Kenya’s ranking on the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) has fallen by 17 places, now sitting at 46th out of 54 nations. This drop comes despite the country’s introduction of a “visa-free policy” earlier this year.
While President William Ruto’s announcement last year that Kenya would eliminate visa requirements for all African visitors was celebrated, the new system has led to criticism. Instead of a complete visa exemption, most travelers now need to apply online for pre-travel authorisation, known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which some have criticized as “a visa under another name.”
The ETA process, which can take up to three days to complete, determines the eligibility of travelers from other African nations to visit Kenya. Citizens from East African Community (EAC) countries are exempt from this requirement.
The AVOI, supported by the African Union and the African Development Bank Group, measures how accessible African nations are based on visa policies. According to the report, Kenya’s use of ETAs prior to travel has contributed to a lower ranking, as the system adds complexity and does not facilitate the intended ease of movement across the continent.
Critics argue that the ETA creates additional bureaucracy and makes travel more difficult rather than easier. “The ETA isn’t progress—it’s still a visa,” said Kenyan entrepreneur Gina Din, calling for a re-evaluation of the policy.
Previously, many travelers from African nations could enter Kenya with a simple passport stamp. However, under the new system, all non-EAC travelers must pay a $30 fee for a 90-day ETA. This contrasts with the former system, where visitors could pay $50 for a multiple-entry visa valid for several years.
Despite the criticisms, Kenya’s tourism sector has seen growth. The country welcomed over a million international visitors in the first half of 2024, a 21% increase from the previous year.
The AVOI also highlighted countries like Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles for their high visa openness, while Sudan, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, and Eritrea ranked the lowest. Overall, the continent’s score on the index has seen a slight decline, signaling continued challenges to regional integration.
