The African country of Kenya is currently making headlines with positive news. Kenyan President William Ruto recently announced in a speech on the 60th Independence Day that the existing visa requirement for foreign citizens will be abolished from January 1, 2024. This measure is intended to strengthen tourism and international trade.
It is expected that the country will become even more popular for international travel as a result. Currently, a visa is required for entry into Kenya, which must be applied online in advance for US$51 (~€48). This regulation will no longer be implemented from January 2024.
Instead, it is now mentioned that only a mandatory entry permit will be required. Currently, it is not precisely known whether fees will be charged for this (similar to the ESTA registration for the USA) or if this permit will be issued free of charge. If there are costs associated with the application, they are likely to be significantly lower than the fees for the previously required visa.
Rising fees for national parks
In return, Kenya has announced significantly increased fees for entry to national parks in the new year. For instance, access to the Masai Mara National Reserve in the low season will cost $100 for adults. Between July and the end of December, the fee will be $200.
Visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park will pay $100, and during the low season, $80. This is practically a doubling of fees. It is more affordable for children and students.
Conclusion
Following the announcement of higher entrance fees for national parks, the planned elimination of visa requirements is at least positive news to continue boosting tourism in the country. Not all details regarding the new entry permit have been clarified yet. Overall, it remains to be seen whether the elimination of visa requirements, coupled with higher fees for national parks, will lead to an increase in visitors.
Sources: kbc.co.ke, tip-online.at and reisevor9.de
Cover Picture: mariola grobelska on unsplash
Comments (3)
A friend of mine went with his family 2 months back. Drove from Mombasa to Nairobi. Take precautions because they were stopped by Kenyan official police on route and were robbed non-violently. They were asked to stand aside whilst they thoroughly inspected bags and took what they wanted then let them go on their way.
sorry forgot the last part when they put in the complaint they got told that in future its best to hide monies in different part of the vehicle. never been to Kenya and would not stop me from going but its something to keep in mind.
Police Stops on highways, in Kenya, are only authorised to inspect vehicle faults from outside the vehicle, its rare any people in small cars have to leave the car,
Maybe all on Public Minibuses on highways have to leave and queue up to show ID and open hand luggage only for mostly eye inspection, its rare for any manual handling,
Anyone on Intercity Coaches stay onboard, if theres any inspection, and only during sea ferry crossing Mba-Diani are Coaches required to empty during crossing, for safety of vehicle & passengers.