(Nairobi) – Kenya’s decision to raise electronic travel authorization (eTA) fees has sparked concerns among tourism stakeholders, with some fearing that the move may harm the country’s appeal as a top travel destination in East Africa. The government has stated that it will monitor the impact of the new fees.
In a move that could significantly alter East Africa’s tourism landscape, Kenya recently revised the fees for its eTA system. The eTA, introduced earlier this year by President William Ruto’s administration, was initially designed to boost tourism numbers and bring visitors back to Kenya at pre-pandemic levels, which saw over 1.2 million tourists arriving. However, the recent fee increase has raised concerns that it could discourage international travelers, especially when compared to neighboring countries with more favorable visa conditions.
Previously, the East African Community (EAC) had introduced a shared tourism visa, costing $100, which allowed visitors to travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with the same document. While this arrangement aimed to simplify travel within the region, some countries, such as Tanzania, hesitated to adopt the visa, citing concerns that it prioritized Kenya over others.
Rwanda, on the other hand, has relaxed its visa rules altogether, waiving most visa requirements for travelers, as long as they have valid travel documents. This policy has made Rwanda an increasingly attractive destination for tourists seeking hassle-free travel.
Kenya’s eTA system, although introduced with security concerns in mind, was also seen as a way to increase tourist arrivals by offering an easier process for those seeking to visit. However, with visa fees in the region still relatively low, the higher charges introduced by Kenya may not have the desired effect of attracting more tourists.
This week, Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, announced a series of new eTA fees, which are expected to increase the cost of visiting the country. Under the revised system, inbound and outbound passengers will be required to pay an additional $4.95 insurance levy on their airline tickets. Student eTA applications will now cost $30, while travelers from the US applying for a five-year eTA will be charged $185. Additionally, the cost for a one-year multiple-entry eTA has been reduced to $300, down from the previous fee of $500.
The increase in fees comes at a time when Kenya is competing with neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda, where visa fees are lower. Rwanda, for instance, offers a free 30-day visa for citizens from the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie, while EAC citizens are granted a six-month visa upon arrival.
Uganda’s visa fees are also more affordable, with single-entry e-visas starting at $50, and the East African Tourist e-visa priced at $100. In contrast, Kenya’s higher eTA fees may make it a less attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Tanzania’s visa fees are closer to Kenya’s, with charges ranging from $30 for a transit visa to $250 for a business visa. Burundi’s visa fees are also relatively low, with single-entry visas priced at $70 for one month and multiple-entry visas costing $90.
Since January 2024, Kenya has required all visitors, including those who were previously visa-exempt, to register for an eTA before entering the country. However, citizens from EAC countries, as well as those from countries with bilateral agreements, are exempt from paying the eTA fee.
Despite these exemptions, Kenya’s new eTA rates could increase the complexity and cost of travel to the country. The government has acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders but has assured the public that it will monitor the impact of the new fees on tourism. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano stated that the government would assess the feedback from the sector and make adjustments if necessary.
In addition to the eTA fees, Kenya is also introducing a new requirement for travelers to declare the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their mobile devices starting in January 2025. This new measure has raised concerns about surveillance and privacy, with some critics arguing that it goes beyond taxation and infringes on citizens’ privacy.
Tourism industry stakeholders, including Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) chairman Victor Shitakha, have expressed disappointment over the rising fees, warning that they could make Kenya a less attractive destination. Hotelier Mohammed Hersi also criticized the new charges, particularly the travel insurance levy, pointing out that most tourists already have their own insurance before arriving in Kenya.
For many in the tourism sector, the government’s focus should be on initiatives that promote the industry rather than introducing additional costs that could deter potential visitors. As Hersi pointed out, tourists have many other destination options, and any increase in costs could drive them to other countries.
The introduction of the IMEI registration requirement has also sparked debate. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah expressed concerns about the potential for surveillance, stating that tracking mobile devices through IMEI numbers could compromise individuals’ privacy and safety. He emphasized that the issue was not about taxes but about controlling people’s movements and data.