This is a guide on how to apply for a Kenyan e-Visa. Five years ago, the Kenyan Department of Immigration Services launched evisa.go.ke which allows visitors to apply for the Republic of Kenya evisa online without having to visit a Kenyan diplomatic mission or obtain the visa on arrival. e Visa is an authorization document issued in PDF format which allows visitors to travel to a Kenyan entry point. The e-visa should be presented to an immigration officer at any point of entry who then grants the right to enter The Republic of Kenya by stamping the holder’s passport.
An evisa to Kenya once issued is valid for 3 months before you travel. Once you present yourself to immigration control at the port of entry, you may be issued with a stay period not exceeding 90 days, which may be renewed for a further 90 days at the immigration headquarters. The maximum number of days a visitor may stay in Kenya is 6 months.
How to Obtain a Kenyan e Visa
All applications for VISA to The Republic of Kenya will be done electronically on www.evisa.go.ke.
Requirements For the application of an e Visa
1. Valid travel document not less than six months.
2. At least One Blank page in the holder’s passport.
3. A Return ticket.
4. Travel itinerary
5. Supporting letter e.g. letter from company or Invitation letter for business visits/family visits.
6. Hotel bookings/details about places to visit if going as a tourist.
Application steps
1. Click register on www.ecitizen.go.ke.
2. Select Register as a Visitor
3. Once Logged in, Select Department of Immigration Services.
4. Select Submit Application.
5. Select Kenyan Visa.
6. Select the type of Visa and read the Instructions Carefully.
7. Fill in the application form.
8. Pay Using visa card, Mastercard, and other debit cards.
9. Await approval via email, then download and print the eVisa from your eCitizen account.
10. Present your printed eVisa to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Types of Visas in Kenya
1. Single Entry Visa
Issued for a single entry to persons whose nationalities require a visa to enter Kenya either for business, tourism or medical.
Requirements For the application of a single Kenyan Entry Visa
1. Valid travel document not less than six months.
2. At least One Blank page in the holder’s passport.
3. A Return ticket.
4. Travel itinerary
5. Supporting letter e.g. letter from company or Invitation letter for business visits/family visits.
6. Hotel bookings/details about places to visit if going as a tourist.
2. Transit Visa
Issued to persons connecting through Kenya to other destinations for a period not exceeding 72 hours. Those connecting flights directly without leaving the airport don’t need to apply for Transit visas.
Requirements For the application of a Kenyan Transit Visa
- An onward ticket for a transit visa
Kenya e Visa Charges
| Visa Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Single entry visa | $51 |
| Transit visa | $21 |
N/B
- All e Visa applications attract a 1 USD service charge and card handling fee will be surcharged.
- The Kenyan e-Visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issue
How long does it take to get an E visa for Kenya?
- A Kenyan e VIsa can be issued in as little as 2-3 business days (Monday – Friday)
Check out countries eligible for a Kenyan eVisa here.
