Kenya’s new visa policy aims to increase cruise tourist arrivals

Imagine arriving at the stunning Port of Mombasa in Kenya on a luxury cruise, eager to explore the country’s breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and rich wildlife—only to be stuck in long queues or dealing with unnecessary paperwork. That’s exactly what Kenya’s government is working to change. In an interesting development, Kenyan President William Ruto unveiled new visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) policies designed to attract more cruise tourists to the country, particularly at the Port of Mombasa.
As per reports, President Ruto emphasised the importance of making entry into Kenya smoother for visitors. The government’s plan includes introducing a multiple-entry eTA, which will allow cruise passengers to explore Mombasa freely without needing repeated authorization each time they leave their ship. The government hopes these efforts will significantly boost cruise tourism, which has seen rapid growth in recent years.
If reports are to go by, as per the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya received 6,561 cruise tourists in the previous year, marking a significant growth (163.5%) in this segment. In the upcoming cruise season, eight more cruise ships are set to dock at Mombasa port, which is very likely to boost the numbers.
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It is also estimated that the introduction of a multiple-entry eTA, combined with increased investment in port infrastructure, will attract more cruise liners and position Kenya as one of the leading destinations for maritime tourism.
Kenya’s international tourist arrivals have also been on an upward trajectory. Just last year, the country welcomed 2.4 million visitors.
Reports also state that President Ruto has urged private sector stakeholders to expand tourism facilities and upgrade hospitality services in the country in order to cater to the increasing number of international visitors.
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The Kenyan government remains committed to enhancing tourism infrastructure, implementing policies to ease travel restrictions, and encouraging investments in hospitality. These steps are expected to solidify Kenya’s position as a premier destination for both land and maritime tourism.