President William Ruto has announced that Kenya will revise its visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirements to improve the experience of international visitors, particularly those arriving at the Port of Mombasa. The announcement was made on Sunday during the welcoming ceremony of the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship at the port.
The Kenyan government introduced the eTA system on January 1, 2024, requiring all foreign travelers, including children and infants, to obtain authorization before entering the country. The system was designed to enhance security, streamline passenger processing at entry points, and simplify travel procedures for visitors. However, it has faced criticism, with some labeling it as a “visa under another name.”
Speaking at the event, President Ruto emphasized the need to revise the system to align it with recent adjustments made for international arrivals at Kenya’s major airports. The goal, he said, is to establish a standardized, paperless, and seamless entry process for all travelers, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and delays.
“I want to confirm to you and other cruise ships that we will be revising our visa and eTA requirements to make it easier and more efficient for visitors. This will eliminate unnecessary paperwork and delays,” Ruto stated.
The revision is expected to enhance the efficiency of the clearance process for tourists at the port, allowing them to explore Kenya’s cities, parks, and other attractions more freely. Ruto noted that the port’s management has agreed to simplify the procedure, ensuring that tourists face minimal hurdles upon arrival.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir welcomed the move, stating that it would allow for a more seamless travel experience for visitors. He explained that under the revised system, shipping lines would provide passenger manifests to port authorities, who would then handle clearance in a single step. This would enable visitors to move freely across the country after one-time processing at the port.
Kenya’s decision to ease travel requirements aligns with a broader trend among African nations seeking to improve intra-continental mobility. Last month, the government announced plans to allow citizens of nearly all African countries to visit Kenya without requiring prior authorization, reflecting efforts to promote regional integration and tourism growth.
With these changes, Kenya aims to position itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for global travelers, boosting tourism and economic development.
