Kenya’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation: What’s it about?

KENYA LAUNCHES NEW ENTRY SYSTEM

Kenya’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) was officially implemented last week, 5 January, but it has left the travel industry a little in dark over what it now means for entry to the country.

The East African nation only recently announced that they had removed all visa requirements for visitors, only to turn around and implement the new eTA system.

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WHAT DOES THE ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION ENTAIL?

According to Tourism Update, Richard Trillo, East Africa Manager at Expert Africa, says that the new eTA system is wrapped up in confusion.

“Every visitor (including children and infants) now needs their own eTA, whereas visas were previously only required for those aged 16 and over. Meanwhile, the official online visa site seems to be still open for business, for all those travellers who haven’t been following every twist and turn. And it doesn’t even mention the eTA, much less redirect people to the correct URL and explain that visas are no longer required.” Trillo said as per Tourism Update.

While CNN Journalist, Larry Madowa, added that:

“Kenya is now ‘visa-free’ for every human on earth. But you can’t just get on a flight. You have to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization, pay $30 and wait up to three days for approval. So, a visa?”

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REQUIREMENTS

Besides the $30 processing fee, the listed application requirements for all travellers are:

• Valid passport for at least six months after the planned date of arrival into Kenya with at least one blank page. 
• Selfie or passport-type photo.
• Contact information, email address and phone number.
• Details of arrival and departure itinerary. 
• Accommodation booking confirmation.
• Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment.

For more information about the eTA or to apply, check here.

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