Kenya makes travel harder with strict new visa rules

In 2024, Kenya implemented new visa requirements that mandate foreigners to register online three days before traveling to the country. This change has made Kenya among the most difficult countries to visit in Africa, as indicated by the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index, where the nation dropped 17 places to rank 46 out of 54 African countries. The index, compiled by the African Development Bank and the African Union Commission, assesses countries based on visa openness, which significantly impacts the ease of travel. Immigration consultant Esther Mutwiri highlights that many travelers accustomed to visiting with little advance notice may find this new requirement challenging, suggesting that they should apply for visas earlier to mitigate potential issues. Before the new policies, citizens from many African nations could easily travel to Kenya, obtaining visas upon arrival. The electronic travel authorization program recently launched has complicated the situation further by requiring travelers to plan ahead. Delays in the registration system, including instances where users have had to wait hours to complete the process, can result in additional frustrations for visitors. As Chacha, a tourism expert, remarked, a streamlined visa application process is essential for welcoming guests and supporting business opportunities within the country. Despite these challenges, the Kenya Tourism Board reported that in the first half of the year, Kenya welcomed over 1 million visitors, reflecting a 21% increase from the previous year. This indicates that while the new requirements have impacted accessibility, there remains a strong interest in traveling to Kenya. Notably, 39 African countries improved their scores on the visa index, highlighting a trend towards enhancing travel accessibility across the continent. Countries like Benin, Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles have been recognized for their favorable travel policies, contrasting sharply with Kenya's recent struggles in visa openness. The necessity for travelers to adapt to these new requirements is emphasized by Esther Mutwiri, who advises potential visitors to apply for their visas well in advance. This proactive approach can help mitigate the challenges posed by the online system and improve their overall travel experience. Ultimately, the changes in Kenya's visa policies not only affect travelers but also influence the nation's tourism industry and its economic prospects.