NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – The first batch of visa-free visitors have arrived in Kenya after the state amended a section of the law to allow them to come into the country without having to show visas.
Immigration and Citizens Services Permanent Secretary Julius Bitok said that the foreigners arrived in Kenya using Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Their arrivals come after Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki introduced some amendments to the Citizen and Immigration Regulation, 2023, to support the implementation of a visa-free regime.
In a special Gazette notice, the word ‘Visa’ was replaced with an ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will be established to facilitate pre-screening of all travelers intending to enter the country.
“Subject to regulation 16 B (3), any carrier or agent in command who contravenes regulation 16 C shall be liable to pay an administrative penalty of Ten Thousand United States Dollars,” it added.
During the 60th Jamhuri Day Celebration in December last month, President William Ruto, announced that the country will adopt a free-visa regime for all international visitors starting January 1, 2024.
“It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Kenya will be a visa-free country,” Ruto said earlier.
