What is eVisa to Kenya
Kenya eVisa is an electronic visa that the Kenyan Government decided to introduce in 2005. Since that time, eligible travelers can obtain a visa online if they wish to travel to Kenta for short-term purposes related to leisure, business, or tourism.
Kenya offers eVisa in three different types – depending on the selected travel purpose. Nationals of the countries eligible for the Kenyan online visa simply need to fill out a short online form and cover the processing fee to finally receive the approved document straight to their email inboxes.
The eVisa for Kenya is issued as a one-entry visa remaining valid for 3 months from the date of issue and enabling staying in the country for up to 3 months as well. Applicants need to cover the service fee of 99 Euro, or 149 Euro if they decide to apply for the multiple-entry East Africa Visa (for entry to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda).
Do remember to apply for your Kenya eVisa at least 3 business days before the date of your planned trip to receive your visa delivered on time!
Types of Kenya eVisa
Following, there are all different types of eVisa available for Kenya:
- Tourist eVisa: a perfect solution for tourism-related activities or family/friend reunions; a visa stays effective for 90 days and entitles to one 90-day stay.
- Business eVisa: a visa dedicated to business travelers who plan to conduct business duties in Kenya; it stays effective for 90 days from the date of issue and enables one 90-day visit to Kenya.
- Transit eVisa: a visa serving exclusively the purpose of transit through Kenya before reaching the final destination; the visa remains valid for 72 hours from the date of the planned entry to Kenya.
- East Africa eVisa: a perfect visa for those who apart from Kenya wish to visit Rwanda and Uganda; this multiple-entry visa enables entering all these three countries for tourism-related purposes; it remains valid for 3 months.
Important note: A single-entry Kenya eVisa allows re-entering Kenya from Tanzania or Uganda. Nevertheless, if you plan to re-enter the Kenyan territory from any other country, you will have to apply for a new eVisa.
eVisa to Kenya requirements
There are two basic documents that must be uploaded no matter the type of Kenyan eVisa you apply for. These documents are:
- a digital copy of a bio-data passport page
- face photo (pictures taken with a phone or PC camera are acceptable)
Additional documents
There are certain supporting documents that must be provided apart from the valid passport and face photo for a particular Kenya eVisa type:
East Africa Tourist Visa
- return ticket
- hotel booking confirmation
Business eVisa
- applicant’s company registration certificate
- Kenyan ID of the representative or inviter
- staff ID of the representative or inviter
- bio-data passport page copy of the representative or inviter
- immigration status page of the passport of the representative or inviter
TIP: If your travel reason is participation in a business meeting, event, seminar, or conference in Kenya, you should consider applying for a Kenyan tourist eVisa. This way, you will avoid the need to provide all the supporting documents required.
Transit eVisa
- hotel booking confirmation
- return ticket
- onward ticket
eVisa Kenya application form
Start by selecting the proper eVisa type that will cover your traveling needs and prepare all the necessary documents required for the selected visa. Next, click the ‘Apply Online’ button and simply follow three steps left:
- Fill out the application form: enter all the required details, double-check them for errors and upload the necessary supporting documents.
- Pay the processing fee: use one of the available methods of online payment and cover the service fee.
- Check your email inbox: just after settling the payment, check your email inbox for the confirmation message.
Your approved eVisa will be also delivered straight into your email inbox. Do remember to print it out and show it during the border control upon your arrival in Kenya!m
eVisa Kenya validity
The Kenya eVisa validity depends on the type of selected visa. Both tourist and business electronic visas are single-entry permits and remain valid for 90 days. Moreover, the permitted duration of stay in Kenya is also 90 days and an eVisa holder must leave Kenya by the last day of their visa’s validity period.
The transit eVisa is valid for 72 hours from the intended date of arrival in Kenya, so your transit stop cannot exceed 3 days.
Additionally, if you decide to apply for the East Africa eVisa, you can use it for numerous trips to and within Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya within a 90-day validity period.
Who needs an eVisa to Kenya
Nationals of all the countries outside Kenya who are not visa-exempt do need a visa to enter Kenya.
