Important Updates
Important Updates
August 7, 2025 | MexicoMexico: Major Delays Affecting Immigration Application Processing
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status Designation with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants Clears Federal Review
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Certifies Nationwide Class and Issues Preliminary Injunction Barring Implementation of Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Reverts to More Restrictive Child Age-Out Calculation Policy
August 7, 2025 | IrelandHR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration
August 7, 2025 | MexicoMexico: Major Delays Affecting Immigration Application Processing
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status Designation with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants Clears Federal Review
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Certifies Nationwide Class and Issues Preliminary Injunction Barring Implementation of Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Reverts to More Restrictive Child Age-Out Calculation Policy
August 7, 2025 | IrelandHR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration
August 7, 2025 | MexicoMexico: Major Delays Affecting Immigration Application Processing
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Measures to Enhance the Effectiveness of Kenya’s Newly Launched eTA

February 7, 2024

Kenya

Countries / Territories

  • KenyaKenya
  • South AfricaSouth Africa

Related contacts

Willys Mac'Olale

Willys Mac'Olale

Director

Nairobi, Kenya

Email

[email protected]

T:+254 730 128 006

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Johannesburg][SeniorManager][TibaJohannes]

Johannes Kgotso Tiba

Director

Johannesburg, South Africa

Email

[email protected]

T:+27 (0) 11 684 9051

Related offices

  • Nairobi
  • Johannesburg

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Willys Mac'Olale

Willys Mac'Olale

Director

Nairobi, Kenya

Email

[email protected]

T:+254 730 128 006

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Johannesburg][SeniorManager][TibaJohannes]

Johannes Kgotso Tiba

Director

Johannesburg, South Africa

Email

[email protected]

T:+27 (0) 11 684 9051

Related offices

  • Nairobi
  • Johannesburg

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Willys Mac'Olale

Willys Mac'Olale

Director

Nairobi, Kenya

Email

[email protected]

T:+254 730 128 006

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Johannesburg][SeniorManager][TibaJohannes]

Johannes Kgotso Tiba

Director

Johannesburg, South Africa

Email

[email protected]

T:+27 (0) 11 684 9051

Related offices

  • Nairobi
  • Johannesburg

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Willys Mac'Olale, Johannes Kgotso Tiba

The government of Kenya recently announced a visa-free state for all foreign nationals seeking to enter the country, a decision aimed at increasing tourism by positioning Kenya as a preferred destination in the region. This announcement was largely welcomed by various stakeholders who praised the bold move by the government.

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

Benefits of using the eTA

Countries may find that there are inherent benefits to using the eTA related to matters of border management and security. Some include a streamlined border management process, enhanced security through pre-screening and simplified travel for eligible individuals.

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

Approaches for implementing the eTA around the world

In implementing the eTA as part of a broader border management strategy, many countries around the world have taken different but two tried-and-tested approaches.

The first approach is subject to only nationals of countries with which Kenya already has bilateral visa waiver agreements. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States follow this approach.

The second approach is to subject every traveller to the eTA as a replacement for a visa. Seychelles has championed this approach as a visa-free country in Africa, and Kenya followed in its footsteps. Although these countries claim to be ‘visa-free’, their eTA implementation is characterised by high fees, which have the potential to impede the mobility of people to the countries for tourism and business.

This point is illustrated below, as the following table provides a snapshot of various countries’ eTA validities and fees in comparison to Kenya.

Select 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

Recommended measures to enhance the effectiveness of Kenya’s newly launched eTA

Since the implementation of the eTA, Kenya’s government has taken a cautious and incremental approach to ensuring that it operates efficiently.

One of the measures was the removal of some questions from the standard questionnaire and speedy consideration of eTAs from countries that were initially visa-exempt.

While these measures are helpful, they are cosmetic and are not robust enough to contribute to the effectiveness of the eTA.

