Kenya Tourist Visa
Table of contents
Traveling to Kenya
When most people think of Kenya, they probably envision safaris rolling through stunning vistas dotted with wildlife including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Ecotourism and adventures through natural reserves are just one of the amazing tourism opportunities travelers can find in Kenya. It is also home to several internationally connected cities as well. With a friendly local population, delicious and complex cuisine, and an array of outdoor adventures, Kenya is a great option for both individuals and families.
Who Needs an Kenya Visa?
Foreign nationals from the following countries are required to apply for a Kenya visa prior traveling: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Columbia, Comoros, Republic of the (Congo Brazzaville), Costa Rica, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Democratic Republic of the (Congo Kinshasa), Egypt, El Salvador, Ecuador Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Madagascar, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States of America, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Kenya Tourist Visa Validity
The Kenyan tourist visa was created to allow tourists to visit the country and experience all it offers. This type of entry visa can be used for tourism, business trips, and family visits. Kenyan tourist visas are typically valid from 3 months to 12 months depending on the visa type and the number of entries. Tourist visas are available as single and multiple-entry visas. Single-entry visas are valid for 3 months, while multiple-entry visas can be valid between 6 and 12 months.
Kenya also offers the East African Tourist Visa which is valid for 3 months and allows tourists to travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. United States citizens can uniquely apply for the 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa for business and tourism purposes. Referred visas (category 3) are valid for up to one month.
Kenya Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for a Kenyan tourist visa, applicants must submit some basic documentation. The following must be included with the online or referred application:
Passport or official travel document
The applicant must have a passport valid for at least 6 months before their travel date that contains at least one blank page for official use.
Recent photograph
The applicant must submit one recent personal photograph that is clear, in color, and measures 5.5cm x 5.5cm (207px x 207px) on a white background. Scans and colored copies are NOT accepted.
Application form
The visa application form must be completed with the necessary information and submitted to the correct location, either online or in person. All information must be factual and accurate.
Proof of return flight
Tourists must be able to show proof, usually in the form of a ticket, of a return flight leaving Kenya that departs before the validity period of their tourist visa ends. This ticket must come from an official body, like a travel agent or airline, and include the date, time, departure point, and flight number.
Hotel booking confirmation
A hotel booking or proof of accommodation must be submitted along with the tourist visa application. It should clearly state the dates indicating the duration of stay, the address, and the applicant’s information.
Kenya Visa Application Steps
Applying for a Kenyan tourist visa online is a very straightforward process that only requires an internet connection and a device to connect. Applicants can take the following steps to apply for the tourist visa online:
- Visit the official visa website
Visit the official website of Kenya Electronic Visa Application System and register as a Visitor.
- Log in
Enter the visa portal and select the Directorate of Immigration Services.
- Select Submit Application
Choose the Submit Application option to get started.
- Select Kenyan Visa
Choose the Kenyan Visa option to proceed with the application.
- Select the correct visa type
• Choose between a Single Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa, East African Tourist Visa, or 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa
• Choose the type of visa and read the written instructions. - Fill in the visa application form and submit documents
Complete the online visa application and submit it through the Kenyan visa gateway. Applicants should submit any additional required documentation.
- Pay the fee
Pay the tourist visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
- Receive a decision
• The eVisa will typically arrive within 2 working days (48 hours) and will be sent to the eCitizen account, NOT to the provided email.
• Applicants should download and print the visa to be presented to the airline official and the immigration officer at the point of entry.
These steps may vary according to the applicant’s nationality. For Category 3 nationalities, their application will be referred to the Directorate of Immigration Services. Processing times will take up to 10 days instead of 48 hours.
Kenya Tourist Visa Fees
Fees for a Kenyan tourist visa will vary depending on the type of visa. Fees can be paid online during the application process using a valid credit or debit card.
The following are the fees associated with each type of Kenyan tourist visa:
- Single Entry Visa fee: $51
- East African Tourist Visa fee: $101
- Multiple Entry Visa fee: $101
- 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa fee: $161
Where to Apply
All Kenyan tourist visas can be applied for through the official online eCitizen portal. The exception is Category 3 applicants, whose applications are referred to the Directorate of Immigration Services for processing.
Kenya Tourist Visa Processing Time
The online process for Kenyan tourist visas has sped up processing times. Tourists will usually receive a decision within 48 hours or 2 working days. For Category 3 applicants who require a referred visa, the processing time is up to 10 working days.
Approved Visa Applications
Once the Kenya tourist visa is approved, applicants should download and print their eVisa from their eCitizen account. They will present that printed eVisa to the border or immigration officer at the port of entry.
Kenya Visa Extension
In most cases, it is possible to extend a Kenyan tourist visa for an additional 90 days by submitting the correct application and documents to the Department of Immigration Services Foreign Nationals (eFNS) portal.
To extend their tourist visa, applicants must possess a completed, signed application form, the original and a copy of their Visit Visa, copy of a valid passport or travel document. They can submit their application online, but it is advised to print out the completed application form.
Tourists must present the printed application with all documents to the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi. Within a few days, they will receive an email regarding the status and results of the Visit Visa extension.
Kenya Tourist Visa FAQ
Kenyan tourist visas can be applied for and obtained electronically through their online eCitizen portal. Applicants can visit the online portal, create an account, complete the visa application form, pay the processing fee, and receive a decision.
The fees for Kenyan tourist visas will vary depending on the type of tourist visa. The fees range between $51 and $161.
Kenyan tourist visa types require a passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months and contains at least one blank page. Applicants must also have a recent, clear personal photograph. Tourists might also need to submit their return air ticket and a hotel booking.
Kenyan tourist visas applied for online are processed within 2 working days or 48 hours. Referred tourist visa applications from Category 3 nationalities will be processed within 10 days.
