Kenya’s ranking in terms of openness to visitors from other African countries has significantly declined, despite the introduction of a “visa-free policy” earlier this year. The country dropped 17 places to 46th out of 54 nations in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI).
Last year, President William Ruto received praise for announcing that Kenya would eliminate visa requirements for all travelers from Africa. However, the new policy requires most travelers to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure, which critics have described as “a visa under another name.” This system assesses whether applicants are eligible to travel to Kenya and can take up to three days for processing. Citizens from the East African Community (EAC) are exempt from this requirement.
The AVOI, backed by the African Union and managed by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), evaluates countries based on their visa policies. It noted that Kenya’s requirement for ETAs lowered its score. AfDB director Joy Kategekwa highlighted that the need for visas among Africans to enter other African nations contradicts the continent’s goals for regional integration. She also pointed out that ETAs resemble features of a visa, adding complexity rather than easing travel.
In October, President Ruto announced that Kenya would begin its “visa-free” policy in January, emphasizing the country’s historical significance as “the cradle of mankind.” However, this latest ranking has not surprised many Kenyans. Mohamed Hersi, a hotelier and former chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation, previously expressed concerns that the ETA was not equivalent to being visa-free and could complicate travel for potential visitors.
Gina Din, a Kenyan entrepreneur, echoed these sentiments, stating that the ETA adds bureaucratic hurdles and makes travel more difficult. To obtain an ETA, travelers must submit flight details and proof of hotel bookings. Except for EAC citizens, all travelers must pay a $30 fee for a 90-day authorization. Previously, travelers could obtain a multiple-entry visa for $50 that was valid for several years.
Before the ETA system was introduced, visitors from over 40 countries could enter Kenya without additional fees or requirements. The new system was partly introduced due to security concerns; a government spokesperson stated that it is necessary to vet travelers in light of global threats like terrorism.
Despite these challenges, Kenya has not seen a decline in tourist numbers. The country welcomed over a million international visitors in the first half of 2024, marking a 21% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Kenya Tourism Board. The AVOI ranks Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles as the most open countries regarding visa policies, while Sudan ranks last.
Overall, while some countries have made progress toward greater openness, the continent’s overall score has slightly declined according to the report.
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