Kenya’s Cabinet has approved new measures to simplify travel for African nationals by exempting most countries on the continent from the requirement to obtain electronic travel authorisation (eTA). This decision, made during the Cabinet’s first meeting of 2025, is intended to promote regional integration and tourism growth – aligning with efforts to support open skies policies.

According to a Cabinet statement, the exemptions will apply to all African nations except Somalia and Libya, which are excluded due to ongoing security concerns. Under the new regulations, citizens from exempted African countries can stay in Kenya without an eTA for up to two months. East African Community nationals will continue to enjoy the existing six-month stay under the region’s free movement protocols.

“The meeting also approved recommendations to enhance the eTA system to boost efficiency and improve the traveller experience,” the Cabinet said. Measures include expedited eTA processing enabling approvals within 72 hours or instantly depending on operational capacity.

Additionally, Kenya plans to introduce an advanced passenger information/name record system to improve pre-screening, bolster security and streamline passenger processing at entry points. The Cabinet described this as an essential step in ensuring safety and efficiency.

Despite these updates, there has been no immediate indication of when the changes will take effect.

The updated policy reflects a broader push by African nations, supported by the African Union, to facilitate intercontinental travel and foster economic and cultural ties. Other countries, such as Ghana and Rwanda, have recently introduced similar initiatives to allow visa-free entry for African passport holders.