Kenya scraps ETA requirement for South African and Southern Africa travelers

The Kenyan government has officially removed the requirement for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for nationals of South Africa and other Southern African countries. At the beginning of the year, authorities had announced an exemption for the majority of African countries (as reported in our previous article). This decision has since evolved to further strengthen free movement across the continent and boost tourism. Until now, South African and Southern African travelers were required to complete the ETA form—though they were exempt from consular fees. Now, they no longer need to complete this process at all.

Which travelers are covered by the ETA exemption?

Citizens of South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, and Botswana are now added to the list of nationalities exempt from the electronic travel authorisation. These travelers are exempt from the ETA and from consular fees, with the permissible length of stay varying by country.

Nationals of the following countries may travel to Kenya without requiring an electronic travel authorisation—or paying consular fees. The authorised duration of stay depends on each country.

African and Caribbean countries exempt from ETA / site https://etakenya.go.ke/

Key points of the new regulations

• ETA removal: Citizens of South Africa and most African countries, as well as many Caribbean nations, no longer need to complete lengthy forms or pay visa or ETA fees to enter Kenya.

• Specific exclusions: This exemption does not apply to Libya or Somalia due to security concerns highlighted by the authorities.

• Duration of stay: Travelers under the exemption may stay in Kenya for durations of 60, 90, or 180 days, depending on their nationality.

• Purpose of the reform: These measures align with Kenya’s commitment to open skies policies, support the tourism sector, and facilitate intra-African mobility.

Contextual background

• The ETA system was first introduced in January 2024, replacing traditional visas.

• The latest reform aims to streamline travel while enhancing Kenya’s appeal as a global destination and regional hub.

Additional clarifications

• Countries covered: In addition to South Africa, this applies to a number of Southern African states and other African regions, except those with confirmed security concerns.

• Ancillary measures: The Kenyan government is also rolling out a digital pre-screening system for passengers to boost security while maintaining ease of access.

By exempting several nationalities from the ETA process, Kenya is making travel between African regions simpler and more straightforward. The country is positioning itself as a leader in migration policy reforms, supporting economic development and regional cooperation.