08/09/2015
UPDATE ON THE KENYA E - VISA ISSUANCE
We have been monitoring the E- VISA application process since 1st September and most of our clients have been able to acquire it by themselves without any issues. Some have had a few hitches but have still arrived at JKIA and MIA and received the same from the immigration's staff at the E VISA kiosks.
The Kenya Association of Tour Operators and the Immigration department have been monitoring the same and have an update as below:
E-VISA APPLICATION NOW ONLINE
The much awaited cut-off for the manual Visa Applications was effected on 1st September 2015 and as per previous notifications, Kenya Visa applications are now only available online as the Manual application has been stopped.
All visitors from countries that require a Visa to enter Kenya should now apply for the Visa online from the E-Visa portal -
http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
Applicants are required to follow the three stages indicated on the E-Visa website, namely:
* Register in order to activate their account.
* Fill the application form (includes providing a photo and passport copy) and pay online using a debit or credit card.
* Download and print the E-Visa (PDF form) for presentation at the Port of entry.
KEY POINTS TO NOTE: -
* The 90-Day Visa Validity commences from the date of E-Visa approval AND NOT of one’s arrival into Kenya. Visitors are therefore urged not to apply too early.
* There are some web browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer) that for one reason or another are experiencing problems with the E-Visa portal. We recommend that clients use Google Chrome which has been found to be quite effective.
* The E-Visa Portal is mobile enabled and one can complete the application from a mobile phone – including taking and uploading a picture from the phone.
* The inclusion of additional languages is still pending but Google Chrome has the ability to translate the entire website into a language of your choice. We are however following up with Immigration about the language issue.
* It should take between 12 - 24 hours to receive the E-Visa approval.
The official timeline given is however about 48 hours.
* The required photo can be uploaded from a mobile phone – no special equipment (scanners) is necessarily required.
* Tourists can upload their tour itinerary and not necessarily an “invitation letter”.
* Tour Operators can register as Agents and applying for their clients from time to time using the same Company email address. The E-Visa approval will come to you but in the client’s name for you to forward to them.
* The Single Entry Visa to Kenya allows for FREE RE-ENTRY TO KENYA as long as one is travelling within the EAC countries.
* The EAC Tourist Visa allowing travel to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda is not available online. This can only be applied for and issued on arrival at the Airport.
* For a limited duration of Two months, Immigration will have E-Visa Terminals whereby visitors arriving without E-Visas can apply for them at JKIA. Clients are however encouraged to apply for the E-Visa to avoid unnecessary delays at the Airport.
* At this point in time Airlines should NOT deny boarding to a traveller on account of lack of the E- Visa - unless such persons are from nationalities required to have the Visa before coming to Kenya.
There is a KATO/KTF team that is keeping in close contact with Immigration authorities and this team is able to help address any unresolved issues that may arise.
Members are requested to immediately forward any concerns regarding client’s inability to apply for the E-Visa.
Apply for a Single entry visa, Transit visa or Courtesy visa to Kenya and pay securely using your VISA card or Mastercard.
