Kenya’s recent implementation of a visa-free entry policy for all foreigners has sparked criticism and confusion, with concerns raised about the new process.
President William Ruto had introduced this policy to encourage visa-free travel within Africa.
However, clarification from Kenyan authorities revealed that while visa-free entry is granted, visitors must apply for electronic travel authorization (ETA), involving documentation submission and a $30 processing fee.
This requirement also applies to citizens of countries previously enjoying unrestricted access to Kenya.
As of Sunday, Kenya had received over 9,000 visa applications through the digital platform. Criticism has emerged from foreigners, highlighting increased confusion and higher travel costs.
“Dear Africans, Kenya is not telling the world the truth when it says that it is now visa free, it is not! It has in fact made travelling there more difficult for Africans who didn’t need a visa before,” prominent Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said on X.
“So until 24 hours ago, as a Malawian, I could just wake up, buy a ticket and fly to Kenya in the afternoon, visa free. Now Kenya has ‘removed visa’ for everyone visiting Kenya, but now everyone has to pay $30 travel authorization fee 72 hours before travel. What? Hectic,” Malawian entrepreneur Jones Ntaukira shared on X.
Amidst this backlash, concerns among Kenyans have surfaced regarding potential foreign boycotts and reciprocal restrictions imposed by other countries due to the newly enforced regulations.
Source-BBC
