Kenya Visa Guide: Application Process, Requirements, Fees & Visa-Free Countries

Kenya Visa – Kenyan Visa

All visitors to Kenya are required to have valid passports. Kenyan Visa are also required for visitors who are not citizens of the commonwealth countries. At present visitors from West Germany, Denmark, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Ethiopia, Finland, Spain, Turkey, and Uruguay do not require a Kenyan visa. However, since visa requirements may change, the visitors should check the current visa requirements through airlines., tour operators, or Kenya Tourist Offices, Kenya Embassy or the High Commission in their countries before coming, to avoid embarrassment.

Kenya Visas normally take up to six weeks to process and are valid for three months. Those visitors with proper documents and who also possess onward or return tickets may be given visitors’ passes free of charge on arrival at any Kenyan point of entry.

During the three months, the visitors’ pass holders are not allowed to engage themselves in any form of work or business in the country without authority from the Principal Immigration officer. Visitors without proper documents will be required to pay a refundable deposit of KShs. 5,000/= before they are issued with visitor passes.

What is a Kenyan Visa

A Kenyan Visa is an authorized document issued by the Kenyan government that permits a foreign citizen to enter and dwell in Kenya for a defined period, typically for tourism, business, or other purposes, and is usually acquired through an application process, either online or at a Kenyan embassy, demanding passport details and other supporting documents; most generally referred to as an “eTA” (Electronic Travel Authorization) in Kenya which can be applied for electronically before travel.

Kenya Visa Application

A Kenyan visa is required by visitors traveling to Kenya except those holding a re-entry pass to Kenya and citizens of Ethiopia, San Marino, Turkey, and Uruguay. A valid passport with a sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements abroad is also vital. The passport must be signed and valid for at least six months.

Other Kenya visa requirements are a visa application form completed and signed by the applicant, two passport-size photographs attached to the application form, valid round-trip ticket or a letter from a travel agent certifying that the applicant holds prepaid arrangements.

Furthermore required is a self-addressed stamped envelope for express mail, courier or registered mail if the visa is urgently required. Metered stamps are not acceptable. Also, provide home and work telephone numbers, and enclose the photographs and payment to avoid delay.

Visa fees payable by cash to the Embassy of Kenya — multiple entry visa $100 (Sh8,000), single journey visa $50 (Sh4,000), transit visa at entry $20 (Sh1,600). Multiple entry visas are normally issued for six months. )

Types of Kenya Visas

• Single Journey Visa: Given for Single or Multiple access to persons whose nationalities require visas to enter Kenya.
• Transit Visa: Issued for periods not exceeding three days to persons whose nationalities require visas to enter Kenya and who intend to transit through Kenya to a different destination.
• Diplomatic Visa: Given for Single or Multiple entries to holders of Diplomatic passports who are on official duty. Coming Soon
• Courtesy/ Official Visa: Issued to persons holding Official or Service passports on Official duty and to Ordinary passport holders who are not permitted to a Diplomatic visa; but where it is regarded by the Director to be desirable on the grounds of international courtesy. Coming Soon
• East Africa Tourist Visa: This is a joint tourist visa that entitles holders to travel to and within the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Uganda for tourism. Validity of East Africa Tourist Visa: 90 (Ninety days) Multiple Entry. Coming Soon

Kenya Visa Requirements

Based on your country of residence and citizenships the following may also be required:

• Financial assets / bank letter(s)

Based on your purpose of visit the following may also be required:

• Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital
• Conference invitation/participation letter
• Employment contract
• Supporting documents for resettlement
• Vaccination(s) or test results certificates

For travelers arriving for business

• Invitation letter from company
• Copy of registration of the company

For travellers visiting family

• Invitation letter from family/host
• Identity card/Passport/Alien card/Entry permit of the family member/host

For Diplomatic travel

• A Diplomatic, Official, and Service passport
• An official letter from the Country of Origin/Organisation/ Foreign Affairs.

Processing time is three (3) working days while in some cases it may take longer.

Kenya Visa fees

Kenya is visa-free as of January 2024, though travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at least 72 hours before their travel. The eTA fee is $30 and is the same for all eligible nationalities. 

Kenya Visa-Free Countries

However, nationals of the following countries do not require Kenyan visas to enter Kenya.

For those whose country doesn’t appear in the list above, visas can be obtained at Kenya Airports upon arrival. It’s advisable to obtain the visa from the Kenyan Embassy/Kenya High Commission in your country before departure. * Note: The list of countries shown above is subject to change

Kenya Visa for U.S. citizens

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Kenya, though they do require an electronic travel authorization (ETA). You can apply for an ETA online at www.ecitizen.go.ke.

Kenya Visa Application Form

The Kenya visa application form is unrestricted online at www.ecitizen.go.ke. You can apply for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) through this portal.