The High Commission of Canada in Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda has announced that its offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Canada’s Thanksgiving Day.
In a statement on October 10, the mission stated that while regular services will be unavailable, emergency consular services will remain accessible around the clock.
“On Monday, October 13, our office will not be open for regular services as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day,” read the announcement.
Kenyans and Canadian nationals in the region can reach the emergency line at +254 20 366 3000 or email [email protected] for urgent assistance.
Canada High Commission Announces Service Disruption
For Canadians in Kenya
For Canadians living in Kenya, the following services will be affected:
- Passport Services – Issuing and renewing Canadian passports.
- Citizenship Services – Processing proof of citizenship and applications for children born abroad.
- Emergency Assistance – Support in cases of arrest, illness, missing persons, or natural disasters.
- Document Services – Certifying documents, administering oaths, and authenticating signatures.
- Registration of Canadians Abroad – Encouraging Canadians to register their presence in Kenya for safety alerts.
Also Read: Why US Embassy in Nairobi Will be Closed on Monday
For Kenyans
The High Commission handles diplomatic and immigration-related services on behalf of the Government of Canada, such as:
- Visa Services – Processing visitor, study, and work visa applications (through the Visa Application Center and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
- Permanent Residency and Immigration – Guidance on immigration programs such as Express Entry, family sponsorship, and refugee resettlement.
- Study in Canada Assistance – Information on accredited institutions, study permit requirements, and scholarships.
- Trade and Investment Promotion – Supporting partnerships between Kenyan and Canadian businesses.
- Development Cooperation – Managing Canada’s development aid projects in Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda.
- Cultural and Public Diplomacy – Promoting cultural exchange, education, and gender equality initiatives.
Also Read: US Embassy Issues New Travel Advisory on Kenya Ahead of June 25 March
About Thanksgiving Day
In Canada, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October — which in 2025 falls on October 13.
In 1957, Thanksgiving was officially declared an annual holiday in Canada, to be celebrated on the second Monday of October.
The date marks the symbolic end of the harvest season — a time for Canadians to express gratitude for abundance, family, and the blessings of the year.
