All About the Kenya Visa

Kenya offers several visa options for international travellers. For short-term visits, the Kenya eVisa (introduced in 2015, now known as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)) has been the most convenient option, allowing eligible travellers to apply entirely online and receive their approval electronically.

It permits stays of up to 90 days, with a possible one-time extension subject to approval by Kenyan immigration authorities and covers purposes such as tourism, business visits, transit, medical travel, and visiting family or friends, with validity ranging from 90 days to 1 year for single or multiple entries, depending on the selected authorisation type. Longer stays require a regular visa, which must be obtained through a Kenyan embassy or consulate.

Do You Need an Embassy or Consulate for a Kenya Visa or an Online Visa?

Long-term stays or specific visa categories require a regular visa application through a Kenyan embassy or consulate. Applicants whose nationality does not qualify for an online visa must also apply through the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.

Eligible Nations for Kenya Online Visa

The Kenya eVisa is available to citizens of a wide range of eligible countries. To confirm your eligibility for the Kenya Online Visa, please refer to the Countries Eligible for Kenya eTA page.

Categories of Kenyan Online Visas

Kenya provides a range of visa options tailored to travellers' specific purposes of visit. The following categories encompass the diverse types of Kenya visas available:

Kenya Tourist Visa

The Kenya Tourist Visa is issued for tourism-related travel, including holidays, sightseeing, and recreational visits.

Kenya Business Visa

The Kenya Business Visa allows travellers to enter Kenya for business meetings, conferences, and commercial activities. The Kenya Business Visa does not allow paid employment or hands-on work.

Kenya Transit Visa

The Kenya Transit Visa is for travellers in transit through Kenya en route to their final destination.

Kenya Single Entry Visa

The Kenya Single Entry Visa grants a one-time entry into Kenya for the stipulated duration indicated on the visa.

Kenya Multiple Entry Visa

The Kenya Multiple Entry Visa is specifically designed for individuals who frequently travel to Kenya.

Kenya East Africa Tourist Visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a collaborative visa issued to individuals aiming to engage in tourism across Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. This visa enables travel to all three countries using a single visa, with Kenya being the initial point of entry.

Kenya Courtesy Visa

The Kenya Courtesy Visa is a distinctive visa category for individuals holding Diplomatic, Official, or Service passports who are either conducting official duties in Kenya or transiting through the country for official purposes.

Documents Required for Kenya Visa Application Process

The documents required for the Kenya online Visa application include:

1. Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry and have at least 1 blank page.
2. Passport-size photograph: A recent colour photograph showing the applicant’s face clearly and unobstructed.
3. Accommodation details: Information about where you will stay in Kenya, such as a hotel booking or host address.
4. Travel itinerary: Details of your planned travel dates, entry and exit points, and movement within Kenya.
5. Credit/debit card: A valid card used to pay the visa or eTA application fee online.

More documents will be required depending on the selected travel purpose. For detailed information, please refer to the Kenya Online Visa Requirement webpage.

How to Apply for the Kenya Online Visa?

The application process is entirely online:

Step 1: Complete and submit the application form:
Fill in the Kenya Online Visa Application form with accurate passport and travel details, then upload the required documents.

Step 2: Pay the fee:
Pay the applicable visa fee securely online using a valid credit or debit card.

Step 3: Receive the online visa:
Once approved, the Kenya Online Visa will be issued electronically and sent to your email for download and printing.

Processing and Fee for Kenya Online Visa

The Kenya Online Visa offers multiple processing options, including Normal, Rush, and Super Rush, allowing applicants to choose based on urgency.

Kenya Visa Fees and processing times vary according to the selected processing speed and are payable securely during the online application process.

Kenya eTA Sample

Arrival Procedure

1. Remember to print at least one copy of the approved eVisa to present upon your arrival.
2. Carry the same passport that was used for the Kenya eVisa application.
3. It is advised to possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses throughout your stay in Kenya.
4. Carry evidence of your return or onward travel plans, such as an airline ticket.
5. Ensure you have proof of your hotel reservations in Kenya.

Understanding the Difference between the Kenya Online Visa and a Sticker Visa

Top Attractions and Places to Explore in Kenya in 2026

Kenya is renowned for its extraordinary diversity of landscapes and experiences, from world-famous wildlife reserves and scenic savannahs to pristine beaches and vibrant cities, offering visitors iconic national parks, cultural heritage sites, coastal destinations, and urban landmarks that reflect the country’s rich natural and cultural appeal making these your top places to explore in Kenya in 2026 for adventure, relaxation, or sightseeing.

FAQs

What should I do if my Kenya eVisa application is rejected?
If your Kenya Online Visa application is rejected, you have a few options. You can correct the issues that led to the rejection and reapply. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate in your home country.

Do children need a Kenya eTA or visa?
Yes. All travellers, including minors, are required to have their own approved Kenya eTA or visa, unless specifically exempted by Kenyan immigration policy.

Will I receive a physical visa sticker with the eTA?
No. The Kenya eTA is issued electronically and sent by email. No physical sticker is placed in the passport.

Can I re-enter Kenya after exiting during the validity period?
Re-entry is permitted only if a multiple-entry authorisation was issued. Single-entry approvals allow one entry only.