A recent report by VFS Global reveals that Saudi Arabia has become the leading destination for visa applications from Kenya, as an increasing number of Kenyans seek employment opportunities in the Middle East. Last year, VFS Global’s Visa Application Centres in Kenya recorded a remarkable 61 percent increase in processed visas compared to 2022.
According to the VFS Global 2024 Travel Trends report, processed visas in Kenya now account for 80 percent of the total requests handled by the firm globally in 2023. Other popular destinations for Kenyan travelers include Canada and China, with countries like Italy and the Netherlands also gaining traction.
The report highlights that the introduction of e-Visa platforms has significantly contributed to this surge, allowing travelers to secure their visas from the comfort of their homes. This shift reflects a growing consumer preference for convenience and safety.
“Early 2024 travel data shows promising trends. Visa volumes for applications processed via VFS Global in Kenya are already 80 percent of the 2023 numbers. Saudi Arabia, followed by Canada and China, are the top outbound destinations from Kenya,” stated Alok Singhal, VFS Global Head of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the travel industry has further streamlined visa processing, despite the challenges associated with it. Singhal emphasized the firm’s commitment to enhancing the travel and tourism sector in Africa using AI to improve visa application processes.
“While technological advancements bring opportunities, they also pose challenges. Ensuring the security of algorithms and data is crucial. A robust end-to-end security approach is essential to protect data at every stage, from collection to storage and usage,” he added.
Additionally, travel trends from South Africa in 2023 also exhibited significant growth. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, projects that Africa’s travel and tourism sector could boost the continent’s GDP by $168 billion and create over 18 million new jobs. The report underscores the importance of policies that enhance aviation infrastructure, facilitate visa processes, and promote travel to stimulate economic growth across the continent.
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