Kenya's e-Visa system, launched in 2015, offers a convenient and hassle-free way for eligible travelers to obtain travel authorization. The online application process takes only 5-10 minutes to complete, eliminating the need for embassy appointments.

Kenya issues various types of visas for tourism, business, medical, family visits, and courtesy purposes, each with different validity, fees, and document requirements.

Types of Kenya Visa

Nationals of countries that require a visa to enter Kenya can choose from the following types of visas:

1. Kenya Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Kenya to another destination.

2. Kenya Single Entry Visa: For individuals visiting Kenya for tourism, business, or family visits with a single entry.

3. Kenya Business e-Visa: Specifically for individuals traveling to Kenya for business purposes.

4. Kenya Courtesy Entry Visa: For diplomats and officials traveling on official duties or with official invitations.

5. Kenya East African Tourist Visa: Allows multiple entries to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for tourism purposes.

6. Kenya Multiple Entry Visa: For individuals who need to enter and exit Kenya multiple times within the visa's validity period.

7. Kenya 5-year Multiple Entry Visa: Similar to the multiple entry visa, but with an extended validity period of 5 years.

Each type of visa has specific validity, fees, and document requirements associated with it.

Visa Requirements for Entry into Kenya

Issued for any visa type to persons whose nationalities require a visa to enter Kenya either for business, tourism, medical, or other reasons.

During the application process, the following requirements must be met:

1. Valid Passport:

Travelers, including minors and children, must possess a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages.

2. Passport Validity:

The passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the Republic of Kenya.

3. Designated Entry Points:

With an online visa for Kenya, travelers can enter the country through one of the 10 designated airports, 10 seaports, or 11 border crossings.

4. Arrival and Departure Details:

At the time of applying, you must enter the date of arrival and departure from the country. Furthermore, you are required to provide booking confirmation for at least one night's stay in Kenya.

5. Travel Schedule and Return Flight Confirmation:

While applying, you need to provide a travel schedule or itinerary along with confirmation of your return flight. Additionally, you must provide either an overnight stay booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Kenya or a Kenyan organization.

These requirements apply to all visa types and are essential for a successful visa application process.

General Documents for all Visa Types

To apply for any visa type, you must ensure that you have the following documents:

1. Valid Travel Document or Passport

Your travel document or passport should be valid for a period of more than 6 months from the date of your intended departure.

2. Applicant Photograph

Include a recent photograph of yourself that meets the specifications provided by the visa application requirements. Make sure the photograph is clear and of good quality.

• A recent color photograph taken within the last six months
• A clear, high-quality image with good resolution
• The photo must be a passport-style headshot with a white background
• The applicant must be facing the camera directly with their head centered in the frame
• The applicant's facial expression should be neutral with their mouth closed
• The applicant's eyes should be open and looking directly at the camera
• The applicant's entire face should be visible with no hair or accessories obstructing their features
• The photo should be free of shadows or glares
• The photo must be a standard passport size, typically 2 x 2 inches (or 5 x 5 cm)
• The photo must be printed on high-quality photo paper

3. Passport Front Cover

Include a clear copy of the front cover of your passport. This is required to verify your identity and ensure that the passport belongs to you.

4. Passport Bio Page

Include a clear copy of the bio page of your passport, which contains your personal information and photo. This page is necessary for identification purposes and to process your visa application.

Please ensure that all the required documents are included and meet the specified guidelines. Failure to provide any of these documents may result in delays or rejection of your visa application.

Additional Documents Required for Visa Application

When applying for a visa, it is important to provide the necessary documents to support your application. The additional documents required for various types of visas are as follows:

Transit Visa:

1. Onward Ticket: A return ticket or round-trip ticket (for Transit Visa holders).

Tourist Visa:

1. Hotel Booking Confirmation: Document confirming your hotel reservation.

Business Visa:

1. Invitation Letters from the company: Official invitation letters from the company hosting your business visit, stating the purpose and duration of your stay.

2. Copies of the Registration of Company: Copies of the company's registration documents.

3. Person Countersigning The Invitation Letter: Staff ID or Kenyan ID of the person countersigning the invitation letter.

