Nigerians and Other Africans Can Now Visit Kenya Without Prior Authorisation

Nigerians and other African nationals will no longer need prior authorisation to visit Kenya, following a new directive issued by the Kenyan cabinet. This change comes as part of Kenya’s broader efforts to enhance regional integration, promote tourism, and ease travel across the continent.

Previously, Kenya introduced a “visa-free” policy that required most visitors, including those from African countries, to apply for online authorisation before traveling. The system, known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), replaced the visa requirement but faced criticism for being a “visa under another name.”

However, a cabinet statement on Tuesday revealed that the ETA requirement would be dropped for all African nations except Somalia and Libya, citing ongoing security concerns. The move is part of Kenya’s commitment to support open skies policies and foster regional connectivity, making travel easier for Africans.

In addition to the removal of the ETA for most African countries, Kenya also announced plans to introduce a new, more efficient approval process. Under the updated system, travelers will receive instant approval or have their requests processed within 72 hours. Although the timeline for this change was not specified, the cabinet instructed relevant ministries to establish guidelines within a week to improve the experience of travelers at Kenyan airports.

Before the introduction of the ETA, travelers from over 40 countries—including several African nations—were able to enter Kenya by simply obtaining a stamp on their passport, with no visa or fees required. With the new system, all visitors must apply and pay for an ETA at least three days before their planned trip, unless they are from an exempted country. The ETA costs $30 (approximately £24) and is valid for 90 days.

The ETA policy faced considerable backlash, with critics arguing that it could deter potential visitors. The Kenyan government, however, has defended the system as a necessary security measure, especially in light of the country’s vulnerability to attacks by al-Shabab militants from neighbouring Somalia. Government officials have said the new process is crucial for vetting travelers and enhancing security.

In addition to the ETA changes, Kenya’s government is also introducing enhanced pre-screening procedures at entry points to strengthen security and streamline passenger processing.

Despite the introduction of the ETA, Kenya was ranked poorly in the latest Africa Visa Openness Index, falling 17 places to 46th out of 54 countries. This index assesses how open nations are to visitors, and many have noted that it remains easier for citizens of Western countries to travel within Africa compared to those from other African nations.

In recent years, several African countries have worked to ease travel restrictions for other Africans. Earlier this year, Ghana announced that all African passport holders could visit without requiring a visa, and Rwanda also offers visa-free entry to African visitors.

Under the revised policy, citizens of most African countries will be able to enter Kenya without an ETA for stays of up to two months. However, East African Community (EAC) members, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, will be allowed to stay for up to six months, in line with the EAC’s travel agreements.

This new move by Kenya aligns with broader continental efforts to improve mobility and enhance integration within Africa, making it easier for Africans to travel within their own continent.