Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya’s recent slide in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index has drawn attention to the challenges that foreign visitors now face when planning to travel to the East African country. A combination of new online visa requirements and processing delays has led to Kenya’s drop in ranking, moving down 17 places to 46th out of 54 African nations.
The Africa Visa Openness Index, compiled by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union Commission (AUC), evaluates countries based on their ease of access for international travelers. This index highlights the visa policies that either facilitate or hinder free movement across the continent. While many African countries have made strides in relaxing visa requirements, Kenya has taken a step back with the introduction of stricter guidelines that have made it less accessible for foreign visitors.
Earlier this year, Kenya rolled out its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, requiring all travelers to register for a visa online at least three days before their arrival. Though the cost of a visa has been reduced from $50 to $30, the mandatory pre-registration has presented difficulties for those used to a simpler, more spontaneous approach to travel.
Esther Mutwiri, an immigration consultant based in Kenya, pointed out that these new requirements have caused confusion and inconvenience for many visitors. “People are not used to such changes, and those who prefer less planning find this a challenge. My advice is always to apply early if you know you will be traveling soon,” she explained.
Before the introduction of the ETA, citizens from many African countries could simply arrive in Kenya, apply for a visa upon entry, and have their passport stamped on the spot. This convenient process allowed for flexibility and spur-of-the-moment travel. Now, with the online system in place, travelers must plan ahead, and delays or system failures further complicate the process.
There are reports of applicants spending hours trying to navigate the online platform, and in some cases, individuals physically visit immigration offices to follow up on their applications. This new level of bureaucracy contrasts with the ease that many have come to expect when visiting Kenya.
Diplomacy and international relations expert Professor Chacha Nyaigotti Chacha emphasized the importance of improving Kenya’s visa process. “The easier it is for people to obtain visas, the more likely they are to visit. And the more visitors you have, the greater the economic impact—local businesses thrive as tourists spend money on various services,” Chacha said. He further stressed that Kenya should prioritize a seamless visa application process to ensure that the country remains competitive in attracting international visitors.
Despite these challenges, Kenya’s tourism sector has seen a positive trend. According to the Kenya Tourism Board, over one million visitors arrived in the first half of this year, marking a 21% increase compared to 2023. This indicates that, despite the visa-related difficulties, Kenya’s attractions continue to draw people from around the world.
The situation reflects a broader trend in Africa, where many countries are taking steps to make travel easier. In contrast to Kenya’s challenges, countries like Benin, Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles have seen improvements in their visa openness rankings. While Sudan, Libya, and Eritrea remain at the bottom, these improvements highlight the growing trend of easier cross-border travel across the continent.
As Kenya navigates its new visa policies, experts like Mutwiri encourage travelers to adapt to the digital shift. “We should embrace change. If we all plan ahead and apply for our visas early, we’ll experience fewer challenges and enjoy a smoother travel experience,” she noted.
For Kenya, improving the efficiency of its visa application process could be key to maintaining its status as a leading tourism destination in Africa, helping to ensure that its growing tourist numbers continue to increase despite the new hurdles.
