NAIROBI – Kenya has announced the exemption of passport holders from South Africa and six other countries from paying an entry fee introduced last month.
This decision comes in the wake of a significant backlash against the unpopular fee, which critics argued could deter tourists and business travellers.
Last month, Kenya abolished visa requirements for all foreign passport holders, aiming to position the country as a premier tourist destination and attract business visitors.
However, a US$30 entry fee was imposed, drawing widespread criticism, especially from countries with which Nairobi had visa-waiver agreements.
The exemption, now extended to passport holders from South Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Mozambique, and San Marino, comes as a relief to many travelers.
These countries have either entered into visa abolition agreements or signed bilateral visa waiver agreements with Nairobi, according to a memorandum from Kenya’s interior ministry and immigration department.
Despite the exemption, travelers from these countries will still be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) document before entering Kenya.
This document mandates the submission of information such as flight details and proof of accommodation and is valid for single entry for a period of 90 days.
The decision to exempt passport holders from these seven countries from the entry fee is expected to facilitate smoother travel arrangements and foster stronger diplomatic ties within the African region and beyond.
It underscores Kenya’s commitment to promoting tourism and facilitating ease of travel while maintaining necessary security measures.
