Kenya's ETA System: Progress or Burden for Travellers?

Recent changes to Kenya's travel policy, specifically the shift from traditional visa requirements to an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, have sparked a wave of discontent among travellers from 51 countries, including South Africa and Malawi, which previously enjoyed visa-free access to the country. President William Ruto introduced this new policy as a strategic move to bolster local tourism, aiming to attract over 5 million tourists.

The New ETA Procedure to Enter Kenya

The core of the new ETA system involves a compulsory procedure where all international travellers must submit their personal and travel details online at least 72 hours before their trip, along with a fee of Ksh4,653 (approximately $30). This shift, although seemingly progressive and welcoming to a global audience, has inadvertently imposed extra financial and administrative burdens on travellers from the 51 previously exempt countries.

One of the vocal critics, Jones Ntaukira, shared his frustrations on his social media account, highlighting the additional costs and paperwork now required for his travels from Malawi to Kenya. "Before, as a Malawian, I could spontaneously decide to fly to Kenya in the afternoon without any visa hassles. But with this new system, not only do I have to plan 72 hours ahead, but I also have to pay a $30 fee," Ntaukira explained.

So until 24 hours ago, as a Malawian, I could just wake up, buy a ticket and fly to Kenya in the afternoon, visa free. Now Kenya has “removed visa” for everyone visiting Kenya, but now everyone has to pay $30 travel authorization fee 72 hours before travel. What? Hectic

— Jones Ntaukira (@realjonzz) January 7, 2024

Similarly, airline executive Sean Mendis echoed these sentiments, pointing out the added inconvenience due to the need for submitting detailed travel plans, including confirmed flights and hotel bookings. Mendis also raised concerns about the inflexibility of the ETA, noting that it is non-transferable even if flight plans change, and any modifications incur additional costs.

Challenges and Criticisms of the ETA

Under the new system, each ETA is valid for a single entry, and travellers cannot apply for a new ETA until they have exited Kenya, limiting the frequency of visits to no more than once every 72 hours. Mendis criticised the system as a revenue-generating scheme rather than a genuine effort to ease border crossings. "The old Visa system was more favourable, especially for those who were previously eligible for Visa-free entry. Now, they are burdened with this 'not a visa' fee and frequent travellers face the hassle of reapplying for every visit," he lamented.

CNN correspondent Larry Madowo, known for his extensive global travels, also shared these observations. 

Government's Defense of the ETA System

The Kenyan Ministry of Interior, in a statement released on Sunday, defended the ETA system, arguing that it provides vital data that informs decisions on national security, infrastructure, and insurance needs. "The previous system lacked a mechanism to collect important details from travellers from the 51 countries, but with the ETA, we now have comprehensive visitor data, enhancing our capacity to safeguard both visitors and Kenyan citizens," the statement read.

As of the latest reports, the ETA system has processed 4,046 out of 9,787 applications received. Interior Principal Secretary Julius Bitok highlighted that the ETA reduces the wait time for application processing from 14 days, as was the case with traditional visas, to just 72 hours. Despite these purported benefits, the transition to the ETA system remains a contentious topic among travellers accustomed to the previous visa-free privileges.

FAQs

What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system introduced in Kenya?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is a new travel policy implemented by Kenya. It requires all international travellers to submit their personal and travel details online, along with a fee, at least 72 hours before their trip. This system replaces the traditional visa requirements and is a strategic effort by the Kenyan government to bolster local tourism and streamline entry procedures.

How does the ETA system affect travellers from countries that previously had visa-free access to Kenya?

Travellers from the 51 countries that enjoyed visa-free access to Kenya are now subject to the ETA requirements. This includes submitting detailed information online and paying a fee of Ksh4,653 (approximately $30). These new requirements have introduced additional financial and administrative burdens for these travellers, affecting the ease and spontaneity of travel to Kenya.

What are the main criticisms and challenges associated with the new ETA system?

The primary criticisms of the ETA system revolve around its perceived inconvenience and additional costs. Critics argue that it imposes extra financial and administrative burdens, particularly on travellers from countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access. Concerns have also been raised about the inflexibility of the system, as ETAs are non-transferable and require reapplication for each visit, limiting frequent travel. There's also a sentiment that the system is more of a revenue-generating tool than a facilitator of smoother border crossings.

How has the Kenyan government defended the implementation of the ETA system?

The Kenyan Ministry of Interior defends the ETA system by emphasising its benefits in enhancing national security and collecting comprehensive visitor data. This data is crucial in making informed decisions on infrastructure and insurance needs, thereby safeguarding both visitors and Kenyan citizens. The government also highlights the system's efficiency, reducing the application processing time from 14 days to just 72 hours.

What is the validity of each ETA, and how does it impact frequent travellers to Kenya?

Each ETA is valid for a single entry into Kenya, and travellers cannot apply for a new ETA until they have exited the country. This policy limits the frequency of visits, as one cannot reapply more often than once every 72 hours. This aspect of the system has been a point of contention, particularly for frequent travellers who find the process of reapplying for every visit cumbersome and restrictive.

Are there any benefits for travellers in the new ETA system?

Despite the criticisms, the ETA system offers several benefits. It streamlines the entry process into Kenya, ensuring faster processing times compared to traditional visas. The system also provides a more organised framework for managing traveller information, which is beneficial for national security and efficient tourism management. Additionally, the digital nature of the ETA system makes it more accessible and convenient for travellers to submit their applications from anywhere in the world.

How has the international community responded to Kenya's ETA system?

The international response to Kenya's ETA system has been mixed. While some appreciate the streamlined process and the security advantages it brings, others, especially frequent travellers and those from previously visa-exempt countries, express dissatisfaction due to the added costs and procedural requirements. The system has sparked debates on balancing tourism growth with traveller convenience.

Can travellers appeal or modify their ETA once submitted?

Once an ETA application is submitted, modifications are not straightforward. If there are changes in travel plans, such as flight rescheduling, the ETA does not automatically adjust, and travellers may need to reapply, incurring additional costs. This lack of flexibility has been a point of criticism among travellers.

What impact has the ETA system had on Kenya's tourism sector?

The ETA system's impact on Kenya's tourism sector is still evolving. While it aims to attract over 5 million tourists by streamlining entry procedures and enhancing security, the additional costs and procedural changes may deter some potential visitors, especially those accustomed to the previous visa-free privileges.

Is the ETA system likely to undergo revisions based on feedback?

As with any new policy, the Kenyan government may consider revising the ETA system in response to feedback and operational challenges. However, any potential revisions would likely aim to balance the system's objectives with the practical concerns of travellers, ensuring that the policy aligns with both national interests and international tourism standards.