The Kenyan government has announced that all travelers entering the country will be required to apply for and pay for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to their travels, effective January 5, 2025.

This directive is part of President William Ruto's initiative towards establishing a Visa-free regime, as articulated in the Kenya Gazette Supplement No.1 dated January 2, 2024. The implementation of the eTA comes with specific exemptions. Kenyan passport holders, individuals possessing one-way Emergency Certificates issued by the Kenya Missions Board, permanent residents, and those with valid work permits are not obligated to secure an eTA.

Additionally, holders of United Nations Convention travel documents issued by the Kenyan government are also exempt from this new requirement. Citizens of East African partner states—including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda—will have a grace period of six months during which they are not required to apply for an eTA.

This policy is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to align with global trends in travel authorization, following the example set by countries such as the United States, South Korea, New Zealand, Israel, and the United Kingdom, which have implemented similar systems. During the 14th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in 2024, President Ruto emphasized the benefits of the eTA, noting that it will enhance the experience for transit passengers.

He mentioned that this development will allowing them to exit Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and explore the city briefly, rather than remaining in the terminal. Furthermore, the government clarified that transit passengers who do not leave the airport, as well as crew members of ships, aircraft, or trains en route to destinations outside of Kenya, are exempt from applying for the eTA.

Owners of private aircraft who stop in Kenya solely for refueling, without exiting the airport precincts, are also not subject to this requirement. Certain individuals, while still needing to apply for the eTA, are exempt from the associated fees. This category includes those holding Diplomatic, Official, or Service Passports on official duty, as well as individuals possessing specific Laissez-Passers for official business from organizations such as the United Nations, African Union, and African Development Bank.

The introduction of the eTA is anticipated to streamline travel processes and improve the overall experience for visitors to Kenya, while also enhancing the country’s security and regulatory framework.