Kenya is an African country that offers top-notch tours and picturesque views. The coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures have made it difficult for tourists to visit the country. Luckily, the epidemiologic situation is beginning to change in a positive direction. Kenya has opened its borders for tourists. Scroll down the post to know how to get a visa and how to protect yourself in the country.
Restrictions for Foreigners
Every traveler must show a negative PCR test, taken no more than 4 days before the arrival. Tourists with a vaccination certificate don’t have to be quarantined for 14 days upon their arrival. In other cases, people may be asked to stay in their accommodations for protection measures. Be ready for temperature checks at the airports. A person without a mask is not allowed in public places and transport.
Who Needs a Visa in Kenya?
Citizens of 44 countries don’t need travel permission if they come for no more than 90 days. See if you need one on the official website. Besides, children under 16 can arrive visa-free and they must be accompanied by grownups. If you’re in transit and stay onboard the ship or in an airport transit area, you don’t need to apply either. Other countries and travel categories must obtain a visa to have the right to cross Kenyan borders. Luckily, it’s a fast process thanks to the electronic eVisa system.
How to Apply Online?
Sign up for an account on the Kenyan electronic visa system. Have your passport at hand, as you’ll need to enter your personal data. Click on the required visa type and start the application process. Follow the instructions and fill in all the necessary fields. During the procedure, you’ll be asked to attach some documents. Such as:
- A passport copy
- A bank statement
- Printed tickets
- A letter of invitation
- A digital photo
Depending on your visa type, other documents may be required.
Once you’re through, a visa fee has to be paid and the amount depends on the processing country. For example, it’s $51 for the U.S. Read more on how to get a Kenyan visa for the U.S. citizens. As a rule, the processing times are no longer than 48 hours. You’ll get notifications as the application progresses through the system. If it’s approved, you’ll get the electronic document via email. Print it out before the trip.
Kenya Visa Photo Specifications
Your photo must be 100% compatible with the official visa photo requirements. The system won’t accept an image if its sizes, background, or other features differ from the approved standards. Therefore it’s best to rely on an online visa photo editor to change the picture to fit the standard. The service will make the image exactly 207×207 pixels, adjust the background and get rid of any flaws that could become the reason for rejection.
Protection Measures in Kenya
Follow international safety recommendations and wear masks wherever you go. Wash your hands regularly, as well as use a sanitizer with a high alcohol concentration (no less than 60%). Avoid touching your face and measure your temperature to monitor your health.
However, the coronavirus is not the only threat:
- Be careful with meat. Eat only well-cooked dishes.
- Don’t eat fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled.
- Don’t drink tap water. Boil it or buy bottled water.
- Make routine vaccinations against common diseases: malaria, measles, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, etc.
- Avoid public demonstrations which can happen during elections and lead to civil unrest. You risk getting caught in the middle, robbed, or imprisoned.
- Don’t show off valuables, keep them hidden. Withdraw enough cash for 1 day only. Keep the rest on your card.
- Don’t walk alone at night. Order a taxi in such cases.
Getting to Kenya isn’t all that hard. Submit an electronic visa application and make sure that documents and photos meet the official requirements. Follow the safety rules when flying to and traveling through the country in order to avoid having unwanted emergencies spoil your vacation.