Kenya announced Tuesday the postponement of President William Ruto's directive to offer visa-free entries to the global community.

Travelers planning to visit will continue to be required to apply for visas through Kenyan embassies, maintaining the existing visa application process.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said foreigners must adhere to current visa application procedures.

Following the presidential directive that Kenya will be a visa-free country from January 2024, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is in the process of development and implementation, said KCAA. All travelers coming to Kenya from countries that require visas shall continue applying for visas in the usual manner until the government communicates the change program to the ETA system.

KCAA noted that the implementation date will be communicated at a later date.

Ruto announced Dec. 12 that Kenya would eliminate visa requirements for international visitors starting Jan. 1. (Anadolu Agency)