Kenya launches e-Visa platform

The government of Kenya has launched an online visa application platform to boost its flagging tourism industry following deadly attacks by the Somali Islamist group Al-Shabab.

The platform known as e-Visa which came into effect recently, serves 132 countries and can be accessed on the website www.ecitizen.co.ke.

Kenya’s tourism industry suffered a 25 per cent fall in the number of visitors in the last two years following the deadly attacks in which over 100 Keyan citizens have been killed.

The number of tourists dropped to 1.5 million last year, after it rose to 1.8 million in 2011. First quarter 2014 figures indicate a four per cent drop year-on-year. But some media reports say, the numbers are worse than is being reported by the government.

The government through the e-Visa platform believes it would be able to ease visa applications to encourage travelling to the country.

Application fees will be paid via acceptable debit cards. “The traditional requirements however remain unaltered, including size and resolution of passport photos to be uploaded as well as any supporting document such as letter of invitation,” government information says, “It should take at least two working days to get your e-Visa,” it adds.

According to the government, it will continue to offer manual visa applications up to September 1, 2015.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi