IN a groundbreaking move, Kenya has set a historic precedent by becoming the first nation to adopt a visa-free entry scheme for foreign tourists. The East African country has eliminated visa requirements for travellers of all nationalities in a bid to stimulate a notable surge in international tourism.
Immigration Principal Secretary, Julius Bitok, expressed optimism, stating that Kenya anticipates doubling tourist arrivals by the year’s end. ‘We have ensured that traveling to Kenya will be an easy and pleasant experience. With this policy shift, we aim to increase tourist numbers from the current 2 million to over 5 million annually,’ he affirmed.
Kenya has introduced a cutting-edge Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, replacing traditional visas with a user-friendly online application process. The streamlined process incurs a nominal $30 processing fee, providing a hassle-free entry experience for global travellers, allowing a 90-day stay.
This strategic initiative is designed to bolster the tourism sector and enhance international relations. It comes as part of broader efforts to revitalise Kenya’s tourism industry, which has faced challenges due to global travel restrictions in recent years.
In 2023, Kenya generated $1.8bn in tourism revenue, according to government reports. With the new visa-free entry scheme, the nation aspires to reach an annual tourism revenue of $9.5bn once fully operational.
President William Ruto, on December 12, declared Kenya’s decision to abolish visa requirements for international visitors, with the policy becoming effective on January 1. This move is expected to attract a diverse range of visitors eager to explore Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The tourism sector is a vital contributor to Kenya’s economy, playing a significant role in both employment and foreign exchange earnings.