Why It Will Be Harder For South African To Get A Kenyan Visa

(Last Updated On: June 22, 2014)

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For a number of years South Africans have been easily getting Kenya visas after arriving in Kenya. South Africans who are coming to Kenya for 30 days or less have been exempted from any kind of visa requirement while Kenyans wanting to travel to South Africa for a period of 6 days or more have to get a visa before leaving the country. They are also charged KSh4800 while South Africans are charged $50 (KSh4400) upon arrival.

The Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now changed the requirements for South African passport holders. They are now required to apply for visas before travelling to Kenya. Application will be done at the Kenya High Commission and it will take about 5 working days. The visa fee has been increased to KSh6150.

This is the statement from the office.

South African passport holders are now required to apply for a visa prior to travelling or transiting through Kenya.

The Kenyan High Commission says the new rule comes into effect on July 1, 2014. Previously South African passport holders were exempt from the visa requirement when travelling for 30 days or less.

A R750 visa fee will be required and visas will no longer be issued on arrival in Kenya.

All Visa Service Fees payments will be made at the Kenya High Commission or Embassy and that visa processing can be expected to take about 5 working days.

All applicants will be required to produce the following documents:

1. Return Air Ticket
2. Invitation letter from the host in the Republic of Kenya
3. Letter from employer/Institution/College/School
4. Proof of funds (bank statement)
5. Applicants must appear in Person for Biometrics
6. 2 Passport Photographs.

Holders of Official or Diplomatic Passports travelling on Government business will not be affected by these changes and will continue to get visitor’s Passes on arrival at the ports of entry.

Countries allowed to travel into Kenya without a visa include Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Samozo, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tobago, Tonga, Trinidad, Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay, Zambia and Zimbabwe.