Kenya has announced a significant policy change, aiming to foster regional integration and boost tourism by eliminating the need for pre-travel authorization for most African visitors. This directive, confirmed by the Kenyan cabinet on Tuesday, marks a bold step towards simplifying travel across the continent.
Under this new policy, citizens from virtually all African countries, with the exceptions of Somalia and Libya due to ongoing security issues, will no longer need to obtain the previously mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering Kenya. This move effectively means visitors can now enter Kenya without prior approval and stay for up to two months. For members of the East African Community (EAC), which includes countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, the duration extends to six months, promoting even deeper regional ties.
The ETA was introduced by Kenya last year as an alternative to traditional visa requirements, but it faced backlash for essentially replicating visa processes under a different name. Critics, including local and international commentators, argued that the system did not truly embody the spirit of visa liberalization, leading to a noticeable drop in Kenya’s ranking on the Africa Visa Openness Index from the previous year, falling to 46th out of 54 African nations.
This policy shift aligns Kenya with other African countries like Ghana and Rwanda, which have already adopted measures to make travel easier for fellow Africans, in line with the African Union’s vision for continental mobility and integration. The initiative is expected to not only increase tourist numbers but also support cross-border trade and cultural exchange.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Kenyan government has outlined plans for an enhanced approval mechanism, promising to deliver entry decisions within 72 hours, significantly reducing wait times and travel uncertainties. While the exact implementation date of this policy remains undisclosed, Kenyan ministries have been given a one-week deadline to draft and propose comprehensive guidelines for this transformative change.
This development promises to reshape the travel landscape in Africa, potentially setting a precedent for further visa liberalization across the continent, enhancing both economic and social connectivity.
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