The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has announced that foreigners will still need to apply for Visas to enter Kenya, despite President William Ruto's declaration last year that by the beginning of 2024, Kenya will be a Visa-free country.
In a statement, the Authority said this will be the case until changes announced by the government on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system are communicated.
“All travellers coming to Kenya from countries that require visas shall continue applying for visas in the usual manner until the government communicates more on the ETA system,” read the statement.
Further, the Authority said that the ETA system is still developing and implementing, noting that the digital platform will ensure that all travelers to Kenya are identified in advance.
However, no timeline has been given on when the ETA system will be complete.
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During the 2023 Jamhiuri Day celebrations, President Ruto abolished Visa requirements for all global visitors beginning this month.
Further, he said that the government had developed a digital platform to facilitate Visa-free entry.
He noted then that the abolishment lies on the backdrop of embracing globalization and opening the borders to spur the country's socio-economic development.
"Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," he said.
President Ruto has been championing the realization of a borderless Africa by advocating for Visa-free travel.
Kenya was the second country in Africa to announce that it had opened its borders after Rwanda did so on November 3, 2023.
