Kenyan businessmen and students travelling to South Africa will from December 1 this year be able to receive multiple entry visas valid for up to 10 years.
This followed talks between Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, in Pretoria on Monday.
Immigration PS Gordon Kihalangwa and Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa Amb. Jean Kamau were also present.
Students studying in South Africa will be issued with study visas based on the duration of studies subject to renewal on need basis.
The deal also grants eligibility to frequent travellers for 3-year multiple entry visas.
A multiple entry visa means Kenyans travelling to South Africa will be able to enter the country as many times as they wish in the next 10 years from December 1.
Previously, South Africa had restricted Kenyans to single-entry visas which permitted one entry within a specified period of time.
“Government officials travelling on official business to South Africa will be granted three months free visa with immediate effect,” a statement from the Interior Ministry said.
It said the agreement reflects the doctrine of reciprocity after Kenya set up a more responsive and straightforward online application process for short-term visas for visitors from all African countries.
Discussions with South Africa on visa restrictions have been ongoing and have seen both Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Cyril Ramaphosa discuss the issue extensively.
