How to Get a Visa for Kenya
Most travelers need an eVisa for Kenya, which costs $51 and takes 3-7 business days to process online. Apply through the official ecitizen.go.ke portal at least 2 weeks before travel. Citizens of some African countries get free visas on arrival.
- Check if you need a visa. Citizens of most countries need a visa. Only Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania citizens enter visa-free. Check the official list on ecitizen.go.ke to confirm your country's requirements.
- Gather required documents. You need: passport valid for 6+ months, passport photo (JPEG under 300KB), return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, bank statement from last 3 months showing sufficient funds, and yellow fever certificate if coming from endemic areas.
- Apply online through eCitizen. Go to ecitizen.go.ke and create an account. Select 'Immigration Services' then 'Single Entry Visa.' Fill out the application form carefully - any errors will delay processing.
- Pay the fee. Pay $51 USD by credit card. The system accepts Visa and Mastercard. You'll receive a payment confirmation email immediately.
- Wait for processing. Processing takes 3-7 business days. You'll get email updates on status changes. Check your spam folder - important emails sometimes land there.
- Download and print your eVisa. Once approved, log back into eCitizen and download your eVisa PDF. Print 2 copies - one for immigration, one backup. The visa is valid for 90 days from issue date.
- Can I get a visa on arrival in Kenya?
- No, visa on arrival was discontinued in 2021. You must get an eVisa online before travel, except for citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.
- What if my eVisa application is rejected?
- You'll receive an email with the rejection reason. Common issues are poor photo quality or insufficient bank statements. Fix the issue and reapply - you'll need to pay the fee again.
- How long is the Kenya eVisa valid?
- The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a single entry with up to 90 days stay. You cannot extend a tourist visa while in Kenya.
- Do I need yellow fever vaccination for Kenya?
- Only if you're arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Check the WHO list - this includes most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America.