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 Kenyaportal |
Kenya has abolished visa requirements for all foreign visitors from 1 January 2024, and instead implemented an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system.
Most visitors must obtain an eTA prior to travel unless they are citizens of eTA-exempted countries. [1]
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 Kenya international border crossing points |
From 1 January 2024, citizens of all countries except those listed below must apply for an eTA in advance. Here are some details about eTA application: [2] [3]
Citizens of the following countries do not need an eTA before entering Kenya:
ID - May enter with a national ID card. [4]
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from the eTA fee (however, an eTA application is required): [5]
From the end of March 2024, citizens of Ghana are scheduled to be exempt from eTA fee. [6]
Kenya has signed visa exemption agreements with the following countries, but they have not yet entered into force:
| Country | Passports | Agreement signed on |
|---|---|---|
 Angola [7] | All | 21 October 2023 |
 Indonesia [8] | Ordinary | 21 August 2023 |
On February 2014, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda issued an East African Tourist Visa. [9] The visa fee 100 USD and has no restrictions on nationality. It is a non-extendable multiple-entry 90-day visa that has to be first used to enter the country that issued it. [10]
The San Marino-United Kingdom visa exemption agreement of 1949 was extended for Kenya and San Marino in 1963 and still applies. [11]
The agreement is of symbolic value for Kenyan citizens but does have an effect on San Marino passport holders.
On 30 October 2023, President William Ruto of Kenya declared the forthcoming elimination of visa requirements for all African visitors by the end of the year. [12]
An updated statement was issued during Kenya's 60th Independence Day celebrations on 12 December 2023, wherein the president declared that the decree would be expanded to encompass all countries globally, commencing in January 2024. [13]
Prior to the removal of visa requirements for all countries and the introduction of the eTA program, nationals of the following countries could visit Kenya without a visa for stays of up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted):
1 - 30 days
In addition, the following groups were also exempt from visas:
Following the introduction of the ETA program, the aforementioned former visa-exempt nationals (excluding ETA-exempt EAC countries) that were previously able to enter Kenya without paying are now required to pay and obtain an ETA prior to arrival in Kenya, which has led to accusations of the Kenyan ETA inconveniencing travellers. [15] In response, the Kenyan government's spokesperson admitted that the ETA had "teething issues", but assured that the issues would "smoothen with time", and promised a review following the ETA program's initial roll-out. [15]
The visa policy of Australia deals with the requirements that a foreign national wishing to enter Australia must meet to obtain a visa, which is a permit to travel, to enter and remain in the country. A visa may also entitle the visa holder to other privileges, such as a right to work, study, etc. and may be subject to conditions.
The visa policy of Canada requires that any foreign citizen wishing to enter Canada must obtain a temporary resident visa from one of the Canadian diplomatic missions unless they hold a passport issued by one of the 53 eligible visa-exempt countries and territories or proof of permanent residence in Canada or the United States.
The visa policy of South Africa is how the South African government determines who may and may not enter South Africa. Visitors to South Africa must obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries, in which case they get a "Port of Entry Visa". Visitors who require a visa must apply in person and provide biometric data.
The visa policy of the United Kingdom is the policy by which His Majesty's Government determines visa requirements for visitors to the United Kingdom, and the Crown dependencies of Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man and those seeking to work, study or reside there.
A foreign national wishing to enter Morocco must obtain a visa unless they are a citizen of one of the countries eligible for visa exemption.
The visa policy of Malaysia consists of the requirements for foreign nationals to travel to, enter, and remain in Malaysia. Most visitors to Malaysia are granted visa-free entry for a period of 90, 30, or 14 days respectively.
The visa policy of the United Arab Emirates allows citizens of certain countries to enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa. Citizens of certain other countries must obtain a visa from one of the UAE diplomatic missions. Alternatively, they may obtain an online visa through Smart Service or airlines.
Visitors to the Dominican Republic must obtain a visa from one of the Dominican Republic diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries.
All visitors to Sri Lanka must obtain a visa, either on arrival to Sri Lanka or in advance. Most visitors entering for tourism purposes are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in order to receive a visa on arrival, unless they are exempt from obtaining one. However, nationals of some countries must obtain a visa in advance instead of an ETA before being allowed to enter Sri Lanka. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
Most visitors to Iran must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to their arrival in Iran, unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries or countries that are ineligible for an e-Visa, in which case they must obtain a visa in advance from one of the Iranian diplomatic missions around the world.
The Republic of Rwanda, a member of the East African Community, allows citizens of all countries that are not visa-exempt to obtain a visa on arrival. In addition, they may also obtain an e-Visa online before departure.
Visitors to Chile must obtain a visa from one of the Chilean diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Visitors to Angola must obtain either a visa in advance from one of the Angolan diplomatic missions or a pre-visa online, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Visitors to Uganda must obtain an e-Visa or from one of the Ugandan diplomatic missions, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Most visitors to Mozambique can obtain a visa for Mozambique, either on arrival or from one of the Mozambican diplomatic missions around the world in advance, unless they are a national of one of the visa-exempt countries.
Visa requirements for Sammarinese citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of San Marino. As of July 2023, San Marino citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 173 countries and territories, ranking the San Marino passport 19th in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index. Currently the San Marino passport is one of the four European "ordinary" passports to provide visa-free access to the People's Republic of China.
Visitors to El Salvador must obtain a visa from one of the Salvadoran diplomatic missions, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
Visitors to Ghana must obtain a visa from one of the Ghanaian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the countries or territories that are either visa exempt or whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival.
The British Overseas Territories maintain their own entry requirements different from the visa policy of the United Kingdom. As a general rule, British citizens do not have automatic right of abode in these territories.
An electronic visa (E-Visa) and an electronic travel authorization are digital travel permits commonly required in conjunction with a valid passport for entry into specific jurisdictions. These electronic travel documents have gained prominence in the modern era of digital connectivity and streamlined travel processes.
