Era of free South African visas ends with service outsourcing
Tourists take a tour around Robben Island, which gained notoriety as a high security prison during the apartheid years. Its most famous prisoner was the late Nelson Mandela. Photo/FILE
What you need to know:
From next Monday, Kenyans will have to apply for the visas at the newly opened Visa Application Centre in Parklands, and pay a service fee of Sh5,850 to VFS Global, the international agency contracted
Work and study permits — whose fees vary — will still be processed at the South African High Commission office on Lenana Road, Nairobi
The move by the South African government is in line with other diplomatic missions in the country, including the UK, Italy, Spain and Canada, who use visa application centres to process documents
In Kenya, VFS Global has set up visa processing centres for the UK, Canadian and Australian high commissions, as well as the Embassies of Sweden, Italy and Spain among others
Kenyans will now pay for a South African visa after the country’s Department of Home Affairs opted to outsource the service to an international agency.
From next Monday, Kenyans will have to apply for the visas at the newly opened Visa Application Centre in Parklands, and pay a service fee of Sh5,850 to VFS Global, the international agency contracted.
“As from December 16, 2013 applicants will be required to apply for their South African visas at the new Visa Application Centre,” said a communication from the high commission to trade partners.
“Please note that Kenyan nationals are exempted from Visa fees for a stay of less than 30 days. The VFS service fees will, however, apply.”
Those intending to stay in South Africa for more than a month will pay Sh4,800.
The visa requirements have not changed and the agent will take five days to process the entry pass.
Work and study permits — whose fees vary — will still be processed at the South African High Commission office on Lenana Road, Nairobi.
VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology service specialist for diplomatic missions and governments.
Established in 2001, its headquarters are in London and it has 45 government clients operating in more than 100 countries.
The move by the South African government is in line with other diplomatic missions in the country, including the UK, Italy, Spain and Canada, who use visa application centres to process documents.
In Kenya, VFS Global has set up visa processing centres for the UK, Canadian and Australian high commissions, as well as the Embassies of Sweden, Italy and Spain among others.
These centres are located at different points in the city and are equipped to collect the necessary documents, including biometrics.
Once the documents are submitted they are forwarded to the relevant high commission.
The paper work is then forwarded to a diplomatic mission for visa processing.
South Africa is a popular destination for Kenyans on holiday or travelling for business and medical reasons.
The South Africa Tourism is investing in Kenya to attract more tourists, a move that could be derailed with the introduction of the new fees.
In a report by the department for the year ended March 2013, South Africa is looking to open marketing offices in Kenya in the next two years.
Holiday
Other markets include Nigeria and Angola. The southern Africa country has partnered with trade partners in Kenya to help market locally with attractive holiday packages.
Recent data from the Department of Tourism in South Africa shows a growth in the number of Kenyans visiting the country.
In the seven months to July, 19,252 Kenyans had visited South Africa, an 11.2 per cent increase compared to 17,319 Kenyans during the same period last year.
