By Antynet Ford
Africans traveling to Kenya for at least two months will be allowed in the country Visa and eTA free except for Libya and Somalia.
In a cabinet resolution dispatched to the press, President Ruto’s Cabinet said citizens from the two countries will be required to have Visas or process eTA due to security concerns.
According to the resolution, the two-month Visa and eTA-free policy is set to promote open skies policies and tourism growth.
Most African visitors will be allowed a two-month stay, while East African Community EAC nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under EAC free movement protocols.
“A key proposal is to grant eTA exemptions to all African countries— except Somalia and Libya—due to security concerns. This initiative aims to promote regional integration and ease travel across the continent. EAC nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under EAC free movement protocols,” the cabinet resolution read in part.
The meeting also approved recommendations to enhance the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system to boost efficiency and improve the traveler experience.
“To improve efficiency, an expedited eTA processing option will be introduced, allowing travelers to receive approval instantly, with processing time capped at 72 hours based on operational capacity,” they said.
Additionally, the introduction of an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record system will enhance pre-screening, strengthen security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points.
Consequently, the Cabinet Secretaries of National Treasury, Transport, Interior, and Tourism were mandated to review, report, and, within a week, propose guidelines to improve travelers’ experience at all Kenyan airports.
The restriction on Somalia and Libya comes a year after the Interior Ministry suspended plans to open the Kenya-Somalia border over concerns raised about a spike in terror attacks when the border was to be opened in phases.
The two countries said they would review the anti-terror strategies set in place.