The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has said that foreigners visiting Kenya must apply for visas as they have previously done, despite President William Ruto's announcement.
In a statement on Tuesday, KCAA said this will be the case until changes announced by the government on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system are communicated.
"All travellers coming to Kenya from countries that require visas shall continue applying for visas in the usual manner until the government communicates the change program to ETA system," the Authority said.
It noted that the ETA system is still in the development process and once complete travellers will be informed.
"Following the presidential directive that Kenya will be a visa-free country from January 2024, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is in the process of development and implementation. The digital platform will ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance," KCAA said.
The directive comes a few weeks after President William Ruto said that by the beginning of 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country.
Ruto said that Kenya is the home of humanity, a scientific fact that fills us with pride and underscores our rich heritage.
For this reason, he said it shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya.
"It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya," he said.
"Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country."
Ruto further said to implement the new policy, they have developed a new digital platform.
The digital platform will ensure all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform.
"All travellers will obtain electronic travel authorisation," Ruto said.
