Providing an update on the status of Electronic Travel Authorisation system that Kenya is implementing after scrapping the visa regime for all foreigners, Kenya Tourism Board says that so far 4,046 visa applications have been processed and that the ETA has cut down visa fee and processing times.

Kenya Tourism Board says that of the 9,787 applications received under the new Electronic Travel Authorisation system, 4046 applications have been processed. 

After Kenyan President William Ruto suddenly announced scrapping of visa requirements for all foreign nationals visiting Kenya, the Kenyan government has begun implementing a system of ETA for all nationals.

In a press statement, providing an update on the process, KTB says that 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 travellers from 155 other countries were subject to a visa application process at a cost of USD 50.

The board adds that the ETA has introduced significant changes to the travel and transit experience for foreign nationals visiting Kenya in four fundamental ways. It says that ETA provides for equal treatment and reduced fees. The 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. 

‘‘The visa fee was USD 50 while the ETA fee for all is USD 30, thereby ensuring fairness and equality. While, previously, travellers from 51 countries were not required to fill out any forms on personal and relevant travel details. There was therefore 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,’’ says KTB in the statement.

It adds that compared to visa application, ETA provides for a simple and faster process. 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. 

KTB says that it has also set up a dedicated ETA desk to deal with the issue. ‘‘To guarantee a seamless experience, we have introduced a 24-hour service desk dedicated to ETA. This will ensure clients are promptly attended to irrespective of the hour while also taking into consideration 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!’’ says Ambassador Julius K Bitok, Principal Secretary.

KTB says that as the ETA system is in the process of development and implementation, all travelers coming to Kenya from countries that require visas shall continue applying for visas in the usual manner until the government communicates the change programme to ETA system.