**UPDATE July 28: service is now back to normal**.
The Kenyan government recently announced the temporary suspension of e-Visa issuance for international travellers, following a cyber attack on the e-visa website. This measure has been taken in order to assess the extent of the damage caused by this attack and to reinforce the security of the IT system.
A direct impact on international travellers
The announcement of this suspension on Thursday July 27, for an indefinite period, has created some confusion among travelers planning to visit Kenya in the near future. Until now, visitors from many countries had been able to obtain an electronic visa for arrival at Jomo Kenyatta (Nairobi) and Moi (Mombasa) international airports, among others.
From now on, and until the situation returns to normal, travelers are asked to apply for a visa on arrival in Kenya. Airlines are normally aware of this emergency. We have also decided to block the short dates on our forms, pending a return to normal.
Electronic visas already issued remain valid.
Enhanced security measures to prevent further attacks
The Kenyan government said it was working with the relevant authorities and cybersecurity experts to identify the perpetrators of this cyberattack and take the necessary measures to protect the computer system from further attacks. The suspension of online visas is therefore a temporary measure to guarantee the security of travelers' personal data and avoid potential problems linked to the issue of fraudulent visas.
A major challenge for tourism in Kenya
Kenya is a popular tourist destination, particularly for its national parks, wildlife and heavenly beaches. The tourism sector is an important pillar of the country's economy, and the suspension of e-visas could have a negative impact on this sector if it were to be prolonged. This is why it is in the government's interest to resolve this situation quickly, in order to reassure travelers and facilitate their arrival.
The importance of cybersecurity in the current international context
This cyberattack is a reminder of the crucial importance of cybersecurity in an international context increasingly marked by the digitization and dematerialization of administrative procedures. Governments the world over must redouble their efforts to protect their IT systems and ensure the confidentiality of personal data and guarantee secure access to online services.
The key role of the authorities and private enterprise
To meet these challenges, governments need to work closely with cybersecurity experts, both nationally and internationally, to put in place effective security protocols that keep pace with technological developments. Similarly private companies involved in online administrative proceduresIn addition to their core business, such as issuing electronic visas, they are also responsible for protecting their customers' data and contributing to the security of IT systems.
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