VFS Global has announced that visa applications processed in the Kenya have reached 80 percent of the total requests made in 2023.
This milestone, achieved by September 17, 2024, indicates a substantial increase in international travel demand among Kenyans, primarily driven by job opportunities, education, and tourism. The VFS Global 2024 Travel Trends report highlights Saudi Arabia, Canada, and China as the top outbound destinations for Kenyan travelers. Saudi Arabia maintains its leading position due to the abundance of job opportunities it offers to Kenyans. Canada and China follow closely behind, attracting individuals seeking both educational and professional prospects.
The introduction of e-Visa platforms by VFS Global has contributed significantly to the surge in demand over the past year. This increase is attributed to growing consumer preferences for convenience and safety, as the e-Visa system allows travelers to obtain necessary documents from the comfort of their homes, thereby streamlining the application process. Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, notes that early 2024 travel data shows promising trends with visa application volumes in Kenya already reaching 80 percent of the 2023 figures. Singhal also mentions the popularity of Schengen countries like Italy and The Netherlands among Kenyan travelers.
A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, highlights the potential of the travel and tourism industry in Africa to boost the continent’s GDP by US$168 billion and generate over 18 million new jobs. The report emphasizes that policies such as enhanced aviation infrastructure, facilitated visa processes, and travel promotion could spur the necessary growth in the continent’s economy. As more Kenyans seek opportunities abroad, the importance of efficient and secure visa processing becomes paramount.
VFS Global’s commitment to ensuring robust security measures is a step in the right direction, setting a benchmark in the travel industry. As 2024 progresses, it will be interesting to observe how these trends develop and what new destinations emerge as popular choices for Kenyan travelers.
