Top Reasons Why Kenya Tourism Visa Applications Get Rejected

The process of getting a Kenya tourism visa is the first thing that any tourist should do to enjoy Kenya hospitality, natural beauty, and wildlife. Whether you have proposed to embark on a wildlife viewing in Maasai Mara, feel the beach enthusiasm of Mombasa, or the throbbing central business district of Nairobi, it is very important to have a visa for a smooth journey. However, similar to any other visa application process, it is important that the applicants should know some important aspects of the application in order not to meet some hurdles that are inevitable.

It is always good to familiarize yourself with some of the common grounds on which some Kenya tourism visa applications may be turned down so that you can present a perfect, flawless application. If you ensure that you submit all the right documents in the right manner, and meet all the requirements of the visa then the chances of getting an approval will be high. In this blog, we shall look at some of the main causes of Kenya Visa rejection and give you some tips to avoid them when applying for the visa.

Why Kenya Tourism Visa Applications Get Rejected

Undisclosed or Mis Completed Visa Application Forms

Inadequate or inaccurate information is another top reason why applications for Kenya tourism visa are refused. Here’s how to avoid this mistake:

Make sure that all the personal information provided is accurate and corresponds to the data in the passport.
See that the details like number and the expiry date of the passport is correct.
Ensure all relevant documents are enclosed with the application such as proof of residence, return air tickets, and other relevant documents.

Non-Compliance of Financial Obligations

Kenya expects candidates to present a proof of funds for their stay in the country. To avoid rejection, follow these tips:

Bank statement or credit card statement of the last 3 months to show that you have enough money to support yourself.
This should be accompanied by a proof of financial stability through production of employment records or income generating activities.
Make sure that the financial documents show that you can pay for all the travelling costs.

Prior Immigration Offenses, Prior Criminal Record

This is so because if you have a record of overstay in another country or if you have a criminal record then your application will be declined. Here’s how to approach this:

Previous immigration problems should be reported honestly.
If there are any criminal records, they should be explained alongside any evidence of why and how the situation occurred as well as any documents that show the person has been rehabilitated.
The best way to reduce the impact of the situation is to ensure that the organization has a clean record.

Invalid or Expired Passport

Another obvious reason for visa rejection is having an invalid or an expired passport. Avoid this by:

Making sure that the passport you will be traveling with has at least six months validity before expiry.
Making sure you have adequate number of blank pages for visa stamping.
To ensure you get a passport book that is not going to expire any time soon when you apply for a visa.

What is not Allowed is Suspicious or Unclear Travel Intentions

Kenyan immigration authorities may deny your application if they think that your purpose of visit is not tourism. Prevent this by:

To guarantee that the trip is safe and enjoyable, having a sound travel schedule including where to stay and what to do.
Make sure your purpose of visiting Kenya is well highlighted and clearly supported.
Be truthful about the reason for the trip, and you can back your story up with a booking confirmation of a hotel or tour.

The failure to provide proper travel insurance

Though not compulsory, getting an insurance policy while traveling may be an influential determinant of the visa granted. To avoid rejection:
Travelers should consider buying medical and trip interruption and cancellation insurance.
If so needed, attach evidence of your travel insurance at the time of applying for your visa.

Missing Supporting Documents

Inability to avail documents will cause refusal of your visa application. Here’s how to avoid this issue:

Make sure that all the documents that the Kenyan visa requires are provided are provided as stated.
These are flight tickets, hotel bookings, and travel plans and sometimes, a yellow fever vaccination card.
Make sure you have the right format for all the documents and that they are of current date.

Common Reasons for Kenya Visitor Visa Refusal

If you recently applied for a visitor visa to Kenya and your application was refused, you might want to consider the following:

Lack of adequate documentation as to the reason for your visit.
No proof that you have adequate financial means to meet your subsistence during your stay in that country.
Previous overstay in Kenya or in any other country.
For more information on this and how to enhance your reapplication, please read; Why Visa Applications Get Rejected.

How do I know my visa rejection reason

In a case where your visa application has been declined, you need to know the reason so that they can correct it whenever they apply again. Follow these steps:

You should consult the Kenyan embassy or consulate which you submitted your application for more details on why it was declined.
Read through any message that you have from the embassy, as this may give suggestions, or even tell you how to go about correcting the problem.
After knowing the reason, correct the mistakes and make sure your new application is free from the mistakes.

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Top Reasons Why Kenya Tourism Visa Applications Get Rejected