The Kenyan government announced that e-visa will be available from January 1, 2021. The reform aims to ease the processing and issuance of visas to foreigners entering the territory.

“We wish to inform you that 100% e-visa will be effected from January 1, 2021. Therefore all passengers from countries that require e-visa to enter Kenya shall be required to apply and obtain it before boarding an aircraft," deputy director of immigration services Alicent Odipo said in a statement.

This said, applicants will have to fill in an online form and if their demand is approved, they will receive an e-visa via e-mail. Upon arrival in the country, relevant authorities will then affix a standard visa to the traveler’s passport.

With this new approach, Kenya joins countries such as Ethiopia and Rwanda where e-visa issuance started in 2018. Ghana also plans to join the list by next year.

Romuald Ngueyap