Do you need a visa to visit Kenya?

Do you need a visa to visit Kenya?

Do you need a visa to visit Kenya?: Before you book that dream safari in the Masai Mara, start planning beach time in Mombasa or figure out which cool bar in Nairobi you want to enjoy a cold beer in, make sure you have your visa to visit Kenya.

The good news is that a tourist visa for Kenya is easy to obtain for many nationalities, and most are issued quickly after an online application. Read on to find out all about applying for a visa in Kenya, including costs, what documents you need and which countries require a visa.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Do you need a visa to visit Kenya?: Most nationalities (known as category 2) can apply for an eVisa online before arriving in Kenya. Some nationalities are exempt and fall under category 1, and a small number of category 3 nationalities require referred visas, which means a trip to the local Kenyan embassy before arrival.

Who can visit Kenya without a visa?

Many nationalities do not need a visa to enter Kenya. See the full official eligibility list, which includes some Caribbean and African countries such as Cyprus, Fiji and Singapore. Travelers under the age of 16 are often exempt, but check directly for requirements relating to your nationality and specific visa.

How can I apply for a Kenyan tourist visa?

Apply for a tourist visa via Kenya’s official e Visa website. Create an account with a username and password, and keep it handy as you can log in to view the status of your application. Tourist visa applicants are asked to provide their travel itinerary, and you’ll need to upload a recent color photo taken within the last six months.

Give yourself plenty of time before you travel to complete the application, as you may need to provide details of where you’re staying. Although the website states that visas are issued within 48 hours, we recommend that you give yourself a buffer. After submission, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information about their stay or hosts.

The visa service states that you will receive e-mail confirmation of your application or payment, but this is not always the case. But don’t panic if you don’t receive anything by e-mail. Instead, log in with your username and password to check the status of your visa. You can also visit the dedicated Check eVisa portal.
When your visa is issued, print out a few copies (one in color) to take with you, and download the PDF to have a digital copy saved on your phone.

How much does a tourist visa for Kenya cost?

Do you need a visa to visit Kenya?: The standard visa is the single-entry visa, which costs 51 US dollars. All online payments are made in US dollars. You can use it to enter Kenya once for business, tourism, medical or other reasons. The validity period of the single-entry visa is three months from the date of issuance.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and you must have a return ticket.
Kenya also offers a multiple-entry visa for €101, which is great if you plan at least two trips to Kenya per year. It is valid from 3 to 12 months from the date of issue. Multiple-entry visas sometimes require more paperwork, so some travelers prefer to apply for the single-entry visa every time, but Kenya’s visa service is getting better and faster online.

Is a transit visa available for short-term stays in Kenya?

If you’re in Kenya for less than 72 hours and want to leave the airport, you don’t need a full visa. You can apply for a transit visa instead, which costs €21. If your flight is a direct connection and you’re not leaving the airport, you don’t need a visa for Kenya at all.

Can I extend my visa to stay longer in Kenya?

You can extend your 90-day visa by applying for a visitor’s pass extension via the Department of Immigration Services. Create an account and after submitting your application, print the form, sign it and bring it to the immigration counter at Nyayo House in Nairobi for processing, along with your passport and original visa document.

Does Kenya offer a working vacation visa?

Kenya does not have a working vacation visa. Instead, you will need a work permit from the Department of Immigration Services. It is illegal for any foreigner without a valid work permit to be employed in Kenya, including volunteering and self-employment. If you are considering volunteering or doing an internship or other work placement, ask the host organization or company for advice on the appropriate work permit.

A tourist visa for East Africa is an option

Do you need a visa to visit Kenya?: The East Africa tourist visa is a practical option if you plan to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. This multi-country tourist visa costs €101 and is valid for three months from the date of issue. You can apply online. Once issued, print your eVisa to show to immigration officers at your first point of entry, where you will receive an East Africa visa sticker for your stay.