Kenya is preparing to introduce a multiple-entry Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for cruise ship passengers arriving at the Port of Mombasa.
This initiative aims to streamline entry processes and promote cruise tourism in the country.
President William Ruto revealed the plan during the arrival of the MS Norwegian Dawn, the largest cruise liner ever to dock at the port, carrying over 2,200 passengers and 900 crew members.
The new system will simplify entry procedures, reducing paperwork delays and enabling tourists to explore Kenya’s cities and national parks with ease during their visit.
This move is part of the country’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading cruise destination.
“We are revising our Visa and ETA processes to make entry smoother and quicker, eliminating unnecessary paperwork for visitors. In collaboration with the port authorities, we are ensuring that tourists on cruise ships can explore our cities and parks with greater convenience, especially during the ship’s stay,” President Ruto explained.
The MS Norwegian Dawn, which docked at Mombasa on Sunday, is the largest vessel to ever arrive at the port, carrying over 3,000 people.
“Today, 800 tourists have disembarked the Norwegian Dawn to visit various destinations, including Amboseli National Park and Mombasa’s nearby attractions. The ship arrived with 2,200 tourists and more than 900 crew members. We are partnering with Mombasa County and the Ministry of Tourism to expand our tourism offerings, moving beyond beach and safari tourism to include ecotourism and cultural tourism, which will help attract more visitors and create more job opportunities,” President Ruto added.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced that Kenya expects to receive eight cruise ships during the current season.
“Kenya is quickly becoming a preferred cruise ship destination. Cruise tourism is one of the top-performing sectors, and the Norwegian Dawn is the largest vessel we’ve hosted in the past decade,” CS Miano noted.
