Kenya

If you're planning to experience Kenya's world-renowned wildlife safaris, conduct business in Nairobi's thriving economic hub, or pursue academic opportunities at leading universities, understanding the visa landscape is your crucial first step toward a successful journey.

Strategic Entry Planning for Kenya

Kenya maintains a moderately accessible visa policy designed to welcome international visitors while ensuring proper documentation. Whether you're drawn to the Maasai Mara's spectacular migration, Mount Kenya's challenging peaks, or the coastal charm of Mombasa, most travelers require advance visa arrangements.

Essential Traveler Categories

Our comprehensive guidance addresses specific requirements for:

• Tourism enthusiasts seeking safari adventures
• Business professionals exploring East African markets
• Students and researchers pursuing academic goals
• Transit passengers connecting through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

This authoritative guide transforms Kenya's immigration complexities into clear, actionable strategies, ensuring your East African adventure begins smoothly and compliantly.

Most travelers require a visa to enter Kenya, with limited exceptions for specific nationalities and circumstances. Kenya operates a selective visa policy with visa-free access granted to select countries and specific transit provisions.

Visa-Free Access to Kenya

Citizens of the following countries can enter Kenya without a visa:

• East African Community members: Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan - up to 6 months
• Other African nations: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe - up to 90 days
• Special arrangements: Seychelles (30 days), Mauritius (90 days)

Passport Requirements

All travelers must present:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
• Minimum two blank pages for entry stamps
• Proof of onward/return travel
• Sufficient funds for stay

Transit and Airport Rules

Transit passengers staying airside for under 72 hours typically don't need visas. However, leaving the international transit area requires appropriate visa documentation.

Who Needs a Visa

Citizens from Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific, and most other regions must obtain visas before travel. Kenya offers electronic visas (eVisa) for most nationalities, available through the official eCitizen portal.

Verification

Always verify current requirements through official Kenyan immigration websites or your nearest Kenyan embassy, as visa policies change frequently and may have specific conditions based on travel purpose.

Kenya offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes, from tourism to business ventures. Understanding the specific requirements for each type ensures smooth entry and compliance with immigration regulations.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

The single-entry tourist visa permits stays up to 90 days for leisure activities, while the multiple-entry tourist visa allows repeated visits within one year. Both require proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds. Processing typically takes 2-7 business days.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas cater to commercial activities including:

• Conference attendance and meetings
• Market research and negotiations
• Investment exploration
• Trade missions and exhibitions

Business visas require invitation letters from Kenyan partners and company documentation. Multiple-entry options are available for frequent business travelers.

Work and Employment Permits

Work permits integrate visa authorization for employment purposes. Categories include skilled worker permits, investor permits, and dependent passes. Processing requires 21-60 days with extensive documentation including educational certificates and employer sponsorship.

Student and Academic Visas

Student passes enable enrollment in recognized Kenyan institutions. Requirements include admission letters, financial proof, and academic transcripts. Validity aligns with course duration, with extension possibilities upon academic progress verification.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas accommodate 72-hour stopovers, while diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives. Courtesy visas apply to certain international organization members. Family reunion visas facilitate visits to Kenyan residents and citizens.

Processing Times

Standard visa processing typically takes 3-7 business days for tourist and business visas through Kenya's eVisa portal. Work permits require 30-60 days, while student visas process within 14-21 days. Peak seasons (December-January, July-August) may extend processing by 2-4 additional days.

Visa Costs and Fees

• Tourist/Business (single entry): $51 USD
• Transit visa: $21 USD
• East Africa Tourist visa: $101 USD
• Work permit: $2,000 USD
• Expedited processing: Additional $30-50 USD

Application Locations

Primary application through ecitizen.go.ke/visa-application portal. Alternative processing available at Kenyan embassies worldwide and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for eligible nationalities.

Essential Requirements

• Passport valid 6+ months
• Digital passport photo
• Return flight ticket
• Accommodation proof
• Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)

Payment and Validity

Payments accepted via Visa, MasterCard, or mobile money. Tourist visas valid for 90 days with possible extension. Success rate exceeds 95% for complete applications.

Contact: Kenya High Commission offices globally or email: info@immigration.go.ke

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Identify the correct visa category based on your travel purpose. Kenya offers tourist visas (single/multiple entry), business visas, transit visas, and East Africa tourist visas. Consider your intended duration of stay and entry requirements carefully before proceeding.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Collect essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of accommodation and return flight tickets
• Bank statements demonstrating financial capacity
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)

Important: Ensure all documents are in English or officially translated.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Submit applications through Kenya's eVisa portal at evisa.go.ke for most visa types. Create an account, fill out forms accurately, and upload required documents in specified formats. Paper applications are accepted only at embassies for certain visa categories.

Step 4: Pay Processing Fees

Pay visa fees online using credit/debit cards or through designated payment methods. Fees vary by visa type and nationality. Keep payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 5: Submit and Track Application

After submission, receive a confirmation email with tracking number. Monitor application status through the eVisa portal. Processing typically takes 2-7 business days for standard applications.

Step 6: Receive Visa Decision

Download approved eVisa and print multiple copies for travel. If rejected, review reasons provided and consider reapplication with corrected documentation. Appeals can be submitted within specified timeframes with additional supporting evidence.