By : Lloyd Mahachi
Kenya has made a significant move to boost regional integration and tourism by easing travel rules for citizens from nearly all African countries. According to a recent directive, African nationals will no longer require prior travel authorization, except for those from Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns.
The new policy aims to eliminate the contentious Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for most visitors. Introduced last year, the ETA replaced visa requirements but was criticized for being a “visa under another name.” As a result, Kenya’s position on the Africa Visa Openness Index dropped 17 places to 46th out of 54 nations.
The ETA requirement was seen as a barrier to travel and tourism, with many African nationals complaining about the lengthy and cumbersome process. By dropping the ETA requirement, Kenya hopes to attract more tourists and business travelers from across the continent.
Under the new system, visitors can enter Kenya without prior approval and stay for up to two months. Members of the East African Community (EAC), including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, will be allowed to stay for up to six months in line with the bloc’s policy.
Kenya’s move aligns with the African Union’s push for greater mobility and is not an isolated effort. Other African countries, such as Ghana and Rwanda, have made similar moves to simplify travel for continental visitors.
The Kenyan government also plans to implement an enhanced approval process to ensure smoother entry for travelers. Results are promised within 72 hours, making it easier for visitors to plan their trips. The exact start date for the policy is yet to be announced, with ministries tasked to propose guidelines within a week.
The new policy is expected to boost tourism and regional integration, making it easier for Africans to explore and do business within the continent. With the enhanced approval process and smoother entry procedures, Kenya is poised to become a more attractive destination for African travelers.
The decision to drop the ETA requirement for most African nationals is a significant step towards achieving the African Union’s goal of a single African passport. While there are still security concerns that need to be addressed, Kenya’s move is a positive step towards greater mobility and regional integration.
As the policy takes shape, it will be important to monitor its implementation and impact on tourism and regional integration. With the right guidelines and procedures in place, Kenya can reap the benefits of increased tourism and economic cooperation with its African neighbors.
The move is also expected to boost Kenya’s economy, with tourism being a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. By making it easier for African nationals to visit, Kenya can attract more tourists and business travelers, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
In addition, the new policy is expected to strengthen Kenya’s relationships with its African neighbors. By making it easier for Africans to travel to Kenya, the country can build stronger ties with other African nations, promoting regional integration and cooperation.
Kenya’s decision to ease travel rules for most African nations is a significant step towards promoting regional integration, boosting tourism, and strengthening economic ties with its African neighbors.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi