Many Kenyans miss a chance to travel abroad due to failing their Visa interview questions.
This is the last process in travel plans where the embassy of the country you are travelling to interviews you to determine if you should be granted travel permission.
There are various reasons why a Kenyan can seek to travel abroad. This includes but is not limited to the following; for further studies, vacation, visiting a relative, and seeking medical treatment.
While each embassy has its own set of questions, Kenyans.co.ke compiled some of the standard questions asked by all embassies when applying for a visa.
Time of travel
The embassy will want to know when you want to travel and how you zoned on that particular date.
Countries like the US and European Union Bloc like to ascertain that you are not fleeing the country.
The right way to answer this question is by providing proof in writing. For example, if you want to go for specialized treatment, show a doctor’s referral advising you to seek further medical attention.
Duration of stay
There is general hesitation in handing out visas by most first-world countries. Many people use that as a loophole to apply for asylum once they land in the host country.
Embassies will need to know how long you will stay in the country and this can be achieved by showing travel documents, especially a return ticket.
You will be further asked if it is possible to fulfil the purpose of your trip within a shorter period of time.
Finance
Financing is where many Kenyans fail their Visa interview especially if they are planning to travel to US or Europe.
You will need to give detailed financial proof on how you will finance your trip, where you will stay during the duration of your visit and finances at your disposal for transport logistics while there.
You will be automatically denied a visa if you are applying for a vacation trip and have no finances in your bank account to sustain a vacation.
Will you come back to Kenya?
As outrageous as it sounds, you must convince the embassy that you are eager to come back to Kenya when your trip ends.
This can be proved by showing the family you are leaving behind, properties or anything of sentimental value.
For those who are going for further studies, you must exhaustively explain why you want to go to study in that particular country and what your plans are after finishing your studies.
To ensure you are not using a school admission letter as a gateway to flee the country, you must show proof of who will be financing your education.
