How to Apply for Kenya eVisa Online

Looking to visit Kenya and need to apply for an eVisa? Learn how to apply for Kenya Visa online, including required documents, photo specifications, and processing times. Get started today and simplify your travel planning with our guide to Kenya eVisa applications.

Kenya requires visitors from most countries to obtain a visa to enter the country. There are different types of visas available, including:

• Tourist Visa for visitors coming to Kenya for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends and family.
• Business Visa for visitors coming to Kenya for business reasons, like attending a conference, meeting with clients, or exploring potential investment opportunities.
• Transit Visa for visitors who are passing through Kenya to another destination and will not stay in Kenya for more than 72 hours.

If you plan to visit Kenya anytime soon, here’s everything you need to know about visa, application, timeline, etc. You can also check out our Kenya travel guide that provides further details about destinations, accommodation, and travel tips

Where Can I get an eVisa for Kenya?

You can apply for a Kenya visa online through the official eVisa Kenya portal. Here are the steps to apply for an eVisa:

• Visit eCitizen.go.ke, the official eVisa website for Kenya.
• Create an account.
• Log in and select “Department of Immigration Services“, and click on “Submit Application.”
• Choose your visa type, whether tourist, business, or transit visa.
• Fill in the online application form with the necessary information, including your personal information, passport information, and travel details.
• Upload supporting documents, including a copy of your passport or an invitation letter.
• Pay for the visa online using a credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on the visa type and your stay duration.
• Wait for approval. After your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your eVisa via email. Print out a copy of your eVisa and carry it with you when you travel to Kenya.

Note that other websites claim to offer eVisa services for Kenya. But it’s recommended that you only apply through the official eVisa Kenya portal to avoid any potential scams or issues with your application. Also, the processing times vary from one application to the next, so it’s a good idea to apply for your eVisa at least 7 days before your intended travel date.

Which is the Official Kenya eVisa Website

The official website to apply for an eVisa to Kenya is http://evisa.go.ke/ (you can access it through the government’s eCitizen platform). This is the only official website authorized by the Government of Kenya for online visa applications. It is important to be careful when applying for a visa online and only use the official website to avoid scams and potential fraud.

Who is Eligible for a Kenya eVisa

Passport holders traveling to Kenya are divided into 3 categories.

Category 1: Nationals and Persons who do not require visas to enter Kenya

This category includes citizens of certain countries exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Kenya for tourism or business purposes. These countries (nationalities that can enter Kenya without a visa) include, but are not limited to:

Bahamas	Cyprus (category 2)	Malawi	Maldives	San Marino	Tuvalu
Barbados	Darussalam	Malaysia (For less than 30 days stay)	Mauritius	Seychelles	Uganda
Botswana	Dominica	Saint Vincent & the Grenadines	Mozambique	Sierra Leone	Vanuatu
Brunei	Ethiopia	Papua New Guinea	Namibia	Singapore	Zambia
Burundi	Fiji	South Africa – category 2 (For less than 30 days stay)	Nauru	South Sudan	Zimbabwe
Ghana	Gambia	Trinidad & Tobago	Rwanda	Swaziland
Grenada	Kiribati	St Kitts & Nevis	St Lucia	Tanzania
Jamaica	Lesotho	Solomon Islands	Samoa	Tonga

 

Category 2: Nationals and Persons who require visas to enter Kenya

This category includes passport holders from countries who require a visa to enter Kenya, regardless of the purpose of their visit. Nationals from this category can obtain an eVisa within 48 hours. Category 2 includes citizens from:

