China Abolishes Visa Appointments for Kenyans; Here’s Why

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya has announced that it will be abolishing all Visa appointments for all Kenyans.  

In a statement on Sunday, November 13, the embassy stated that the move would take effect starting November 20, 2023. 

Further, China explained that the removal of the visa requirement would help the two nations facilitate trade and exchange between Kenya and China. 

“In order to further facilitate the exchange of China and Kenya, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya will completely cancel visa appointments from November 20th, 2023.

“Applicants can submit their visa applications directly to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Nairobi during working hours,” the statement read in part.

Also Read: Kenya to Drop Visa Requirement for Citizens of Comoros

How to Apply for Visas Under New Requirements

At the same time, the embassy submitted new requirements for Visa applications to ensure that the processes of submission continued smoothly.

Firstly, Kenyans were directed to fill out an application form online through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in advance.

To do this, applicants were instructed to visit the website at https://www.visaforchina.cn/NBO2_EN/, download and print out the full form. 

The form ought to be submitted with other material at the time of application.

Also Read: Countries Kenyans Can Travel to Without Visa

China Embassy Issues Points to Note During Application

However, the visa processing time limit and fees remain unchanged.

Furthermore, the embassy advised applicants to avoid application during peak periods because of large number of applications. 

“Considering the possibility of a large number of applicants during certain time periods, it is recommended to arrange the time reasonably and avoid peak hours,” added the notice. 

On the other hand, the statement noted that individuals who submitted their application online would be given priority during the application process. 

“Applicants who have already completed online appointments will be given priority for submitting their documents within the corresponding time slot at the appointment date by presenting the confirmation page upon arrival,” noted the statement.

Ruto’s Meeting in With President Xi Jinping in China

Earlier in October, President William Ruto met China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing, to discussed infrastructure development, trade and cooperation in the digital economy.

Also, Ruto secured investment deals worth Ksh688.7 billion with Chinese companies during the trip noting that some of the investments would go into existing projects and other would initiate new investments.

At the same time, both heads of states agreed to deepen cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to promote the steady development of Keny and China comprehensive strategic partnership.

”These deals demonstrate the investors’ strong faith in China’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative, show profound faith in the dynamic Kenya-China Strategic Comprehensive Partnership, and exhibit tremendous confidence in Kenya’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda,” Ruto stated.

Ruto on Scrapping Visa Requirements

Earlier in September 2023, President William Ruto announced that he was considering abolishing any visa requirement for African countries while travelling to Kenya.

According to the president, it was unfair to ask one of the requirements when they were coming home, rallying other African countries to emulate the same. 

“We are having a conversation as Kenyans because it is unfair to ask anybody coming home for visas,” he stated.