On December 12th, 2023, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, announced a significant development regarding the country's visa policy.

 

He declared that as of January 2024, visitors from any part of the world will no longer require visas to enter Kenya. This decision is part of the government's broader initiative to simplify the entry process by introducing a new digital platform. Please Click Here to apply

 

This platform will allow for the issuance of electronic travel authorization, eliminating the need for complicated visa application procedures.

 

During a conference held in the Republic of Congo in October, President Ruto also announced an initiative to allow citizens of African nations to visit Kenya without a visa by the end of 2023.

 

This move aims to foster regional cooperation and strengthen ties among African nations.

 

Kenya is a country renowned for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, with tourism being a significant driver of its economy. The decision to waive visa requirements is expected to attract more international visitors, providing them with the opportunity to explore the picturesque Indian Ocean coastline and embark on thrilling wildlife safaris.

 

In his speech at the event commemorating Kenya's 60 years of Independence from Britain in Nairobi, President Ruto expressed his commitment to easing travel restrictions. He stated that it would no longer be necessary for people from any part of the world to carry the burden of applying for visas to visit Kenya.

 

He said, "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. To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world: 'Tobong’u Lorre!' Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!"

 

President Ruto's decision aligns with his long-standing advocacy for visa-free travel in Africa and marks a significant milestone in Kenya's efforts to position itself as a top destination for tourism and cultural exchange.

 

This decision is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and solidify its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive country, eager to share its rich cultural heritage with visitors from all over the world.

Subsequently, Kenya has implemented an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which is now fully operational.

 

All visitors, except citizens of Kenya and partner states of the East African Community, including infants and children, arriving in Kenya starting from January 4th, 2024, are now required to apply for an ETA online through, http://www.etakenya.go.ke before their arrival.

 

In light of this, kindly take note of the following requirements for the ETA application process:

 

• Valid passport (6-month validity from the date of arrival in Kenya, with a minimum of one blank page)
• Passport-style photo
• Contact information (home address, email address and phone number)
• Itinerary details
• Accommodation booking confirmation
• Credit card, debit card, and Apple Pay for payment of $34 per person

• Yellow Fever certificate (if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country)
• Additional vaccinations

Travelers are eligible to apply for ETAs within 3 months of their arrival date in Kenya. Following the application, a confirmation will be sent to the email address submitted in the application. Upon approval, the ETA will be sent to the same email address.

 

Standard processing time for ETAs is three working days and the status of applications can be checked at any time on the ETA website using the ETA reference number.

 

All previous visa entry requirements for Kenya are now replaced by the requirement of ETAs. All e-visas currently in process will be issued and travelers with existing e-visas will be granted access to Kenya within the validity period of 90 days, without the additional requirement of an ETA.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any clarification or assistance by writing to us via email at info@blavals.com