NEWS: Kenya suspends ‘reciprocal’ visa requirements for South African visitors

Visa requirements for South Africans travelling to Kenya, which were to be implemented from next month, have been suspended for now and both governments are in negotiations about the matter.

This is according to Kenya’s High Commission in SA.



Kenya slapped strict visa requirements on visitors from SA in June, citing the “principle of reciprocity”.

But for now, South Africans visiting Kenya for up to 30 days do not require visas.

Though Kenyans have always needed visas prior to entering SA, the latter has implemented stricter immigration controls in recent months. This has not gone down well with the Kenyan authorities.

Should Kenya’s new rules still come into effect, South Africans would need to have a return air ticket and to pay a service charge of $70 each time they apply for a visa.

In addition, applicants would need letters of invitation, proof of funds available and to appear in person for biometrics during a visa application. This would have to be done at the Kenyan embassy in SA, changing the arrangement where South Africans visiting Kenya obtained visas at the point of entry.

The Kenyan High Commission said this week that visa requirements for South Africans, which had been due to come into effect on September 1, had been suspended “until further notice”.

A spokesperson said the suspension was in place while “the two governments are negotiating”.

The new regulations require foreign nationals applying for a South African residency permit to pay fees equal to the cost of deporting them to their home country. Those planning to visit SA must submit their documents and biometric details, among other things, in their country of origin.

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