4. Applicant Letter Requesting for Visa / Company Letter: A letter from the applicant requesting the visa or a letter from the company (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

5. Copies of Visas Within The Last one (1) Year: Copies of previously issued visas within the last year (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

Family Visit Visa:

1. Invitation Letters from the (Host) family in Kenya: Official invitation letters from the host family in Kenya.

2. Identity card or Passport or Alien card or Entry permit of the host in Kenya: Documentation proving the host's identity and residency status in Kenya.

3. Applicant Letter Requesting for Visa / Company Letter: A letter from the applicant requesting the visa or a letter from the company (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

4. Attach Copy of Company Registration Certificate: Copy of the company's registration certificate (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

5. Copies of Visas Within The Last one (1) Year: Copies of previously issued visas within the last year (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

Work Visa:

1. Invitation Letter From the Host: Official invitation letter from the host in Kenya.

2. Employment Contract: Contract or agreement confirming the employment in Kenya.

3. Attach Copy of Company Registration Certificate: Copy of the company's registration certificate (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

4. Copies of Visas Within The Last one (1) Year: Copies of previously issued visas within the last year (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

Medical Visa:

1. Letter from the referring Doctor/Hospital: Letter from the referring doctor or hospital explaining the need for medical treatment in Kenya.

2. Appointment letter from the Receiving Doctor/Hospital: Appointment letter from the receiving doctor or hospital in Kenya.

3. Attach Copy of Company Registration Certificate: Copy of the company's registration certificate (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

4. Copies of Visas Within The Last one (1) Year: Copies of previously issued visas within the last year (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

Meetings / Workshop / Seminars / Training / Retreat Visa:

1. Invitation Letter From The Host: Official invitation letter from the host of the meeting, workshop, seminar, training, or retreat.

2. Attach Copy of Company Registration Certificate: Copy of the company's registration certificate.

3. Person Countersigning The Invitation Letter: Staff ID or Kenyan ID of the person countersigning the invitation letter.

4. Applicant Letter Requesting for Visa / Company Letter: A letter from the applicant requesting the visa or a letter from the company (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

5. Copies of Visas Within The Last one (1) Year: Copies of previously issued visas within the last year (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

Resettlement Visa:

1. Attach Copy of Company Registration Certificate: Copy of the company's registration certificate (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

2. Copies of Visas Within The Last one (1) Year: Copies of previously issued visas within the last year (applicable for Multiple Entry Visa).

For Kenya Courtesy Visa, the additional documents required are as follows:

1. A valid travel document or passport with an expiry date of more than six months.

2. Service, official, or diplomatic passport (if applicable).

3. An official letter from the country of origin, organization, or foreign affairs indicating the purpose of the visit.

4. A Round Trip ticket to demonstrate your intention to return to your home country.

5. If you are transiting through Kenya to a third country, you must possess a Boarding Pass.

Please note that Kenyan Visa regulations apply to foreigners visiting the country, whether for official business reasons or transit, if they fall under Category 3 of the Visa regime or Regulations.

Required Attachments:

When submitting your visa application, ensure that the attached documents are in the following formats: PDF, JPG, or Microsoft Word.

Kenya Visa Document Requirements for Minor

When applying for a visa to Kenya for a minor, the following documents are typically required:

Children Aged 16 and Under

• No child visa is required for Kenya.
• Children can enter the country without showing a valid visa.

Children Aged Over 16

• Individuals aged over 16 must follow the same visa guidelines as adults.
• Visa requirements for Kenya vary depending on the traveler's nationality.

Travel to Kenya with Child - Document Requirements

To travel to Kenya with a child, the following documents are necessary:

• Minor's Passport: The child must possess their own passport if they are visa-exempt.

• Visa (if applicable): If a visa is required for the child's nationality, it must be obtained and affixed to the passport.

• Passport attached to the visa: The child's passport should have the visa properly attached to it.

In cases where the minor is not accompanied by both parents or legal guardians, a permission slip from the absent adult must be provided. Strict immigration rules are in place to prevent unauthorized child travel.