After just one week since its introduction by Kenya’s immigration, revenue from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has already reached $1 million.
Over the past week, the new system has seen a surge in applications from international visitors, reaching 32,000, according to Kenya’s Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.
According to data from the Directorate of Immigration, 25,000 applicants have already received clearance, while 110 applications were rejected due to security reasons. The remaining applications are currently in various stages of processing.
Prof Bítok Projections suggest a potential increase in revenue as the number of applications is expected to grow.
“This past week has seen us generate $1 million, providing much-needed foreign exchange. The streamlined travel process has contributed to an increase in tourists visiting Kenya,” said Prof Bítok.
He stressed that the introduction of ETA aligns with a global trend driven by security concerns and the importance of obtaining passenger profiles in advance. Similar systems are already in place in many Western countries.
“Kenya is leading the way in Africa by implementing ETA, following the example of numerous European and American nations that have already adopted this travel procedure,” he said.
The PS highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance ETA, replacing the traditional visa requirement for entry into Kenya. The review aims to further reduce the turnaround time for application processing.
Notably, unnecessary details, such as personal bank statements, have been removed from the application process to simplify and streamline the form.
While citizens of 51 predominantly African countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya, other foreign travelers were required to apply for a $50 visa. However, members of the East African Community are currently granted free ETA until further notice.
Priced at $30 per application, the ETA intends to standardise charges while prioritising automatic approval for nationals from countries previously eligible for visa-free entry.
Evelyn Cheluget, the Director General of Immigration, highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing ETA efficiency based on customer feedback.
She noted that the system has been improved by reducing the number of questions in the form, aiming to alleviate stress for applicants.
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