Albania	Bangladesh	Cambodia	Congo {Brazzaville}	Ecuador	Germany	Hungary
Algeria	Belarus	Cameroon	Congo {Democratic Rep}	Egypt	Greece	Iceland
Andorra	Belgium	Canada	Costa Rica	El Salvador	Greenland	India
Angola	Benin	Cape Verde	Croatia	Equatorial Guinea	Guatemala	Indonesia
Antigua and Bermuda	Bhutan	Central African Rep	Cuba	Eritrea (category 1)	Guinea	Iran
Argentina	Bolivia	Chad	Czech Republic	Estonia	Guinea-Bissau	Iraq
Australia	Bosnia Herzegovina	Chile	Denmark	Finland	Guyana	Ireland {Republic}
Austria	Brazil	China {P.R}	Djibouti	France	Haiti	Israel
Azerbaijan	Bulgaria	Colombia	Dominican Republic	Gabon	Honduras	Italy
Bahrain	Burkina Faso	Comoros	East Timor	Georgia	Hong Kong {SAR}	Ivory Coast
Japan	Liberia	Marshall Islands	Nepal	Palau	Russian Federation	Sri Lanka
Jordan	Liechtenstein	Mauritania	Netherlands	Panama	Salvador	Sudan
Kampuchea	Lithuania	Mexico	New Zealand	Paraguay	Saint Christopher Cape	Suriname
Kazakhstan	Luxembourg	Micronesia	Nicaragua	Peru	Sao Tome & Principe	Sweden
Kirghizistan	Macedonia	Moldova	Niger	Philippines	Saudi Arabia	Switzerland
Korea South	Macau {SAR}	Monaco	Nigeria	Poland	Senegal	Taiwan
Kosovo	Madagascar	Mongolia	Norway	Portugal	Serbia	Thailand
Kuwait	Malagasy	Montenegro	Oman	Qatar	Slovakia	Togo
Laos	Mali	Morocco	Pacific Isles	Reunion	Slovenia	Tunisia
Latvia	Malta	Myanmar {Burma}	Pakistan	Romania	Spain	Turkey
Turkmenistan	United Kingdom	Uruguay	Vatican City	Vietnam	Yugoslavia and former States of Yugoslavia	United Arab Emirates
Ukraine	United States	Uzbekistan	Venezuela	Western Sahara

Category 3: Countries and Persons who require referred visas

This category includes passport holders from certain countries who require a referred visa, which is a type of visa that is referred to the Kenyan immigration authorities for approval. The processing time for a referred visa is longer, typically taking up to 10 working days. Category 3 includes citizens from:

Afghanistan	Democratic People’s Republic of Korea North	Lebanon	Libya	Somalia	Palestine
Armenia	Stateless	Tajikistan	Syria	Yemen

 

 What are the Requirements for a Kenyan Visa?

The specific requirements for a Kenyan visa may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. However, here are some general requirements for most types of Kenyan visas:

• A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry into Kenya.
• At least one blank page in your passport
• A completed online visa application form and payment of the visa fee.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• A return ticket or evidence of onward travel.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kenya.
• Proof of hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from the host in Kenya
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re coming from or transitioning through certain countries.
• Meet COVID-19 requirements (which include vaccination certificate, test on arrival or test within 72 hours of traveling).

Moreover, there may be additional requirements for specific types of visas. For example, if you are applying for a work visa, you may need to provide a letter from your employer in Kenya. If you are applying for a student visa, you may need to provide evidence of enrollment in a Kenyan educational institution. Double-check these requirements to avoid complications and errors on your application form.

How Long Does it Take for Kenya eVisa to be Approved?

How long it takes to process a Kenyan eVisa depends on the category of the traveler. Applications for Category 2 travelers take about 48 hours to process, while Category 3 takes up to 10 days.

eVisa allows for a stay of up to 90 days, so it’s a good idea not to apply too far ahead of your trip. If you’re concerned about processing time, try to apply at least 7 days before your travel date.

What Documents do you need for a Visa to Kenya?

You will be asked to attach the following documents in Word, JPG or PDF formats:

• Scanned copy of the biographical page of your current passport – colored
• Passport-style photo

Documents Required for Family Visit eVisa

• Invitation letter from hosting family
• ID card/alien card/passport or entry permit of the host

Documents required for a Kenya Business eVisa

• Invitation letter from company or business
• Copy of company registration

Documents required for a Kenya Tourist eVisa

• Accommodation or hotel

Kenya eVisa Photo Requirements

The Kenya Visa photograph should meet the following size requirements:

• The photograph must be a recent color passport-style photograph.
• The photograph should have a white background.
• The photograph must be in JPEG format.
• The size of the photograph should not exceed 200 kilobytes.
• Must be taken with normal street attire.
• The photograph’s dimensions must be 2 by 2 inches.
• Your head should be centered in the frame, facing forward, and with your face and shoulders fully visible.
• Religious headgear is permitted.
• If you normally wear a hearing device, prescription glasses, wig, etc., wear them for your picture.

It is important to ensure that the photograph meets these specifications to avoid delays or issues with the visa application process.

