Measures To Enhance The Effectiveness Of The Newly Launched Kenya eTA

By Willys Mac’Olale – Immigration Director at Fragomen Kenya Limited

The government of Kenya recently announced a visa free state for all global citizens. This is aimed at increasing tourism numbers by positioning Kenya as a preferred destination in the region. The move was largely welcome by various actors and stakeholder who praised the bold move by the government. 

The visa free regime took effect on January 1, 2024, but with it came the introduction of the Electronic Traveller Authorization (eTA). The eTA requires that all travellers to Kenya apply for the authorization at least three days prior to their flights into the country. Those who need it urgently can opt for a premium service option to get it earlier.

There are inherent benefits to using eTA as a country on matters of border management and security. Some of the benefits of eTA include streamlined border management process, enhanced security through pre-screening, and simplified travel for eligible individuals. 

Additionally, eTA promotes efficiency, reduces paperwork, and contributes to a more seamless travel experience. 

In implementing eTA as part of border management strategy, many countries around the world have taken different but two tried-and-tested approaches. Firstly, they focused on countries that are visa exempt to them to be part of countries eligible to use their eTA and simply charged nominal fee for the maintenance of the system. Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and even New Zealand take this approach.  

Other countries focus on subjecting every traveller to eTA as a replacement of a visa. Seychelles has championed this approach as a visa-free country in Africa. Kenya followed its footstep on 01 January 2024. Although these countries’ claim to be ‘visa free’, their eTA implementation has been characterised by high fees – which have a potential to impede mobility of people to the countries for tourism and business. 

Since the implementation of the eTA, the government has taken a cautious and an incremental approach in ensuring that it operates efficiently. One of the measures was the removal of some questions from the standard questionnaire and speedy consideration of eTA’s from countries that were initially visa exempt. Good as these measures may be, they are cosmetic in nature and are not robust enough to contribute to the launched eTA’s effectiveness. The following measures are noteworthy to make the eTA effective and to have a positive impact on tourism and business in Kenya:

• Review the eTA fee. The current fee is high and does not consider the countries who initially have bilateral visa waiver agreement with the country. In effect, visa has been imposed on those nationals by stealth in lieu of waiving it for the collection of data for pre-clearance purposes. 
• Reduce the eTA cost for applicants. The current costs for eTA in Kenya is USD30. In comparison with other countries having similar eTA’s from around the world, it follows Seychelles in its exorbitance. The best approach is a nominal fee in a principle of cost recovery. Indeed, premium service can be used to improve or pay for the enhancement of the system. A sliding fee can be worked out in that regard.
• Increase the Validity of the eTA. To ensure that eTA can contribute towards the increase of tourism to the country, its validity must be reviewed from the current 30 days to even 2 years or 3 years. In that way, it will be in line with the many countries around the world which implemented eTA as a pre-clearance and a security measure. Additionally, it would give applicants much-needed value for money. The table below provides a snapshot of the countries with eTA in comparison to Kenya.

Table 1: Selected Countries’ eTA Fees

COUNTRY	eTA VALIDITY	FEE IN USD
Australia	One year (or life of the passport – whichever is shorter), and stay up to three months for each visit	13
Canada	Passport validity	5.19
Kenya	30 days as of the arrival date unless extended.	30
Seychelles	30 days as of the arrival date unless extended.	55
New Zealand	2 Years	10.37
United Kingdom	2 Years	12.67

• Security Measures. The government must ensure robust authentication and screening processes to enhance national security and prevent unauthorized entry.
• User-Friendly Interface. The portal must be an intuitive online system for easy application and payment, fostering a positive experience for travellers. Besides, the applicable fees must not be seen as prohibitive as to bar potential tourists.
• Privacy Protection. Measures must be implemented to safeguard applicant data, complying with privacy regulations to build trust in the system.
• Communication and Education. Clearly communicate ETA requirements to the public, providing educational materials to help travellers understand the process. Additionally, regularly assess the ETA system’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and adapt policies as needed.
• Flexibility. Consider flexibility in the ETA system to accommodate various travel purposes and adjust policies based on changing circumstances.
• Legal Framework. Establish a solid legal framework defining the scope, limitations, and enforcement mechanisms of the ETA policy.
• Collaboration with Airlines. Work closely with airlines to integrate the ETA process into ticketing systems, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

It is our view that eTA remains the best tool for enhancing mobility of travellers to Kenya and its potential for contributing to the country ‘security is unquestionable. Additionally, its success hinge largely – on among others, in implementing the above measures by working with the eTA developer, partner government, public and stakeholders in business and tourism sectors throughout its implementation process.