2024: A Year of Convergence and Consolidation

January: Kenya’s visas go digital

In a significant digital innovation, Kenya has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, overhauling its visa application process. The system replaces traditional physical visas with a semi-automated process that determines visitors’ eligibility to travel to the country.

This shift is part of a global trend where countries are increasingly digitising their visa systems to enhance efficiency, security, and overall convenience for travellers.

February: EIB expands secure printing capacity in Greece with loan to Veridos Matsoukis

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has solidified its commitment to supporting the production of secure identity documents in Greece through a €10.5 million 10-year loan to Veridos Matsoukis, a prominent printer specialising in secure ID documents.

This financial backing will contribute to a €23 million investment project at Veridos Matsoukis’ Athens facility, aimed at enhancing production capacity for passports, identity cards, and other official documents crucial to government operations. In addition to EIB’s €10.5 million loan, Veridos Matsoukis is in the process of applying for a €7.5 million Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) loan, emphasising the importance of its Greek manufacturing operations.