Since January 2021, the Kenyan government has facilitated the process of obtaining an entry permit to Kenya by introducing the electronic visa system.
What is eVisa to Kenya?
eVisa to Kenya is an electronic entry permit granted to eligible foreign citizens who intend to visit Kenya for transit purposes, tourism, business, family reunions, etc. There is a list of eligible countries whose citizens can apply for eVisa and travel to Kenya with the electronic permit.
Applicants need to submit an online visa form at least 3 business days before their planned entry to Kenya. The electronic visa in a PDF form is delivered to the applicant’s email address once the application is processed positively.
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How to apply for eVisa to Kenya?
Click the ‘Online application form’ button and check it yourself that obtaining a visa authorization has never been this easy! You are only 3 steps away from getting your visa: enter your personal and travel details, pay eVisa fee, and check your email inbox. As simple as that!
Apply online
Enter your passport data and other necessary information
Make an online payment
Choose one of the available online payment options and cover the fee
Check your email address
As soon as your request has been positively processed, e-visa in a PDF file will reach your inbox
Kenya eVisa Types
The Kenyan government issues different kinds of eVisas for a short-term stay that are single-entry permits. Irrespective of which type of short-stay eVisa you apply for, you will be allowed to enter and exit from Kenya for one time during the visa validity period. Here are different kinds of eVisas available for foreign citizens:
Tourist eVisa
Tourist eVisa is issued for stay up to 90 days. The validity of the tourist visa is also 90 days, and you can explore Kenya within 90 days from the date of issuance.
Business eVisa
Business travelers can visit Kenya for business purposes or perform work-related activities, but not take up employment per se. Business eVisa is also valid for 90 days and allows you to stay for consecutive 90 days. Business eVisa is also issued as a single-entry permit.
Transit eVisa
It allows travelers to transit through the Republic of Kenya on their way to another country. eVisa for transit reasons is valid for 72 hours from the day of your expected arrival in Kenya.
There is also one more type of Kenyan e-visa, which is a multiple-entry permit:
East Africa Tourist Visa
East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint initiative of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda to promote tourism in the region. You will be issued East Africa Visa Sticker at the time of entry in Kenya. The East Africa visa allows you to travel around the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Uganda, and Rwanda. This eVisa is a multiple-entry authorization with a validity of 90 days.
eVisa To Kenya Validity
The validity of your eVisa to Kenya will depend on the type of visa you have. Here is the validity period for different short stay eVisas offered by the Kenyan government:
Business and tourist e-visas have validity up to 90 days from the issuance date.
The transit e-visa is valid for three days from the date of your expected arrival in Kenya.
The East African e-visa has a validity of 90 days from the issuance date and permits several entries to the three countries (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda).
eVisa To Kenya Requirements
The process of eVisa application has been simplified to a great extent. However, the applicants are required to fulfill the following requirements before starting the application for eVisa to Kenya:
Have a valid passport exceeding 6-month validity period.
Depending on the selected type of evisa, you will need to submit different documents. They were described in the section called Required Documents.
The passport must have at least two blank pages for exit and entry stamping in Kenya.
You need to be an active email address user for receiving eVisa in a PDF format.
A valid debit/credit card or any other online payment option available in the online form) with enough funds to cover the visa fee.
A working electronic device, e.g. tablet, PC, laptop, etc. and internet access.
What do I need ? Necessary documents:
Passport Provide your passport data required in the application form.
Credit Card Prepare your credit card to pay e-Visa fee.
Email Address Enter your active email address.
Application Form and Required Documents
You are saved from the hassle of visiting the embassy to submit documents, physical interview and collecting your visa in person. The process of eVisa issuance is very simple and quick. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a stable internet connection. It is just a matter of minutes to complete your application form and upload the required documents.
Here is the detail of the application process and steps involved:
Go to the application button and select one e-visa type you wish to obtain. Enter all required data in an online form and upload supporting documents.
Make the payment for visa processing fees using any of the online payments available in an online form.
You will receive updates about your visa application and its progress to the email provided in the application. You should also download the PDF e-visa version once it arrives.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Bio-data page of your valid passport (digitally scanned)
Your face photo
Copy of company registration certificate for business eVisa
Your hotel reservations and return tickets for tourist eVisa and East African Tourist eVisa.
Kenyan ID of the inviter, passport bio-data page of the inviter, and immigration status of inviter for business eVisa
Documents to be checked upon your arrival
When you arrive at the border of Kenya, the immigration officer will require the following documents from you:
Your valid passport
Hard printed copy of eVisa
Important information
Useful information about eVisa to Kenya
You can apply for an extension of your Kenyan eVisa if your trip is still ongoing. You will need to contact the Immigration Department in Nairobi, Kenya. The extension entails an additional fee.
The minor people below the age of 17 do not need to apply for eVisa to Kenya. However, all of them still need to have a valid passport.
eVisa to Kenya is a short-stay visa and doesn’t allow you to take up any form of employment in Kenya. Electronic visa to Kenya applies only to tourism, business, or transit purposes.
You can enter Kenya through another border crossing point than the one that you indicated in your visa application. Nevertheless, it must be the crossing point that recognizes electronic visas.
Please remember that all visitors need to have a passport with at least 6-month validity starting from the entry date they wish to enter Kenya. Moreover, any change of its data or the passport expiration immediately results in e-visa invalidity.
