Kenya, situated in East Africa, is a popular destination known for its captivating safaris, stunning beaches, rich culture, and welcoming locals. If you’re planning to visit, understanding the visa requirements is crucial. Here’s a straightforward guide to obtaining a visa for Kenya.
Who Needs a Visa for Kenya?
Citizens from specific countries can enter Kenya without a visa for up to 90 days. These countries include:
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Cyprus
- Dominica
- Eswatini
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Lesotho
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
See Also: South Africa Visa Guide: Types, Requirements, and FAQs
Other Visa Exemptions:
- Children under 16
- Transit passengers not leaving the international transit area
- British Armed Forces members
- Aircraft and ship crew members
- Private aircraft owners for refueling
How to Apply for a Kenya Visa?
Apply for a Kenya visa online (eVisa) by following these steps:
- Visit the Kenya e-Visa official page.
- Create a new account using your ID number.
- Choose the visa type.
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the fee online.
- Receive notifications on application changes.
- Download the response in PDF.
Visa Requirements:
For a Kenya visa, attach the following documents in PDF, JPG, or Microsoft Word format:
- Valid travel document (not older than six months)
- Return flight ticket
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Flight itinerary
- Accommodation proof
- Bank statement
- Travel itinerary
- Company invitation and registration (if applicable)
- Marriage or birth certificate (if applicable)
Check: Morocco Visa Guide: Types, Requirements, and Application
Duration of Kenya Visa:
Varies based on the visa type:
- Single entry: 3 months
- Transit: 24 to 72 hours
- East African tourist: 3 months
- Multiple entry: 3 to 12 months
- 5-year multiple entry: 5 years
Kenya Visa Fees:
- Single entry: $51
- Transit: $21
- East African Tourist: $101
- Multiple entry: $101
- 5-year multiple entry: $161
Payment methods: Debit cards, Credit Cards, VISA, Mastercard.
Kenya Visa Types:
- Single entry
- Transit
- Courtesy
- East African tourist
- Multiple entry
- 5-year multiple entry
Residence Permit for Kenya:
Follow these steps for a Kenya residence permit:
- Visit the Immigration Services page.
- Fill out the residence permit application.
- Attach required documents in PDF.
- Pay the fee online.
- Wait for the application result.
- Print the application and submit it to the Nairobi Immigration office.
Duration of Kenya Residence Permit: Between one to three years.
Interesting Facts About Kenya:
- Kenya has 50 national parks and reserves.
- Over 60 languages are spoken; the official languages are Kiswahili and English.
- Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa.
- Lake Turkana is one of the largest desert lakes globally.
- Harassing protected animals is illegal.
- No cars are allowed on Lamu Island.
- Kenya has stunning beaches.
- Kenyan men can marry more than one woman.
- Religion is not dictated by the government.
Note: There’s a village in Kenya where only women are allowed; it’s a unique place worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kenya Visas:
1. Who needs a visa to enter Kenya?
Citizens from specific countries require a visa. However, citizens from certain nations and those meeting specific criteria may be exempted.
2. Can I enter Kenya without a visa?
Citizens of certain countries can enter Kenya without a visa for up to 90 days. Additionally, exemptions apply for transit passengers, children under 16, and others meeting specific criteria.
3. How can I apply for a Kenya visa?
You can apply for a Kenya visa online (eVisa). Visit the official Kenya e-Visa page, create an account, select the visa type, fill out the application form, pay the fee online, and download the response in PDF.
4. What documents do I need for a Kenya visa?
Required documents include a valid travel document, return flight ticket, recent passport-sized photo, invitation letter (if applicable), flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statement, travel itinerary, and additional documents based on the visa type.
5. What is the duration of a Kenya visa?
The duration varies based on the visa type. It can range from 24 to 72 hours for a transit visa to five years for a multiple entry visa.
6. How much are the Kenya visa fees?
Visa fees depend on the type of visa. For example, a single entry visa costs $51, a transit visa is $21, an East African Tourist visa is $101, a multiple entry visa is $101, and a five-year multiple entry visa is $161.
7. What types of visas are available for Kenya?
Kenya offers various visa types, including single entry, transit, courtesy, East African tourist, multiple entry, and a 5-year multiple entry visa.
8. How can I apply for a Kenya residence permit?
To apply for a Kenya residence permit, visit the official page of the Department of Immigration Services, fill out the application form, attach required documents, pay the fee online, wait for the application result, and submit a hard copy to the Nairobi Immigration office.
9. How long is a Kenya residence permit valid?
The duration of a Kenya residence permit ranges from one to three years.
10. Are there interesting facts about Kenya?
Yes, Kenya has numerous fascinating facts, including having 50 national parks and reserves, over 60 languages spoken, Mount Kenya as the second-highest mountain in Africa, and unique cultural practices like a village where only women are allowed.
Note: Visa requirements and regulations may change, so it’s essential to check for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.