Kenya Waives Entry Fees for South Africans and Other Foreigners
Kenya has decided to eliminate entry fees for passport holders from South Africa and six other nations, a response to the widespread criticism surrounding the recently imposed $30 fee. This move is geared towards fostering tourism and attracting business travelers. Previously, all foreign passport holders were obligated to adhere to visa requirements. Still, the government’s initial decision faced backlash due to concerns about potential increases in travel costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
The new exemptions extend to passport holders from South Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Mozambique, and East African Community (EAC) regional bloc members. Notably, San Marino, Europe’s third-smallest nation, is the sole non-African country on the exemption list.
The decision, as outlined in a memorandum from Kenya’s interior ministry and immigration department, cites that the exempted countries have engaged in “visa abolition agreements or signed bilateral visa waiver agreements” with Kenya. Despite the waiver, travelers from these countries are still required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) document, valid for 90 days.
This strategic adjustment aims to alleviate financial burdens on incoming visitors and simplify the entry process. By fostering stronger ties through visa agreements, Kenya aims to enhance its appeal as a destination for both leisure and business, promoting a more seamless and welcoming experience for travelers from exempted nations.
