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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Pay the fee. Pay $51 USD by credit card. The system accepts Visa and Mastercard. You'll receive a payment confirmation email immediately.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.