By Elainer Mogoa
On the 31st of January, Kenya Airlines suspended flights to mainland China due to novel coronavirus.The High Court of Kenya announced on Friday, February 28, that all flights from China would be temporarily suspended in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Flights to and from Italy were also temporarily suspended on March 3 in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the ban later lifted on March 6. Kenya’s government confirmed the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country on Friday, March 13.
The following are key dates on the impact of COVID-19 on Immigration in Kenya:
March 12th: Self-quarantine measures for all foreigners and suspension of International Conferences
The Kenyan government announced on Thursday, March 12, that all Kenyan nationals and foreign travelers who traveled to “high risk areas” for coronavirus (COVID-19) would be required to self-quarantine for at least 14 days due to the outbreak. Individuals who entered Kenya were required to undergo mandatory screenings at all points of entry into the country.
As a precautionary measure, all international conferences, meetings and events were suspended for 30 days from Thursday, March 12. Government officials were also banned from undertaking non-essential travel out of the country.
March 15: Government bars entry to foreigners from COVID-19-impacted countries
President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Sunday, March 15, that foreign nationals traveling to Kenya from any country with confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) would be prohibited from entering. Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid residence permits were exempt from the entry ban, which took effect by Tuesday, March 17, and remained in place for 30 days.
March 27th: Overnight curfew comes into effect
The Kenyan government announced on Monday, March 23, that all international flights to and from the country were suspended from 23:59 (local time) on Wednesday, March 25. Only cargo flights were allowed to operate but crew were to follow strict regulations.
April 6th: Announcement of 21-day movement ban for all international flights
The government announced a 30-day extension on an existing ban for all international flights on April 6. Only cargo flights were allowed to operate; however, the crew was apprised to maintain strict regulations. The land border between Kenya and Uganda was closed to all pedestrians and vehicles, except for cargo trucks.
April 13th: Authorities allow visa extensions for foreign nationals
On Wednesday, April 8, authorities announced the launch of an online portal for foreign nationals present in the country wishing to extend their visitor’s visas. According to the statement, foreign visitors were required to provide notification of their visitor’s pass extension upon exiting the country. All residents whose permits and passes had expired were directed to apply for an extension through the same portal.
April 22nd: Online portal for Foreign Nationals to extend visitors’ passes announced.
The government announced the launch of an online portal for foreign nationals present in the country wishing to extend their visitor’s visas. According to the statement, foreign visitors were required to provide notification of their visitor’s pass extension upon exiting the country. All residents whose permits and passes had expired were directed to apply for an extension through the same portal.
August 1st: International Flights Resume
International flights to and from Kenya and domestic flights have resumed operating. International flights resumed on August 01 and domestic flights have resumed since July 15. Individuals do not need a COVID-19 negative test to board domestic flights within Kenya.
Passengers arriving on international flights are required to provide a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test obtained no more than 96 hours prior to arriving, and may be required to quarantine for 14-days either at their home or at a state-run facility. Kenya’s land borders with Uganda, Somalia, and Tanzania are open and freight services continue to operate. International maritime and sea travel remains prohibited.
September 14th: Directorate of Immigration lifts Amnesty on stay in the country for non- Kenyan citizens
On September 14 the Directorate of Immigration services (Kenya) issued a press release lifting the amnesty on stay in the country beyond the stipulated 6 months. Visitors were then given two weeks with effect from September 14 to either make arrangements to depart within two weeks or apply for residency (permit or pass) to regularize their stay.
November 4th: Several Key changes
On Wednesday November 4, the government of Kenya made several key changes to Kenya’s measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. The nationwide curfew remains in force for 60 days until January 2021 and the timing has been changed to 10pm-4am effective from Wednesday November 4.
The Government has banned all international meetings, conferences and events in Kenya. The maximum number of people permitted to attend funerals and weddings is 100, with those in attendance expected to abide by Ministry of Health guidelines.
Effective 1 January 2021, Kenyan entry visas will be exclusively issued electronically, with passengers required to obtain their e-visas before departure.
The following guidelines shall apply to all passengers arriving on international flights into Kenya: If body temperature is not above 37.5° c (99.5°f); do not have a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing or other flu-like symptoms; have negative COVID-19 test carried out within 96 hours before travel and are from approved states they shall be exempt from quarantine.
All travellers must complete a mandatory COVID-19 Travellers Health Surveillance Form online filled and submitted prior to travel even if transiting. A QR code will be provided upon submission of the form which must be presented to port health officials to be allowed to proceed to Immigration. Passengers that do not have a negative COVID-19 test must be returned by the airline to their embarkation point or if approved by Port Health, may enter into mandatory quarantine at government designated facilities which also include an approved list of hotels.
An updated list of approved states can be accessed here https://www.kcaa.or.ke/quarantine-exempted-states.