Kenya has overhauled its visa policy, allowing nationals from nearly every African country to enter without a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) starting in 2026. This move is part of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, which replaces the traditional visa system with a more streamlined eTA framework.
Visa-Free Access Across Africa
The new regulations grant:
- East African Community (EAC) members—Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda—up to 180 days visa-free stay.
- Second group of African countries including Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and others may stay up to 90 days without prior authorisation.
- Third group of 26 African nations such as Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Senegal can visit visa-free for up to 60 days.
Only Libya and Somalia remain excluded from visa-free entry and must obtain an eTA before travel.
Non-African Countries with Visa-Free Access
Kenya has also extended visa-free stays of up to 90 days to 26 countries outside Africa, including Barbados, Malaysia, Singapore, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
Additional Travel Requirements
- Transit passengers staying within airport transit areas are exempt from eTA requirements.
- Crew members and holders of Kenya permanent residence permits, valid work permits, re-entry passes, or diplomatic and official passports from prescribed countries also enjoy exemptions.
- All other foreign nationals, including citizens from the US, UK, and most European countries, must apply online for an eTA valid for 90 days before arrival.
- Travelers must have passports valid for at least six months from arrival date.
The official eTA application portal is etakenya.go.ke. Authorities recommend applying at least two weeks before travel.
