Thursday 26 May 2016

KENYA: President Uhuru Waives Visa Fees For Children To Boost Tourism

President Uhuru Kenyatta has waived visa fees for children under 16 years, offering much needed boost to stimulate the tourism sector. The country charges sh10,200 ($100) for a multiple entry visa and sh5,100 ($50) for single entry tourist visa. This fees apply to all visitors, including children under 16.

Currently under the Directorate of Immigration and Registration of Persons, all children under 16 require a visa unless they are on the same passport as a parent.

Visa fees for children under 16 were be waived to encourage family packages,”

The President was speaking at the official opening of the English Point Marina, a luxury establishment that incorporates a hotel, restaurant, gym, a pontoon marina and apartments.

The move is very laudable in spurring our tourism sector that has suffered for the past three years due to rising insecurity in the country.

President Kenyatta also announced reduction of park fees from sh9,450 ($90) to sh6,300 ($60) in a move targeting both the local and foreign tourists.

Last week, players in the tourism industry called on the government to reduce park entry fees arguing that the prohibitive rates were a key reason wildlife enthusiasts were looking elsewhere.

The Kenya Association of Tour Operators Coast branch had suggested that park charges be reduced to at least sh4,000 to attract more tourists to the parks.

This will be seen through an amendment to the VAT Act to incorporate removal of value added tax on park fees to actualize the new changes.

Visa application is available on arrival and also online.

Mohammed Hersi, the CEO of Heritage Hotels lauded the move as offering the requisite incentives to stimulate the tourism sector. He added

As Tourism players in Mombasa and Kenya coast we are delighted that H.E The President has chosen to work from Mombasa . It’s a huge endorsement for Destination Mombasa. We want this to happen more often.

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