Behind Kenya’s Visa-Free Policy: Sh720 Million a Year in Operating Costs

Nairobi, January 2026 — Kenya is spending approximately Sh720 million a year to operate and maintain its visa-free entry system, highlighting the financial cost of the country’s push to ease travel access and boost tourism and investment, according to data from the government.

The expenditure covers the operation of digital platforms, border management systems and inter-agency coordination required to screen travellers entering the country under the visa-free regime, which was introduced to replace the traditional visa application process.

Cost of Running the System

The funds are largely channelled towards maintaining the electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) platform, staffing immigration control points, security vetting, and system integration across government agencies. While travellers no longer pay visa fees upfront, the government continues to bear the operational costs of screening and processing arrivals.

Officials say the system is designed to strike a balance between open access and national security, ensuring that travellers are vetted before arrival despite the removal of visa requirements.

Policy Shift on Entry into Kenya

Kenya introduced visa-free entry for most foreign nationals as part of a broader strategy to position the country as a regional hub for tourism, business and conferences. Under the new framework, travellers apply online for authorisation prior to travel, rather than obtaining visas through embassies or on arrival.

The policy is overseen by the Directorate of Immigration Services in coordination with other security agencies.

Economic Rationale

Government officials argue that the annual Sh720 million cost should be viewed against the potential economic gains from increased tourist arrivals, higher spending by visitors, and improved ease of doing business. Tourism remains one of Kenya’s leading sources of foreign exchange and employment.

However, analysts note that the policy also shifts costs from travellers to the public purse, raising questions about long-term sustainability if visitor numbers do not grow sufficiently to offset the expenditure.

Digital Infrastructure and Oversight

The system operates through Kenya’s eCitizen portal, which integrates immigration, security and travel data. Authorities say continuous upgrades are necessary to prevent system downtime, cyber threats and processing delays, contributing to the recurring costs.

Broader Context

Kenya joins a growing number of countries experimenting with visa-free or simplified entry regimes as part of post-pandemic travel recovery strategies. The success of the policy, experts say, will ultimately depend on whether increased arrivals translate into measurable economic returns that justify the ongoing public expenditure.