The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has given an update on visa free travels to Kenya and the status of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
In a statement, PS Julius Bitok said ETA has introduced significant changes to the travel and transit experience for foreign nationals visiting Kenya.
According to Bitok, the program has led to equal treatment and reduced fees for all foreign internationals coming or transiting through Nairobi.
According to him, entry requirements and applicable payments for all foreign nationals, except for East African Community (EAC)citizens, will now be the same irrespective of the country of origin.
In the statement, Bitok explained that the initial visa fee was $50 (Ksh.7,600) while the ETA fee will be $30 (Ksh.4,560), thereby ensuring fairness and equality.
Prior passenger information
He further explained that ETA provides passengers information in advance and, hence allowing early preparations.
Previously, travelers from 51 countries were not required to fill out any forms on personal and relevant travel details.
Therefore, the PS said there was no means of obtaining data to inform critical decisions and plans around security, infrastructure and insurance needs.
“With the introduction of the ETA, we now have comprehensive data on all visitors, significantly improving our ability to ensure the safety and well-being of both our visitors and citizens,” he said.
Other ETA Benefits
Besides, ETA provides for a simple and faster process as compared to visa application.
This, the PS says, has reduced the processing time.
“Previously, it took up to 14 days to process visa applications for foreigners from 12 listed countries. The waiting period for this category has now been drastically reduced to a maximum of 72 hours,” he said.
Also Read: History Made as Ruto’s Visa-Free Promise Kicks Off
The government has also introduced a 24-hour service desk dedicated to the ETA to guarantee a seamless experience.
At the same time, PS Bitok explained that the government will ensure that clients are attended to irrespective of the hour and the different time zones across the world.
“We will continue to review and refine the ETA system to align it with our clients’ convenience and to support our commitment to make Kenya a natural home for visitors and investors. With ETA system now in place, we are proud to declare to the world: Welcome home!” he added.
Ruto’s Promise
President William Ruto promised to scrap all visa requirements for all foreign nationals visiting and transiting through Kenya from January 2024.
Speaking during the 2023 Jamhuri Day Celebrations, the President said that the decision will boost tourism and attract more foreign investments to Kenya.
Subsequently, the visa requirements have been replaced by the ETA system.
Also Read: Kenya Exposed as Govt Delays Visa Free Directive
ETA Applications Received
According to data from the Immigration department, 9,787 ETA applications have been received so far through the https://www.etakenya.g0.ke website.
“Of these, 4,046 have already been processed while the others are undergoing review on priority basis guided by the travel schedule submitted by each applicant,” stated Bitok.
Furthermore, Bitok said the introduction of ETA is premised on the need to have a fair, faster and reliable system that also addresses Kenya’s security and other strategic interests.
Before ETA, citizens from 51 countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya, while travelers from 155 other countries were subject to a visa application process at a cost of $50 (Ksh.7,600).
