Kenya Embassy Announces New Rules for Visa and Travel

    The Kenya Embassy in Southeast Asia has released a new advisory for Kenyan citizens planning to travel to the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia.

    In the notice issued on May 29, the embassy informed all Kenyans across Southeast Asia—specifically in Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam—of revised entry requirements.

    According to official communication from the Royal Government of Cambodia, all COVID-19-related restrictions have now been lifted. This includes the removal of mandatory testing, quarantine measures, and health screening protocols for travellers.

    “We write to convey the following information from the Royal Cambodia Government on travellers to the Kingdom of Cambodia;

    “All health requirements related to COVID-19, including testing, quarantine, and other associated measures have been vacated,” the notice indicated.

    Kenyans visiting Cambodia are now required to apply for their travel visas through the country’s official e-Visa portal.

    The embassy further recommended the use of the e-arrival card, which travellers can fill out online before departure or upon reaching a border entry point.

    These digital measures aim to reduce congestion at immigration desks and improve the efficiency of entry procedures.

    The Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok also encouraged nationals to share this information widely.

    “The Embassy requests that the information be shared with all Kenyans in Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam,” read part of the official statement.

    Meanwhile, the United States has quietly rolled out new visa screening policies targeting certain international students, including Kenyans.

    The new directive, spearheaded by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focuses on the social media activity of visa applicants.

    Students with content perceived as critical of the US or Israel may have their visa applications denied or revoked.

    The rules apply to individuals who held student visas between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2024.

    This development could affect hundreds of Kenyan students planning to pursue higher education in the US.

    Diaspora leaders and education stakeholders have voiced concern over the implications of these rules.