Kenya visa

The Republic of Kenya, an East African country of impressive scenic diversity and cultural richness, is world-renowned for its safaris in national parks like the Maasai Mara, the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kenya, and its picturesque coasts on the Indian Ocean. To facilitate entry for international visitors and promote tourism, Kenya fundamentally reformed its visa system in early 2024: an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is now required for all foreign nationals (with few exceptions, e.g., for citizens of certain East African partner states) before travel. This ETA replaces the previous visitor visas.

Do I need an ETA (or a visa) for Kenya?

Yes, since January 2024, almost all foreign nationals wishing to enter Kenya, regardless of their country of origin, require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their journey. This applies to tourist stays, business trips, family visits, and other short-term stays.

Exemptions from ETA requirement:

  • Nationals of East African Community (EAC) member states: Citizens of countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo may be exempt from the ETA requirement or may use simplified entry procedures under EAC protocols under specific conditions (e.g., using national IDs at certain border crossings). The exact conditions should always be checked for current validity.
  • Holders of certain long-term Kenyan passes/permits: Individuals with valid Kenyan permanent residence permits, work passes, etc., do not require an ETA for re-entry.

Important: The ETA is not a visa in the traditional sense but an electronic travel permission that must be obtained online in advance. Without a valid ETA, boarding for Kenya and entry into the country are generally not possible. The former system of e-Visas, visas on arrival, or visa exemptions for certain nationalities (outside of EAC regulations) for short stays has been replaced by the ETA requirement.

For longer-term stays such as work, study, or permanent residence, specific permits/passes are still required and must be applied for separately.

Entry and Stay Categories for Kenya

With the introduction of the ETA, the focus for short stays has shifted. Separate permits remain for longer or specific stays.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The ETA is a mandatory electronic travel permission for all international visitors (except for the exemptions mentioned above) visiting Kenya for tourism, business meetings, conferences, family visits, or other short-term purposes. It serves as a pre-screening process for travelers. Each ETA is generally valid for a single entry, and a new ETA must be applied for for each new trip to Kenya. The permitted length of stay is determined upon arrival but usually aligns with the typical duration for tourist or short-term business stays (e.g., up to 90 days).

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Valid passport (often with a minimum validity of 6 months from the planned date of arrival in Kenya, with at least one blank page), recent passport-style photo (digital), contact details (email, phone), travel information (e.g., flight booking confirmation for arrival and departure, first hotel booking or proof of accommodation). Depending on the purpose of travel, additional documents may be required (e.g., invitation letter for business or family visits, conference registration). A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission or having transited through such a country.
  • Application Process: The application must be submitted online via the official ETA portal of the Kenyan government (e.g., www.etakenya.go.ke> or a similar official domain). The form must be completed, required documents uploaded, and the fee paid online. Processing times can vary; it is recommended to apply for the ETA at least 3 days, or preferably earlier, before travel. The approved ETA is sent via email and should be printed or carried digitally.
  • Fees: A processing fee is charged for the ETA (e.g., approx. 30-35 USD, as of May 2025 – the exact amount should be checked on the official portal).

Specific Permits/Passes for Long-Term Stays or Special Purposes

For individuals intending to stay longer in Kenya or for specific activities such as work, study, or permanent residence, special permits or passes are required. These are applied for from the Directorate of Immigration Services in Kenya or, in some cases, via Kenyan Embassies/High Commissions abroad and are distinct from the ETA for short visits.

Key Subcategories:

  • Work Permits/Passes: Various classes exist (e.g., Class D for specific employment, Class G for investors). Generally require an employment contract with a Kenyan employer or proof of business activity/investment in Kenya and fulfillment of strict criteria.
  • Student Pass: For individuals admitted to study full-time at a recognized Kenyan educational institution.
  • Dependant's Pass: For dependent family members (spouses, children) of individuals holding valid work or other long-term permits for Kenya.
  • Special Pass: For short-term, specific activities not covered by the ETA (e.g., short-term specialized work assignments).

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Vary significantly depending on the type of permit. Typically required are: valid passport, passport photos, completed application forms, police clearance certificate, medical reports, educational and professional qualifications, employment contracts, business plans, company registration documents, sponsorship letters, proof of financial means.
  • Application Process: Often complex and time-consuming. The application is usually initiated or supported by the sponsor in Kenya (employer, educational institution) and submitted to the Directorate of Immigration Services in Nairobi. Some pre-checks or applications may also be made via Kenyan missions abroad.
  • Fees: Significant and vary greatly depending on the type and duration of the permit.

Note on Previous Visa Categories: Please note that previous visa types such as the Single Entry Tourist/Business e-Visa, Multiple Entry Visa, or Transit Visa for visitors have been replaced by the now mandatory ETA. Information on these old categories is no longer relevant for short stays.

Visa for Kenya: Final Points to Consider

The introduction of the ETA system by Kenya represents a significant modernization of entry procedures, aimed at standardizing and expediting the process for international visitors. Nevertheless, careful preparation and timely application for the ETA before travel remain essential. Ensure you use only the official ETA portal of the Kenyan government for your application. Also, remember the necessity of a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from an area with risk of transmission. Kenya is a country of extraordinary beauty and hospitality; respecting local culture and wildlife conservation efforts contributes to a positive travel experience. Online-Visa.com strives to provide you with clear and current information. However, this cannot replace individual verification with official government sources or legal advice.