Planning To Fly To Europe? Here Are Some New Rules

Kenyans travelling to some European countries will now be required to make their visa applications with the new e-passports only.

The requirement was issued by Schengen member states — an EU passport-free zone that covers most of the European countries.

“Kindly be advised that as of 1st June 2019 the visa section will accept visa applications on the new e-passports only. This follows the Kenyan government notice that the old passports will expire on the 1st Sept 2019," a statement on both the French and Swedish embassies read.

Speaking to a local blog, French Embassy Press and Communications Officer Larry Asego confirmed the new requirement adding that the visa application process would still be subjected to the usual timelines as well as the charges.

All Kenyan passports, except the new East African Community biometric e-passport, will be rendered invalid from September 1, 2019.

"According to Article 12 (a) of the Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009, commonly known as "Visa Code", the validity of a travel document shall extend at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Schengen Member States," stated the embassies.

The Schengen zone includes the 26 countries; Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. CAPTION: The Schengen Zone Depending on your reasons for visiting the countries and the frequency of your visits, the Schengen consulate can issue you a single-entry visa, double-entry visa, or a multiple-entry visa.