Citizens whose nationality is listed as eligible for an eVisa can enjoy a fast and intuitive entirely online application that eliminates embassy visits.
Note! Children younger than 16 years of age do not need to have a visa to enter Kenya!
List of eligible countries
Before you decide to apply for a Kenyan eVisa, check whether your nationality is eligible for online application:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Angola
- Antigua and Bermuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Columbia
- Comoros
- Congo
- Congo Democratic Republic
- Costa Rica
- Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- East Timor
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- French Guyana
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Greenland
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Haiti
- Herzegovina
- Honduras
- Hong Kong SAR
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kirghizstan
- Korea, North (DPR)
- Korea, South
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldavia
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestinian Territories
- Pacific Isles
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Russia
- Saint Christopher Cape
- Salvador
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Somalia
- Southern Sudan
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Timor East
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- UAE
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- USA
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Should your nationality is not included on the above list, it means you are not eligible for Kenya eVisa. Ineligible applicants need to apply for a visa at the nearest Kenyan Embassy.
Kenyan entry points recognizing eVisa
Please note that entering Kenya with eVisa is possible only through certain entry points. Below, you will find the complete list of entry points accepting electronic visas:
Seaports
- Busia
- Kilindini Seaport
- Kisumu
- Kuinga
- Lamu
- Malindi
- Mbita
- Muhuru Bay
- Old Port
- Shimoni
- Vanga
Airports
- ELDORET International Airport
- GARISSA Airport
- JOMO KENYATTA airport – Nairobi
- KISUMU Airport
- LAMU Airport
- LOKICHOGIO Airport
- MALINDI Airport
- MOI Airport – Mombasa
- WAJIR International Airport
- WILSON Airport – Nairobi
Border crossings
- Busia
- Isebania
- Liboi
- Loitokitok
- Lungalunga
- Malaba
- Mandera
- Moyale
- Nadapal
- Namanga
- Taveta
Transit Information
Transiting through Kenya like any other travel purpose requires having a valid visa. If you are eligible for an eVisa, you can apply for a transit electronic visa and use it for a transit stop in Kenya that will not exceed 72 hours.
Important: If you only take a connecting flight in Kenya and you will not be leaving the transit airport zone, you do not need to have a transit visa.
FAQ
When will I receive an eVisa to Kenya?
Once your Kenya eVisa is approved, the email containing your document in a PDF file will arrive in your email inbox. It may take around 3 business days. Please note that your waiting time may extend if some corrections are required to be made in your application form. Double-check all the information entered to ensure a smooth application process.
Do I need to print a Kenya eVisa?
Yes, you need to print your eVisa and present its physical copy when crossing the Kenyan borders.
What if my eVisa to Kenya is not approved?
Should you receive the Kenya eVisa rejection, do not hesitate to contact our support team immediately. We will try to find a solution to link you with your visa on time before your trip.
How long can I stay in Kenya with an eVisa?
With all Kenyan eVisas, one can stay in the country for up to 90 days within the visa’s validity period (except for a transit eVisa, which stays effective for 72 hours).
What is the validity of the Kenya eVisa?
Tourist, business, and East Africa eVisas are issued for 90 days. The validity starts on the date of issue. The transit eVisa remains valid only for 72 hours so the transit in Kenya cannot be longer than 3 days.
Do children need an eVisa for Kenya?
Travelers younger than 16 are exempted from Kenya eVisa requirements. However, all underage visitors must possess a valid passport to enter Kenya.
What must I have to apply for an eVisa Kenya?
The documents that you will need to prepare may differ depending on the selected eVisa type. Nevertheless, for all types of Kenyan eVisa, you will have to provide your passport’s bio-data page and your face photo. For more information about supporting documents, check the ‘Kenya eVisa requirements’ section.
What is the processing time for an eVisa Kenya?
It may take up to a few days to receive your Kenya eVisa approval. Please note that your waiting time is at the total discretion of the Kenyan Government – most often it takes up to 3 business days providing that no corrections need to be made in your eVisa application.