Kenya to introduce e-visa from January 1, 2021
Kenya will begin issuing electronic visas from January 1, 2021. The objective of this reform is to simplify the processing and issuance of visas to foreigners entering Kenya. Countries in the sub-region, such as Ethiopia and Rwanda, have been issuing it since 2018.
“We would like to inform you that the 100% electronic visa will be issued from January 1, 2021. Therefore, all passengers from countries requiring a visa to enter Kenya, will need to apply for and obtain an electronic visa prior to boarding. This was the announcement made by Kenya’s Deputy Director of Immigration Services Alicent Odipo on Tuesday (November 3rd) in a statement seen by Xinhua.
Thus, any applicant will complete an online visa application form. Once done, and the application approved, he receives an e-visa by e-mail. Upon arrival in Kenya, the traveler presents their electronic visa to the relevant authorities, which then affix a standard visa to their passport.
According to Kenyan authorities, the online application system will significantly simplify the processing and issuance of visas for foreign nationals visiting Kenya.
Through this approach, Kenya joins countries in the sub-region such as Ethiopia and Rwanda, which have introduced the electronic visa since 2018. Elsewhere on the continent, Ghana is also planning to issue the E-visa from 2021. But for now, the West African country is still at the stage of finding a company that will partner with the Ghana Immigration Service (SIG) for its implementation. The related call for tenders was launched on October 19, and submissions are expected until December 4.
“We would like to inform you that the 100% electronic visa will be issued from January 1, 2021. Therefore, all passengers from countries requiring a visa to enter Kenya, will need to apply for and obtain an electronic visa prior to boarding. This was the announcement made by Kenya’s Deputy Director of Immigration Services Alicent Odipo on Tuesday (November 3rd) in a statement seen by Xinhua.
Thus, any applicant will complete an online visa application form. Once done, and the application approved, he receives an e-visa by e-mail. Upon arrival in Kenya, the traveler presents their electronic visa to the relevant authorities, which then affix a standard visa to their passport.
According to Kenyan authorities, the online application system will significantly simplify the processing and issuance of visas for foreign nationals visiting Kenya.
Through this approach, Kenya joins countries in the sub-region such as Ethiopia and Rwanda, which have introduced the electronic visa since 2018. Elsewhere on the continent, Ghana is also planning to issue the E-visa from 2021. But for now, the West African country is still at the stage of finding a company that will partner with the Ghana Immigration Service (SIG) for its implementation. The related call for tenders was launched on October 19, and submissions are expected until December 4.
Source: newsaero
