Kenya to scrap visas for all travellers and introduce efficient digital system Kenya to scrap visas for all travellers and introduce efficient digital system

Ever wanted to witness the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, hike up the second-largest peak in Africa – Mount Kenya, or go snorkelling in marine parks such as Watamu and Mombasa? Then 2024 might be the right time to finally visit this East African gem.

President William Ruto has recently announced that from early 2024, international visitors will no longer require a visa to visit Kenya.

Instead, travellers will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which the Kenyan government are currently developing. This digital system is expected to be similar to those used by the USA and Canada, providing a more efficient and simpler way for travellers to enter the country.

The dropping of visa requirement is expected to come into force soon, but visitors are being warned that at present, they still need to apply for a visa, as no date has been formerly announced for this change.

Ruto has previously championed borderless Africa, allowing citizens from all nations across the continent to enter Kenya without needing a visa. It becomes the fourth country in Africa to introduce unrestricted travel for Africans, after Gambia, Benin and the Seychelles (and soon Rwanda).