According to a Cabinet statement, Kenya plans to reassess its unpopular visa-free policy after experiencing a drop in its visitor access index.
In January, the government introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which replaced traditional visas and involves a mandatory online application process that costs $30 and takes three days to be processed. Travellers have voiced concerns regarding the expenses and the delays associated with this system.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved a review in light of “various concerns.” Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced on Wednesday that the review is set for January 7 to enhance Kenya’s position on the Africa Visa Openness Index, compiled by the African Development Bank, where the nation dropped 17 spots this year to 46th out of 54 countries.
Last year, Kenya’s tourism sector generated approximately $2.7 billion, making it a significant contributor to the national economy.
There are concerns that the ETA might impede the country’s objective of attracting five million tourists annually by 2027, an increase from 2.1 million visitors in the previous year.
