Recent data from the Department of Immigration in Kenya reveals a significant surge in the number of foreigners opting for the newly introduced Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in the past week, generating a noteworthy Sh1 million.
A total of 32,000 applications have flooded in, with 25,000 successfully processed, marking a pivotal shift in Kenya's travel procedures.
Immigration and Citizen Services PS Prof Julius Bitok disclosed, "We have been able to generate Sh1 million in the last one week. This is much-needed foreign exchange. The number of tourists coming has increased because we have made travelling to Kenya easy."
The introduction of ETA as a travel requirement aligns with global trends driven by security concerns and the imperative need to obtain vital passenger profiles in advance.
"Many countries in Europe and America have already introduced ETA, and in doing the same, Kenya is being a trailblazer in Africa as it has always been," Prof Bitok emphasized.
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The ETA, replacing the traditional visa entry requirement, is undergoing continuous review and refinement to streamline the application process and reduce turnaround times.
Notably, the need for personal bank statements as part of the ETA application has been eliminated, alongside other non-essential details, to enhance the application form's user-friendliness.
President William Ruto announced during his Jamhuri Day address last year that Kenya would abolish visas as an entry requirement starting this year to encourage more visitors.
Previously, all foreign travellers, excluding nationals of 51 mainly African countries, were required to apply and pay $50 for a visa.
However, citizens of the East African Community member states are now granted free ETA until further notice.
Evelyn Cheluget, the Director General of Immigration, emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing ETA efficiency by leveraging customer experiences.
"We have improved the system. We have been listening to feedback from our clients and we’ve gone ahead to reduce the number of questions in the form that were causing stress," Cheluget said.
Cheluget added that the system has been tailored to prioritize applications based on their travel dates, ensuring a smoother process for all applicants.
As Kenya embraces the ETA system, it not only strengthens its security measures but also positions itself as a pioneering force in Africa, showcasing its commitment to welcoming international visitors with open arms.
The Sh1 million revenue generated within a week underscores the positive economic impact of this transition, as Kenya looks forward to sustained growth in tourism applications.
