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In a significant update, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya has announced that Ethiopian travelers will no longer be required to pay the $30 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee when visiting Kenya.
Last year, President William Ruto of Kenya announced visa-free entry for citizens of African nations, aiming to enhance intra-African travel. However, it was later clarified that visitors still needed to obtain an ETA by fulfilling documentation requirements and paying the processing fee online.
This obligation extended to countries such as Ethiopia, where citizens previously enjoyed visa-free access to Kenya. However, due to Ethiopia’s ban on international payments, its citizens had to resort to unofficial channels to settle visa fees abroad.
Recognizing Ethiopia’s unique predicament, Ambassador Bacha Debele confirmed that the Kenyan government has exempted Ethiopian nationals from the ETA payment obligation. In a social media post, the former army general expressed gratitude to Kenya for its “swift response and considerate decision” regarding the matter.
This waiver comes as a relief to numerous Ethiopians who faced difficulties traveling to Kenya due to the payment impediment.
