Kenya has established visa waiver agreements with numerous countries, granting their nationals the privilege of entering Kenya without a visa for brief visits. Nonetheless, individuals possessing foreign passports who do not originate from these specific countries will be required to secure a visa.
Depending on their citizenship, they might qualify for a Kenya eVisa, which can be acquired through an online application, thereby eliminating the necessity of a physical visit to a Kenyan embassy or consulate.
Kenya
Citizens of Kenya need Regular/Paper Visa to visit these Countries/Nationalities
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for citizens of Kenya
More than 40 countries are currently granted visa-free entry to Kenya. For the majority of these nationalities, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days, with the exception of South African and Malaysian passport holders who are limited to a maximum stay of 30 days.
Although these foreign individuals are not obligated to obtain a visa, it is imperative that they possess a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity upon their arrival, as this is a prerequisite for entry into the country.
However, citizens of Uganda and Rwanda can enter Kenya by simply presenting a valid national ID card.
Additionally, individuals holding diplomatic or service category passports from specific countries are exempted from the visa requirement for Kenya.
Countries such as Brazil, China, Cuba, India (diplomatic passports only), Israel, Iran, and Turkey fall within this category.
However, it's important to note that regular passport holders from these countries are not eligible for visa exemption in Kenya. The positive aspect is that individuals from all the mentioned nationalities can conveniently apply for a Kenya visa online.
According to the latest available information, citizens holding ordinary passports from the following countries are currently exempt from visa requirements when travelling to Kenya: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
In addition, Kenya has a visa waiver agreement with Mozambique and the United Arab Emirates for ordinary passport holders, but this arrangement is not yet in effect, meaning citizens of these countries currently still require a visa for travel to Kenya.
Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry to Kenya must possess an approved Kenyan visa to enter the country for any purpose. Currently, it is obligatory to apply for Kenyan visa online in advance of travel, as the option to obtain a visa upon arrival in Kenya has been discontinued.
In 2015, the government introduced the Kenya eVisa system to streamline the visa application process for travellers from over 160 countries worldwide. This online system facilitates the acquisition of a visa for various purposes, including tourism, business, transit, or medical visits to Kenya.
All foreign nationals who are not exempt from obtaining a visa for Kenya must complete an online Kenya visa application. This requirement was implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at immigration lines in border areas and to eliminate the need for applicants to physically visit an embassy or consulate for visa application.
Upon approval, the Kenya eVisa grants a maximum stay of 90 consecutive days in the country. This single-entry visa remains valid for three months from the date of issuance.
To meet the online Kenya visa requirements, you should possess the following:
Once these prerequisites are fulfilled, you can proceed to complete the Kenya eVisa form online. The application process is swift and uncomplicated, involving the provision of fundamental personal, passport, and travel details.
Additionally, providing a current email address is crucial to receive the approved eVisa. Payment of the Kenya visa fee online is mandatory, and valid credit or debit cards authorised for online transactions can be used.
For a seamless process, it is advisable to submit your Kenya eVisa application at least 7 business days before your intended entry date. This allows ample time for processing. Once you receive the approved visa via email, make sure to print a copy and present it to the border officials upon your arrival in Kenya.
Which countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Kenya?
Currently, citizens of more than 40 countries can enter Kenya without a visa for short stays. These include countries like Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
How long can citizens of visa-exempt countries stay in Kenya?
Most citizens from visa-exempt countries can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days. However, citizens of South Africa and Malaysia are limited to a maximum stay of 30 days.
Can citizens of Uganda and Rwanda enter Kenya without a visa?
Yes, citizens of Uganda and Rwanda can enter Kenya by presenting a valid national ID card.
Which travellers require a Kenyan visa for entry?
Travellers who are not eligible for visa-free entry must obtain a Kenyan visa. This includes citizens from countries not listed in the visa-exempt list.
How can non-visa-exempt travellers apply for a Kenyan visa?
Non-visa-exempt travellers need to apply for a Kenya eVisa online before their travel. The option of obtaining a visa upon arrival is no longer available.
What is the purpose of the Kenya eVisa system?
The Kenya eVisa system was introduced to simplify the visa application process for travellers from over 160 countries, including purposes such as tourism, business, transit, or medical visits.
What are the requirements for a Kenya eVisa?
To apply for a Kenya eVisa, non-exempt travellers need a passport with at least 6 months validity, a confirmed flight ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and evidence of accommodation in Kenya.
How long does it take for a Kenya eVisa to be approved?
It is recommended to submit the Kenya eVisa application at least 7 business days before the intended entry date to allow for sufficient processing time.
What should travellers do upon receiving an approved Kenya eVisa?
Once the eVisa is approved and received via email, travellers should print a copy of the eVisa to present to border officials upon arrival in Kenya.
Are there any exemptions for diplomatic or service category passport holders?
Yes, individuals holding diplomatic or service category passports from specific countries may be exempt from obtaining a visa for Kenya.
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