Kenya is set to introduce a multiple-entry Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for cruise ship passengers arriving at the Port of Mombasa, an initiative aimed at streamlining entry procedures and enhancing the country’s appeal as a cruise destination. The announcement coincided with the arrival of NCL's Norwegian Dawn, the largest cruise vessel to dock at the port, carrying 3,000+ passengers and crew.
President William Ruto outlined the government's plans, emphasizing that the new system would eliminate paperwork delays and allow cruise tourists to explore Kenya’s cities and national parks more efficiently. He indicated that agreements had been reached with port authorities to simplify entry procedures, ensuring that visitors could move freely within the country for the duration of the ship’s stay.
The Norwegian Dawn arrived in Mombasa on Sunday morning, with ~800 tourists disembarking to visit destinations such as Amboseli National Park, as well as sites in Mombasa and its surrounding areas. The vessel carried 2,200 passengers and 900+ crew members, making it the largest cruise ship to call at Mombasa in the past decade. President Ruto further noted that the government was working in collaboration with Mombasa County and the Ministry of Tourism to diversify the country's tourism offerings beyond traditional beach and safari experiences. He highlighted efforts to expand into ecotourism and cultural tourism, with the goal of attracting more visitors and generating employment opportunities.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano confirmed that Kenya is set to receive eight cruise ships during the current season, positioning the country as an increasingly popular cruise destination. She noted that cruise tourism had been among the fastest-growing subsectors, with Kenya receiving 6,561 cruise tourists in the previous year, marking a 163.5% increase.
The introduction of the multiple-entry ETA, alongside increased investment in port infrastructure, is expected to further boost the cruise sector by facilitating smoother access for passengers. The system will allow tourists to move freely between the cruise ship and the city of Mombasa without requiring repeated authorizations each time they disembark.