By Elainer Mogoa

Kenya has implemented a visa-free policy, exempting all foreign nationals from visa requirements, effective 1 January 2024. This means that foreign visitors will no longer be required to obtain a visa for entry into Kenya regardless of nationality. In lieu of the traditional visa requirement, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has introduced the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a semi-automated system designed to assess the eligibility of visitors intending to travel to Kenya. The visa-free policy applies to travellers entering Kenya for tourism or business travel purposes and allows for stays of up to 90 days.

The Application Process

The eTA application process involves the collection of biographic information and responses to eligibility questions from the traveller. All visitors, including those in transit, infants and children, intending to travel to the Republic of Kenya must possess an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before embarking on their journey via the eTA website.

A time-saving option for families, couples, or groups of friends with up to nine travellers is to apply collectively. Upon approval, each member will be issued their individual Electronic Travel Authorization. If the group exceeds nine travellers, it is recommended to submit separate applications for two or more groups.

Timeline

To ensure adequate time for authorisation, it is advised that eTA applications for Kenya be submitted at least three days before the intended travel date. Travellers have the flexibility to submit their applications up to three months in advance, and it is highly recommended to apply promptly upon booking accommodations and transport tickets. 

Persons who are exempted from Obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) include: 

1. Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad. 
2. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
3. Holders of valid United Nations Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
4. Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya.
5. Citizens of the East African Partner States: These countries include Burundi,
6. Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months).
7. All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the
   precincts of Airports in Kenya.
8. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
9. Members of the crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.

Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.