South Africa, Kenya reach agreement on 10-year visas

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? South Africa and Kenya have implemented an agreement to provide 10-year, multiple-entry visas to business travelers from each other’s countries.

What does the change mean? The change will ease business travel for South African and Kenyan nationals. Previously, business visas issued to South African nationals traveling to Kenya (and vice versa) were capped at one year.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Who is affected: South African and Kenyan nationals traveling to each other’s countries for business.
• Impact on processing times: The extended visa validity could ease processing by eliminating a number of visa renewals.
• Business impact: Affected business people who travel regularly between South Africa and Kenya will save time and money because they will only have to apply for visas once every 10 years.

Background: Officials in South Africa and Kenya announced the visa change last month. Travelers should note that while visa validity will be longer, South Africa and Kenya are likely to continue imposing a 30-day cap on individual visits.

Analysis & Comments: The change will facilitate business travel and reduce the inconvenience of having to apply for a visa more frequently.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.