Kenya’s President William Ruto made headlines when he announced that his country would be implementing a visa-free policy for African visitors. However, many travelers have encountered unexpected challenges and expenses due to the new requirements. This article explores the impact of Kenya’s visa-free policy and highlights the need for caution and improvements in the implementation process.
The visa-free policy was initially met with enthusiasm and seen as a step towards promoting frictionless movement and trade within Africa. However, individuals like Adio, a Zimbabwean citizen, found themselves facing difficulties when traveling to Kenya. Previously, citizens of Zimbabwe and several other countries could enter Kenya without paying or obtaining prior authorization. With the introduction of the visa-free policy, travelers now need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for single entry, which costs $30 and takes up to three days to process.
The ETA requirement has caused inconvenience and additional expenses for travelers like Adio, who expected a seamless travel experience. Furthermore, the ETA is essentially akin to a visa, leading to the question of whether it truly reflects a visa-free policy. Kenyan immigration lawyer Davis Nyagah argues that the ETA serves as a “visa under another name.” The introduction of the ETA for all non-East African Community (EAC) citizens has also raised speculation about motivations such as revenue generation and equalizing entry requirements.
While ETAs are not uncommon globally, as countries like the US, Canada, and Australia already use them, the approach taken by Kenya differs from that of other African nations. For instance, Rwanda eliminated visa requirements for African visitors in 2018, resulting in a 14% increase in African tourists. Unlike Kenya, Rwanda does not impose prior authorization or associated costs. However, proponents of the new system argue that the ETA is essential for vetting travelers given the ongoing global threat of terrorism and Kenya’s previous experiences with jihadist attacks.
Despite the security rationale behind the ETA, concerns have arisen regarding its potential impact on tourism and the Kenyan economy. Economists and public policy experts argue that ease of travel plays a crucial role in attracting tourists and fostering business activities. Kenya, as an emerging market and a tourist destination renowned for its wildlife and natural beauty, must carefully consider the short to medium-term consequences of its visa-free policy. Anthony Mveyange, an economist based in Kenya, believes that the increased demands imposed on many African travelers might negatively affect the country’s economy.
The Kenyan government acknowledges the initial “teething problems” brought about by the ETA requirement but assures that improvements will be made with time. They argue that the system has already processed over 60,000 applications and can handle approximately 5,000 requests per day. Additionally, the government plans to review the new requirements for countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry, such as Zimbabwe.
While efforts have been made across Africa to ease visa requirements and promote freedom of movement, considerable challenges still persist. The Africa Visa Openness Index reveals that only a little more than a quarter of journeys between African countries can be undertaken without visas, and several countries retain strict visa requirements. However, positive steps have been taken, with bilateral visa-waiver deals established between countries such as Ghana and South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The question of whether Africa should adopt a single passport is also raised in light of the difficulties faced by African citizens in visiting other African countries. Adio, who resides in Europe’s Schengen Area, notes the stark contrast in the travel experience between Africa and Europe. He emphasizes the need for improvement in facilitating seamless travel within Africa.
In conclusion, Kenya’s visa-free policy has encountered unforeseen complexities and expenses for travelers. While the introduction of an ETA aims to enhance security, concerns regarding its impact on tourism and the economy have been raised. The Kenyan government acknowledges the need for improvements and plans to review the policy for countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry. Furthermore, the challenges faced by African citizens in traveling within Africa highlight the necessity of continued efforts to promote freedom of movement and ease visa requirements. Africa’s journey towards seamless travel and a potential single passport system is still ongoing, emphasizing the need for collective action and collaboration across the continent.
