The Kenyan government is set to update the East African Community (EAC) region on travel procedures after a six-month grace period. During this period, Kenya has exempted six partner states, including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, from applying and paying for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to allow time for system establishment.
The Director of Communications for the Interior Affairs ministry, Mr. Nixon Ng’ang’a, stated that EAC nationals would be issued the eTA for free during this grace period. The exemption aims to streamline regional interests and ensure compliance with international travel protocols. Mr. Ng’ang’a mentioned that some EAC documents used for travel within the region are not International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant, and the six months would be utilized to align these documents.
The eTA system replaces the visa system in Kenya, requiring travelers to apply online at least three days before their travel. The application incurs a fee of $30 (approximately Shs114,000) per visitor. The implementation of the eTA system started on January 1, applying to all foreigners except those exempted from EAC member states.
Notably, travellers from EAC member states currently only need to present valid national identity cards or passports at Kenyan ports of entry. The exemption for EAC member states is set to last for six months, and the Kenyan government will provide an update in June regarding the future requirements for travel to the country.