Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What are the differences between the previous VISA requirements and the new ETA requirements?

What are the differences between the previous VISA requirements and the new ETA requirements?

Here are the key differences between the previous VISA requirements and the new ETA requirements:

  • Nationals of countries that do not require a visa to enter Kenya now need to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to Kenya.
  • Carriers of passengers traveling to Kenya are now required to submit the passenger's API and PNR (Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record) to the Immigration Department at least 24 hours prior to arrival, failing which they will be subject to an administrative penalty of US$10,000
  • EAC ( East African Community) nationals who previously did not require a visa to enter Kenya are now exempt from the ETA for only 6 months. It is unclear whether this exemption will be extended beyond the 6 months.
  • Unlike the visa regime, which allows for multiple entry options, the ETA only allows for single entry.

The Kenya ETA ensures that the government has prior information on all persons visiting Kenya. Previously, nationals of countries that do not require visas to enter Kenya were not required to fill in any form or provide any information just to enter the country. In this case, the Government will be able to collect comprehensive data on all travelers, thereby improving national security and other strategic interests.

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