EAC SINGLE TOURIST VISA

It was supposed to be launched on 1st of January, but on the 4th I read a local newspaper article saying that something had gone pear shaped in the logistics and the introduction was going to be delayed. First batch of stickers was supposed to be printed by Rwanda and distributed around the region (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda). Tanzania is apparently not joining yet. Not sure what the situation is right now.

As far as I know this is just in the planning stage. Absolutely no date set for any change to the current system. Would love it to happen as soon as possible…

Thanks guys ....

Original press reports when it missed the Jan 1st date said it would be implemented the following week but then they were blaming the delay on the fact that Jan 1st was a public holiday in the 3 COW countries, rather than logistical problems. There has been no new date suggested and little news since

These are the only subsequent articles I'm aware of

http://allafrica.com/stories/201401090784.html?viewall=1

http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2014/01/security-key-as-single-regional-visa-takes-effect/?

Just tweeted the Immigration Dept to ask them if there was a new date, got this reply

'It will be communicated after an official launch'

Thanks for that information ...

I doubt we will see any movement on this common visa until the apparent paralysis in Kenya's immigration department is resolved. Kenya is obviously the lynchpin of this scheme as most of the tourists land here.

Currently there is a purge underway, with the immigration director facing possible prosecution for corruption and some of her subordinates also facing discipline.

Other immigration matters are also up in the air, such as whether tourists can renew a 3-month visa without leaving Kenya.

I wouldn't hold my breath about the 'purge'. I hear the Director says that far from her being corrupt that she has been 'fitted up' / framed by powerful vested interests (cartels as the jargon here is) because she attempted to root out corruption when she took over a few months ago.I of course have no idea what the truth is but she did introduce procedural changes, including new vetting guidelines regarding work permit applications, which she wanted implemented as soon as possible. The changes were intended to 'further streamline the overall immigration process and to eradicate incidences of bribery'.

Anyhow, according to The Nation it was postponed for a week, as they couldn't manage by the 1st of January. No news since then. And if a visa even for one of those 3 country will now cost 150 euros, it will just get more expensive if you visit just one...