Free (ETA) Electronic Travel Authorization for Ethiopians

Ethiopians visiting Kenya will now be provided with free Electronic Travel Authorization.

On December 12, 2023, Kenya eliminated the need for a visa for any international traveler; nonetheless, an entrance fee of Sh4,500 was imposed by issuing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

The action was taken to draw business travelers and promote Kenya as a travel destination.

Ruto and visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed discussed and reiterated their commitment to deepening their bilateral relations in trade and investment, tourism, and transportation in a joint statement released on Wednesday.

A portion of the joint statement said, “The leaders also noted the need to undertake measures for the enhancement of people-to-people interaction and the facilitation of increased trade between Kenya and Ethiopia.”

Kenya affirmed that Ethiopian nationals will receive free Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) as a result, honoring long-standing historical agreements.

The Latin word gratis means “favor” or “free” in this particular situation.

Ethiopia is currently exempt from ETA fee payments, joining South Africa, Eritrea, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Mozambique, and other members of the East African Community (EAC) regional bloc.

Read More; Government Boosts Coffee Farmers with Favorable Policies Amidst US Dollar Rally

After entering Kenya, the ETA document is valid for ninety days.

While arguing that visa requirements should be eliminated, particularly for travel between African nations, President Ruto stated that such regulations are ineffective.

The African Union has long been considering ways to facilitate visa-free travel, but its progress toward complete unrestricted travel throughout the continent has been sluggish.

But recently, a lot of nations have entered into bilateral accords, moving closer to this milestone.

Kenyans are granted visa-free entry into both South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The governments of South Africa and Ghana also came to a visa waiver deal in October of last year, enabling citizens of both nations to travel without a visa.

The host nation stands to gain economically from the abolition of the visa requirement. Some of them are Increasing trade and tourism and directing more foreign direct investment.

This is the outcome of increased traveler, trader, and business traveler freedom between nations. Traveling without a visa also eliminates the financial burden and administrative difficulties related to applying for a visa in advance of departure.