Visa Requirements for Traveling to Kenya

Prior to planning your ideal safari adventure to the Masai Mara, allocating time for relaxation in Mombasa, or determining which of Nairobi’s vibrant establishments you wish to enjoy a refreshment at, ensure that you have your visa requirements for Kenya understood and arranged.

Fortunately, acquiring a tourist visa for Kenya is straightforward for a variety of nationalities, with most visas being issued promptly following an online application. This guide provides essential information regarding the Kenya visa application process, including associated costs, necessary documents, and the specific countries that necessitate a visa.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Individuals from the majority of nationalities (Category 2) are required to apply for an eVisa online prior to arriving in Kenya. Certain nationalities are exempt from this requirement (Category 1), while a limited number in Category 3 must obtain referred visas, necessitating a visit to the local Kenyan embassy before arrival.

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently announced an initiative aimed at eliminating visa requirements for visitors from other African nations by 2024.

Who can visit Kenya visa-free?

Individuals from a limited number of nations do not require a visa to enter Kenya. It is advisable to review the comprehensive eligibility list, which encompasses several Caribbean and African nations, as well as countries like Cyprus, Fiji, and Singapore. Travelers under the age of 16 are typically exempt from the visa requirement; however, it is prudent to verify specific visa stipulations based on your nationality.

How do I apply for a tourist visa for Kenya?

Initiate the tourist visa application process via Kenya’s official eVisa platform. It is necessary to create an account, enabling you to monitor your application status. You will be required to provide details about your travel itinerary and upload a recent color photograph taken within the past six months.

Allow ample time to complete the application prior to your travel, as you may need to furnish details about your accommodations. While the website indicates that visas are generally issued within 48 hours, it is advisable to provide yourself with a buffer to accommodate any potential delays. After submission, some applicants may be asked to supply additional information regarding their travel or their hosts.

The visa service promises to send an email confirmation for your application or payment; nonetheless, this is not consistently guaranteed—there is no need for concern if you do not receive an email. Instead, you can log in with your credentials to verify your visa status. There is also a specific portal available for checking the status of your eVisa here.

Upon receipt of your visa, print several copies (one in color) and download the PDF to maintain a digital version on your device.

How much does a tourist visa for Kenya cost?

The standard visa type is the single-entry visa, which is priced at US$51. Payments are processed in US dollars online. This visa permits entry into Kenya for purposes such as business, tourism, medical visits, or other valid reasons. The single-entry visa is valid for a period of three months from the issuance date.

It is important for your passport to maintain a minimum validity of six months from your date of entry, and you must possess a return flight ticket.

Kenya further provides a multiple-entry visa at a cost of US$101, advantageous for individuals planning at least two visits to Kenya within a year. This visa remains valid for a term ranging from three to twelve months from the issuance date. Some travelers opt for a multiple-entry visa as it may involve additional documentation; however, the efficiency of Kenya’s visa service is steadily improving online.

Does Kenya have a transit visa for short stays?

For visitors in Kenya for less than 72 hours who intend to leave the airport, a full visa is not required. Instead, a transit visa may be obtained, costing US$21. If your flight allows you to connect directly without exiting the airport, then no visa for Kenya is necessary.

For those also visiting Rwanda and Uganda, consider the East African Tourist Visa, which is priced at US$101.

Can I extend my visa to stay in Kenya longer?

It is possible to extend your visa for an additional 90 days by applying for the Visitor’s Pass Extension through the Department of Immigration Services. Create an account and submit your application; once submitted, print your application form, sign it, and present it at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House in Nairobi for processing, along with your passport and original visa document.

Does Kenya offer a working holiday visa?

Kenya does not currently provide a working holiday visa. Instead, individuals will require a work permit from the Department of Immigration Services. It is important to note that it is illegal for any foreigner without a valid work permit to engage in work activities in Kenya, including volunteering or self-employment.

If your intention is to volunteer or undertake an internship or work placement, consult with the hosting organization or company for advice on the appropriate work permit needed.

The East African Tourist Visa is an option

The East African Tourist Visa represents a practical alternative for individuals planning to visit Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. This multiple-country tourist visa is available for US$101 and is valid for three months post-issuance.

Applications can be completed online, and upon issuance, it is necessary to print your eVisa to present to immigration officials at your first entry point, where an East Africa visa sticker will be provided for your travels.

This article was initially published on June 18, 2022, and updated on November 29, 2023.