Kenya is preparing to introduce a multiple-entry electronic travel authorization (eTA).
The Kenyan President William Ruto announced that the government would be reviewing visa and eTA requirements for passengers arriving at the port of Mombasa, in a bid to stimulate growth in cruise tourism.
Mr. Ruto explained that the new multiple-entry eTA (as opposed to the current single-entry system) will enable cruise tourists visiting Mombasa to move freely between their cruise ships and the city, without needing a permit each time they disembark.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya welcomed 6,561 cruise tourists last year, representing a 163.5 % growth in the cruise tourism sector.
The impact of multiple-entry eTA
The Secretary of the Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet, Rebecca Mianosaid that the introduction of the multiple-entry eTA, together with increased investment in port infrastructure, should attract more cruise ships to the port of Mombasa, boosting the cruise tourism industry.
Increase in international tourist arrivals
The Ministry of Tourism also revealed that the number of international tourist arrivals in Kenya rose by 15 1TP13Q to 2.4 million2.09 million in 2023. In addition, inbound tourism revenues increased by 19.8 % to Sh452.20 billion (approx. US$3.49 billion), compared with US$2.92 billion in 2023.
President Ruto called on the private sector to develop hospitality infrastructure to cater for the growing number of tourists and improve the overall tourism experience in Kenya. He stressed the importance of smooth entry procedures for tourists, particularly those arriving by cruise ship, and encouraged the private sector to take advantage of the growing tourism industry.
The announcement was made on the occasion of the arrival of the Norwegian Dawna luxury cruise ship, docked on Sunday morning with 2,200 passengers and over 1,000 crew.
Target 2027?
Kenya has set itself an ambitious target: welcome 5 million tourists a year by 2027This represents a significant increase on the 2.4 million recorded in 2024. The president pointed out that tourism revenues had climbed to around 450 billion Kenyan shillings by 2024.
A further eight cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the Mombasa cruise terminal before the end of the season, further strengthening Kenya's position as a key player in the global cruise tourism market.
Fill in a file from ETA Kenya
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español