Kenyans to be Issued with Visas Upon Arrival in South Africa

Kenyans are among citizens from selected African countries that are set to be issued with Visas upon arrival in South Africa as the country revises its immigration policy.

The review in Visa issuance is aimed at increasing intra-Africa travel and was announced by South Africa's Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom.

Kenya and SA have in the past been embroiled in a visa requirement stalemate that almost resulted into a diplomatic row. Kenya had at one point threatened to introduce a new travel rule making it mandatory for South African passport holders to first apply for a visa before traveling or transiting through the country after the latter refused to reciprocate.

However, speaking on the periphery of the Africa Travel Indaba Conference in Durban,
South African Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said the country was in the process of revising its visa regime.

The Minister said Kenya was among the countries that would benefit from the changes, with those traveling to South Africa being issued with Visas on landing.

Henkom said the move was purely informed on the prevailing relations between his country and specific African nations, especially the accruing trade benefits. 

“It is sad that to connect to some African countries one has to fly to Europe,” said Hanekom.