04 September 2008

US relaxes Kenyan travel warning

The United States Government has revised its travel warning against Kenya since the African country’s post-election crisis calmed down, reports the Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation.

U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger confirmed the downgrading of the travel warning, saying that since March the US has not warned against travel to Kenya. 

American authorities are now collaborating with the Kenya Civil Aviation and Airport authorities to improve safety and security at local airports and over its skies, by establishing a Safe Skies for Africa Program.

"Indeed under Safe Skies, we have on staff at the US Embassy, a Senior US Transportation Security Administration Advisor who is working hand in glove with his Kenyan counterparts to help Kenya attain Category One Status," he said.

The Ambassador also commended the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) for honouring those that fell in the Kenyan tragedy in 1998 by including the Memorial Park in its circuit of Nairobi's city tour.

The American Government is also donating $6 million to support environment programs, so that tourism, wildlife and the environment (which are all vital ingredients to the Kenyan tourist economy) can be conserved and sustained. 

"I am determined to redouble these efforts after having been inspired by witnessing the Great Migration during my visit to the Masai Mara two weeks ago," added the envoy.

Kenya has a relatively relaxed immigration system for people who wish to visit the country.  Some international visitors to Kenya are not required to apply for a Kenyan visa to visit the country for up to three months.  These include nationals from African, Caribbean and a few European and Asian states. 

Nationals from the European Union and the USA need to apply for a temporary Kenyan visa to visit the country.  Although temporary visas can be bought at the ports of entry to Kenya, it is recommended to apply before you travel to the country to avoid the risk of being denied a visa, as some applications can be rejected at customs.

---

The Worldwide Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in Kenya visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, Worldwide Visa Bureau.