NAIROBI – In a surprise move, Kenya has reversed its earlier announcement to introduce visa-free entry for global travelers.
As per the recent Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announcement, visitors intending to travel to Kenya will follow the current visa application process through Kenyan embassies. The KCAA clarified that foreign nationals should adhere to the existing visa application procedures, a move confirming the reversal of President Ruto’s decision.
In response to the presidential directive scheduled for January 2024, the KCAA stated that an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is underway for development and execution and until the government officially communicates the ETA system’s rollout, travelers from visa-required countries must continue applying for visas in the usual manner.
The authority has also not communicated any specific date for the implementation of the visa-free system. This reversal follows Ruto’s initial declaration on December 12, where he unveiled plans for Kenya to abolish visa requirements for international visitors from January 1.
Speaking at an event commemorating Kenya’s 60 years of Independence from Britain, the president confirmed lifting visa requirements for everyone, a step aligning with Ruto’s advocacy for visa-free travel within the African continent.
The president had previously outlined his plans for visa exemptions and had declared that citizens of African countries would be able to visit Kenya without a visa by the end of the ongoing year.
“Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!,” he had said.
