Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has announced the introduction of an instant electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for travellers visiting Kenya.
According to Miano, this is one of the key changes made by the Ministry following feedback and complaints about the eTA process, including concerns raised by the African Union.
Speaking on Wednesday, Miano acknowledged that when the eTA system was first implemented, there were issues such as longer processing times compared to traditional visas. However, she assured that the Ministry has since streamlined the process, making eTA approvals faster, with travellers now having the option of instant eTA.
“The eTA is significantly cheaper than a visa and also takes a shorter time. Now the period has been reduced and in fact, we also have instant eTAs,” Miano revealed.
According to Miano, after a report by the African Union downgraded Kenya over visa openness, the ministry took strides to improve it, including exempting all African countries that allowed Kenyans to enter visa-free from the eTA.
Furthermore, the ministry has also made the eTA multiple-entry. Previously, the eTA was valid for a single entry to Kenya, except in cases of temporary departure and re-entry to one or more EAC Partner States.
“The eTA has been made multiple entry so that if you go to Kenya and go back to your country, you can come back for about three months,” Miano explained.
Additionally, the ministry is set to to roll out a multiple-entry eTA ) for cruise ship tourists at the port of Mombasa. President Ruto announced the new development on Tuesday, February 25 during the docking of the MS Norwegian Cruise with 800 tourists.
Ruto revealed that the move is aimed at making it easier and seamless for cruise ship tourists so that there is no paperwork or unnecessary delays for them.
According to the CS, the measures taken by the ministry have so far significantly increased the openness of the system.
In January 2024, President William Ruto announced that Kenya was going to be a visa-free country. However, to enhance security, the country introduced the eTA.
An eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. It offers permission to travel and is authorised by the government.
The introduction of the eTA, which replaced the visa requirement for all visitors, was criticised as a visa under another name. Travellers complained that the process was more stringent and took longer than normal visas.
Miano, however, has assured travellers to Kenya that the eTA has been streamlined and that complaints have significantly reduced.
The eTA fee is $30/£24 (Ksh3,900) and is valid for 90 days.
