Kenya receives first visa-free arrivals at JKIA

First batch of visa-free travelers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Kenya has today received the first batch of Visa-free arrivals through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said they have received over 5,000 ETA applications and approved at least 2,100 of those.

According to the PS, visitors are required to apply for the ETA via the e-Citizen platform, at a cost of Sh4,600.  Applications will take up at least 72 hours to be approved.

Travellers are encouraged to apply for the ETA at least three days before their travel for eligibility.

“Arrivals will fill in their data which takes less than ten minutes. They will then get approval within 72 hours,” said Bitok.

Further, proper security systems have been put in place to ensure that no visitors pose security threats.

Some of the passengers who arrived during the reception of the first batch of visa-free travelers at JKIA. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

How to apply

To make an ETA application, one is required to pay Sh4,600 and apply through the e-Citizen platform.

Visitors will then be required to produce a valid passport, a passport-size photo, contact information, an email address and phone number, details of arrival and departure itinerary, accommodation booking confirmation, and a credit or debit card or other means of payment.

Some visitors will also be required to provide financial assets and return flight ticket details based on their citizenship and country of residence.

Further, based on citizenship and travel history, visitors will also need to provide their yellow fever certificates and other vaccination (s) or test results certificates.

If a visitor is making a business visit they will be required to show an invitation letter from the company and a copy or registration of the company.

Those making family visits will need invitation letters from their hosts and an identity card/Passport of the host.

Additionally, those making diplomatic visits will be required to present a Diplomatic passport will be and an official letter from their origin country.

Citizens from the East African Community (EAC) are exempted from the ETA.