Over 9,000 travellers apply for ETA to visit Kenya visa-free

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). [Standard, File]

The government has received 9,787 applications for the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system that allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to visit or transit through the country by air.

The system, which replaces the previous visa requirements, aims to provide a fair, faster, and reliable service that also addresses the country's security and other strategic interests.

Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said on Sunday, January 7, that 4,046 of these applications had been processed, while the others were under review on a priority basis.

"We have introduced the system to boost tourism and attract more foreign investments to Kenya. This decision reflects our commitment to the promotion of an open, accessible, and inclusive tourism and investment environment," Bitok said in a statement.

Under the new system, travellers apply online for an ETA and pay a $30 (Sh 4,710) processing fee.

Before ETA, citizens from 51 countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya, while travellers from 155 other countries had to apply for a visa for $50 (Sh 7,850).

The first batch of visa-free international travellers to the country arrived on Friday.

Bitok said 2,141 travellers had already been approved on the ETA model, following President William Ruto's announcement last year that Kenya would become a visa-free country in January 2024.

"We are delighted to welcome the first group of visa-free travellers to Kenya. We hope they will enjoy their stay and explore the beauty and diversity of our country," Bitok said.

Last Tuesday, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) warned that the new ETA system was in the process of development and implementation and advised travellers to check the status of their applications before travelling.