Do I Need to Print my eVisa?

Once you complete your online visa application, you will receive your Kenyan eVisa via email. you’ll need to print a hard copy of the eVisa before you travel and bring it to your entry point. It’s also crucial to keep a copy of the valid visa throughout your stay in Kenya, just in case you need to show it.

Does Kenya Have a Visa on Arrival?

No. Kenya doesn’t have a visa on arrival. Starting January 1, 2021, all foreigners must apply for a Kenya eVisa online. Previously, some passport holders would get a visa on arrival in Kenya, but that is no longer an option. Kenya Electronic Visa Application System is a fast, safe and convenient way to apply for a visa. It takes the stress out of the process.

How much is Kenya eVisa Application?

The Kenyan visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa. Here’s a look at different types of visas and their costs. All eVisa applications attract a 1 USD service charge, and a card handling fee will be surcharged.

Single Entry Visa

You’re granted this type of visa when your nationality requires a visa to enter Kenya for tourism, business or other reasons. The eVisa cost for a single entry visa is $51.

Transit Visa

You need a transit visa if you connect through Kenya to other countries for not more than 72 hours. But you don’t need to apply for a transit visa if you’re connecting flights directly and won’t be leaving the airport. The eVisa cost for a transit visa is $51

Courtesy Visa

A courtesy visa is granted to official, service, and diplomatic passport holders visiting Kenya or transitioning through Kenya to other dimensions for official duties. Courtesy Visa is issued for free, otherwise referred to as gratis.

East African Tourist Visa

You’ll get this Joint Tourist Visa when traveling to and within Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for tourism. But your point of entry should be Kenya. The eVisa cost for an East African Tourist visa is $101.

Multiple Entry Visa

You’ll need this visa if you frequent Kenya and your nationality requires a visa to enter the country for medical, business, tourism or other reasons. This visa takes 10 working days to process and needs endorsement, which is done at the nearest Kenya Mission Abroad or Nyayo House, Room 30 (7th floor). The eVisa cost for a multiple-entry visa is $101. You’ll also pay a $10 processing fee. This visa is valid for 6-12 months from the issued date.

5 Year Multiple Entry Visa

The 5-year multiple entry visa is given to US citizens who require a visa to enter Kenya for tourism or business. It has a similar processing time and requirements as a multiple-entry visa but remains valid for 5 years from the issued date. The eVisa cost for a 5-year multiple-entry visa is $161

Why My Kenya eVisa was declined?

It can be frustrating to have your eVisa application declined. However, the good news is that a decline does not always mean denial. Here are some reasons why your Kenya eVisa was declined.

• Your application contains incomplete or inaccurate information.
• You do not meet the eligibility requirements, such as having a valid passport and providing proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
• Your country is experiencing a temporary suspension of visas or other travel restrictions due to political or health-related reasons.

It is advisable to review the reason for the denial and contact the relevant authorities or customer support for clarification. You can also appeal the decision with additional documentation or evidence.

What is Kenya eVisa Invitation Letter?

A Kenya eVisa invitation letter is a document that is sometimes required as part of the application process for a Kenya eVisa. It is a letter from a host or sponsor in Kenya inviting the applicant to visit the country for a specific purpose, such as business or tourism. The invitation letter typically includes the following:

• The host’s name.
• Address.
• Contact information.
• Details about the purpose of the visit.
• The dates of the trip.
• Any other relevant information.

It is important to note that not all applicants require an invitation letter for a Kenya eVisa. The specific requirements for the invitation letter can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the purpose of the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a visa?

You can apply for your Kenya eVisa online via the www.evisa.go.ke website. Sign up, complete the visa application form, and pay the specified visa fee using Equity cash, KCB cash or Visa/MasterCard.

How do I apply Kenya visa for a minor? 

You can apply Kenya visa for a minor online through the official website www.evisa.go.ke. If you are nationality in Category 2, you won’t need to pay a visa fee for children below 16 years.

How do I make payment for Kenya eVisa?

In the payment section, select your preferred payment method, which is either Visa/MasterCard, Equity cash or KCB cash.

How do I check for my Kenya visa status? 

Sign in to your eVisa account to track the status of your visa application.

How do I get my visa?

Log in to your eVisa account, and download and print your visa. But you’ll also receive the visa printout in the email address you used to create your eVisa account.