Kenya enhances ETA system to improve travel experience for global visitors

One year after the introduction of Kenya’s groundbreaking visa-free policy, the government has convened an inter-ministerial review meeting to assess and refine the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.

This meeting, held to evaluate the policy’s impact and generate consensus on improvements, aims to streamline the entry process and ensure greater convenience for travellers coming to Kenya for business, tourism, and social purposes.

The review, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, brings together key Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries to focus on administrative and procedural adjustments.

These include Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior and National Administration), Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), Davies Chirchir (Roads and Transport), Dr. Alfred Mutua (Labour and Social Protection) and various Principal Secretaries such as Prof. Julius Bitok (Immigration and Citizen Services), John Ololtuua (Tourism), Sylvia Museiya (Wildlife), Mohamed Daghar (Transport), and Dr. Idris Salim Dokota (Cabinet Affairs).

Senior officials such as Evelyn Cheluget (Director General, Immigration and Citizen Services), Amb. Isaac Ochieng (Director General, eCitizen), and Dr. Erastus Kanga (Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service) were also in attendance.

“Ensuring continuous improvement of the ETA system is central to maintaining a secure, efficient, and user-friendly travel experience for all visitors,” said Kindiki in his address.

“The aim is to create a balance between facilitating smooth entry into Kenya and safeguarding national security.”

Launched in January 2024, Kenya’s visa-free policy allows travellers from around the world to visit the country without the need for a visa. However, to maintain homeland security, the policy mandates that all visitors obtain advance travel authorisation through the ETA system.

This measure reflects the government’s commitment to welcoming visitors while upholding security protocols.

The government’s ongoing efforts to refine the ETA system aim to ensure that it meets the demands of both travellers and security officials, promoting Kenya as a prime destination for business and tourism while protecting the country’s interests.