Free entry! Kenya exempts SEVEN nations from costly ETA fees

Last year, Kenya announced that it would drop visa requirements for visitors from all countries around the world.

FREE ENTRY TO KENYA

The initiative received global attention. The country’s President, William Ruto, was applauded for the forward-thinking move, which was expected to help the country’s economy.

However, when the initiative was implemented in January 2024, it came with a few surprises. Visa requirements had been dropped, but entry was not free.

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATIONS

Kenya thus implemented an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

It requires all visitors – including previously visa-exempt nations – to apply for costly electronic travel authorisations.

VISA-EXEMPT NATIONS INCLUDED

Kenya’s ETA was met with mixed reactions from the tourism industry.

Nonetheless, visitors from previously visa-exempt countries (including South Africa) were also required to apply for the ETA at a cost of USD34 (R650). This is the fee for processing an ETA.

Before the introduction of the ETA system, passport holders from 51 countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya.

VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS

Moreover, the new entry processing fee for visitors from countries with which Kenya has visa-abolition treaties drew some objection.

Nationals from South Africa, Comoros, the Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique and San Marino fall under Kenya’s visa exempt list.

These countries had concluded visa abolition agreements or signed visa waiver agreements with Kenya before the introduction of the ETA.

FEE-FREE ENTRY

Kenya has now reviewed these new requirements and made adjustments.

TravelNews reports that the Kenyan Ministry of Interior has now exempted seven countries from paying ETA fees. 

This change was confirmed in a memo released by Kenya’s Director of Immigration Services in the ministry, Dr Dan Opon.

With effect from 15 February, passport holders from the following nations are now exempt from ETA processing fees:

• South Africa

• Comoros

• Republic of Congo

• Eritrea

• Ethiopia

• Mozambique

• San Marino

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