Can I apply for a Kenya visa on arrival instead?

Kenya discontinued visa on arrival for most nationalities. You must get an eVisa before traveling, except for certain East African Community citizens.

What if my eVisa application is rejected?

You can reapply after addressing the rejection reasons. Common issues include poor photo quality, invalid documents, or incomplete information. The fee isn't refunded for rejections.

Can I extend my eVisa once in Kenya?

Tourist eVisas can be extended for up to 6 months total. Apply at Immigration offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu at least 7 days before your current visa expires.

Do children need their own eVisa?

Yes, every traveler regardless of age needs their own eVisa. Children under 16 can use their birth certificate instead of a passport if traveling with parents.

How to Apply for a Kenya eVisa Online

Apply for a Kenya eVisa through the official eCitizen portal at ecitizen.go.ke. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, proof of accommodation, and $51 USD. The process takes 7-10 business days and requires creating an account, filling out the application, and uploading documents.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of most countries need a visa for Kenya. Check the current visa-free list on the Kenya Immigration website. If your country isn't listed, you need an eVisa.
Gather required documents. You need: a passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages, a digital passport photo (white background, 300x300 pixels minimum), proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), return flight ticket, and a credit/debit card for payment.
Create an eCitizen account. Go to ecitizen.go.ke and click 'Register.' Enter your email, create a password, and verify your email address. This account handles all Kenya government services.
Start your visa application. Log in and select 'Department of Immigration Services.' Choose 'Kenya eVisa' then select your visa type - most tourists need 'Single Entry Visa.'
Fill out the application form. Complete all sections: personal details, passport information, travel details, and contact information. Double-check everything - errors can cause delays or rejections.
Upload your documents. Upload your passport photo, passport bio page, accommodation proof, and return ticket. Files must be in PDF or JPEG format, under 300KB each.
Pay the visa fee. Pay $51 USD using a credit or debit card. The system also charges a small processing fee. Keep your payment receipt.
Wait for processing. Processing takes 7-10 business days. You'll get email updates. Check your eCitizen account regularly for status updates.
Download your eVisa. Once approved, download and print your eVisa from your eCitizen account. You must present this printed copy at Kenyan immigration along with your passport.

Can I apply for a Kenya visa on arrival instead?: Kenya discontinued visa on arrival for most nationalities. You must get an eVisa before traveling, except for certain East African Community citizens.
What if my eVisa application is rejected?: You can reapply after addressing the rejection reasons. Common issues include poor photo quality, invalid documents, or incomplete information. The fee isn't refunded for rejections.
Can I extend my eVisa once in Kenya?: Tourist eVisas can be extended for up to 6 months total. Apply at Immigration offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu at least 7 days before your current visa expires.
Do children need their own eVisa?: Yes, every traveler regardless of age needs their own eVisa. Children under 16 can use their birth certificate instead of a passport if traveling with parents.