The following recommended measures are important to making the eTA effective and having a positive impact on tourism and business in Kenya:

  • Review the eTA fee. The current fee is quite high and does not consider the countries that initially had bilateral visa waiver agreements with Kenya. In effect, a visa has been imposed on those nationals by stealth in place of waiving it for the collection of data for pre-clearance purposes.
  • Reduce the eTA cost for applicants. The current cost for the eTA in Kenya is USD 30. In comparison to other countries with similar eTAs, it follows Seychelles in its exorbitance. 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 the eTA can contribute towards the increase of tourism to the country, its validity must be changed from the current 30 days to two or three. This validity period will be in line with the many countries around the world that implemented the eTA as a pre-clearance and security measure. Additionally, it would give applicants much-needed value for their money. 
  • 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. 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. eTA requirements should be effectively communicated to the public, and educational materials should be provided to help travelers understand the process. Additionally, the eTA system's performance should be regularly viewed, with areas for improvement identified and policies adapted as needed.
  • Flexibility. Flexibility in the eTA system should be considered to accommodate various travel purposes and adjust policies based on changing circumstances.
  • Legal framework. A solid legal framework should be established that defines the scope, limitations and enforcement mechanisms of the eTA policy.
  • Collaboration with airlines. Close collaboration with airlines is important to integrate the eTA process into ticketing systems, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Future eTA success in Kenya

Many feel that the eTA remains the best tool for enhancing the mobility of travellers to Kenya, and its potential for contributing to the country’s national security is unquestionable.

Additionally, its success hinges largely on, among other things, implementing the above measures by working with the eTA developer, partner government, public and stakeholders in the business and tourism sectors throughout its implementation process.

Need to know more?

For questions on Kenya’s newly launched eTA, please contact Directors Willys Mac’Olale at [email protected] and Johannes Tiba at [email protected].

This blog was published on 7 February 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Countries / Territories

  • KenyaKenya
  • South AfricaSouth Africa

Related contacts

Willys Mac'Olale

Willys Mac'Olale

Director

Nairobi, Kenya

Email

[email protected]

T:+254 730 128 006

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Johannesburg][SeniorManager][TibaJohannes]

Johannes Kgotso Tiba

Director

Johannesburg, South Africa

Email

[email protected]

T:+27 (0) 11 684 9051

Related offices

  • Nairobi
  • Johannesburg

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Willys Mac'Olale

Willys Mac'Olale

Director

Nairobi, Kenya

Email

[email protected]

T:+254 730 128 006

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Johannesburg][SeniorManager][TibaJohannes]

Johannes Kgotso Tiba

Director

Johannesburg, South Africa

Email

[email protected]

T:+27 (0) 11 684 9051

Related offices

  • Nairobi
  • Johannesburg

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Willys Mac'Olale

Willys Mac'Olale

Director

Nairobi, Kenya

Email

[email protected]

T:+254 730 128 006

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Johannesburg][SeniorManager][TibaJohannes]

Johannes Kgotso Tiba

Director

Johannesburg, South Africa

Email

[email protected]

T:+27 (0) 11 684 9051

Related offices

  • Nairobi
  • Johannesburg

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Coming in Fast: An On-the-Ground Perspective of Vietnam’s Dynamic Immigration Landscape

This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Learn more

Blog post

Chile: Preparing for Possible Revocation of US ESTA Eligibility

Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Learn more

Blog post

Hiring in Kuwait: What Employers Need to Know About Work Visas, Talent Mobility and Business Potential in 2025

Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Learn more

Podcast

Michali Henig on Transforming Global Mobility at HelloFresh

Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know

Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen Named 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards Finalists

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Learn more

Video

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Fast-Track Your Path to Canada PR

Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the Oil: Understanding Iraq’s Evolving Compliance Landscape

Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Nigerian Students Among Those Hit With 3-Month US Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: More Universities Put on ‘Action Plans’ as Home Office Gets Tough

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年7月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Blog post

Coming in Fast: An On-the-Ground Perspective of Vietnam’s Dynamic Immigration Landscape

This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Learn more

Blog post

Chile: Preparing for Possible Revocation of US ESTA Eligibility

Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Learn more

Blog post

Hiring in Kuwait: What Employers Need to Know About Work Visas, Talent Mobility and Business Potential in 2025

Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Learn more

Podcast

Michali Henig on Transforming Global Mobility at HelloFresh

Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know

Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen Named 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards Finalists

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Learn more

Video

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Fast-Track Your Path to Canada PR

Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the Oil: Understanding Iraq’s Evolving Compliance Landscape

Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Nigerian Students Among Those Hit With 3-Month US Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: More Universities Put on ‘Action Plans’ as Home Office Gets Tough

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年7月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.