities, the change is largely symbolic, as they previously didn’t require visas. He quipped, “Kenya only renamed ‘visa’ to ‘Electronic Travel Authorization,’ but almost everything else remains the same.”
Kenya only renamed "visa" to "Electronic Travel Authorization" but almost everything else remains the same.
The large print giveth, the small print taketh away pic.twitter.com/GTUdLK2gIg
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 5, 2024