No ETA, No Visas: Kenyans React as Govt Removes Travel Authorisations for All African Countries
- The Kenyan government has exempted all African countries from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements, leaving out only two nations
- Larry Madowo, an international journalist, shared a video inviting visitors to Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, which is now visa-and ETA-free
- Madowo's post, which listed the exempted countries, including some Caribbean nations, sparked debate among Kenyans
Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Kenyans have shared mixed reactions after the government removed visa requirements and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all African nationals.
Source: Facebook
In January 2025, President William Ruto's Cabinet exempted all citizens of African countries from the ETA requirements, leaving out only two nations.
The two countries whose citizens still require a visa or an ETA entry to Kenya are Libya and Somalia.
Which nationalities can enter Kenya visa-free?
According to a post shared by CNN correspondent to Kenya, Larry Madowo, citizens from all East African Community (EAC) member states and other African countries can enter Kenya visa-free with a stay limitation of 60, 90, or 180 days.
Other countries granted access to Kenya are some Caribbean nations, including Singapore, Fiji Islands and Cyprus.
Madowo welcomed visitors to Nairobi, the country's capital.
"It is official. Kenya is now visa-free for all Africans. You do not need to fill in the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or do anything... just come. Come and see Nairobi, Africa's greatest city."
Source: UGC
What Kenyans, visitors said about revision of ETA
Most Kenyans and travellers argued that there is a motive behind the government's move to remove ETA for African countries.
@benrobertskenya said:
"But when ETA was launched, this is what Kenya promised for all visitors. Visa free entry for everyone. Most African countries had visa free entry already, but ETA just introduced a visa for them. Now doing away with ETA for African visitors is restoring the norm that was there."
@KultureKenya argued:
"Africa is largely poor, migration is for survival, not for growing businesses. This is not a good idea. In Africa, people move mainly to escape poverty or conflict, not to start enterprises that stimulate economies. Unlike Europe, where many migrants are skilled professionals."
@MDirie_ claimed:
"Of course they make money from Somalia. 11 passenger flights between Kenya and Somalia on a daily basis.....they charge 250 USD for visas to Somalis...and up to 150 USD to Kenyans going the other way."
@GatimuMuchai said:
"Great move, but it should go further - visa-free travel for everyone, globally!"
@BelugaFarms commended:
"An Africa without borders for Africans is what we want and what we need. Good job to Kenya for taking this bold step, and I hope other African countries implement this as well."
@doziecuit joked:
"Weekend in Nairobi and Sunday church service in Abuja."
@IamBradleyCarl asked:
"When will USA follow this direction?"
@bavariafarms noted:
"Exactly how African countries should operate, but they don’t realise what they are doing to themselves with unnecessary restrictions."
@olas411 asked:
"Can I visit Kenya this summer on a low budget?"
Why Kenya revised ETA requirements
In December 2024, the Cabinet approved plans to revise the ETA authorisation for visitors.
This followed criticisms from Kenyans and visitors to the country, barely a year since it was launched.
Kenya also ranked poorly in the Africa Visa Openness Index. During the same year, it scrapped visa requirements.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
