Kenya’s President William Ruto got praise for saying African visitors won’t need visas, but now, it’s causing trouble for some travelers.
Adio from Zimbabwe faced problems at a German airport going to Kenya. A week ago, people from 40 countries, including Zimbabwe, could go to Kenya without extra paperwork. But from January 1, 2024, a $30 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for 90 days became necessary for each visit.
Adio and others thought it would make travel easy, but the ETA makes it more complicated. It takes up to three days to process and needs flight details and hotel proof.
Kenyan lawyer Davis Nyagah says the ETA is like a visa with a different name. Everyone needs it, except East African Community (EAC) citizens, raising questions about why and if it’s about making money. Before, you could pay $50 for a visa valid for years, but now, everyone pays $30 for each visit to Kenya.
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