Planning On Visiting Kenya? Find Out If You Need A Visa

Whether you are planning a beach vacation in Mombasa, or a dream safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya is a stunning destination. It is also great for a city break in Nairobi, where you can experience the city’s great bars. However, before you book that trip, find out if you need to apply for a visa to travel to Kenya.

Do you need a visa to travel to Kenya?

Certain nationalities do require a visa when traveling to Kenya. However, it is easy to apply for a tourist visa and in most cases, the visa is issued promptly after making an online application. Read on to find out which countries require a visa, how much it costs, and what documents you need to apply.

Some nationalities are visa-exempt and fall into Category 1. Meanwhile, most nationalities under Category 2 can apply for an eVisa online prior to traveling to Kenya. However, some nationalities fall under Category 3 where visitors require referred visas, meaning a visit to a local Kenyan embassy.

A number of nationalities do not need a visa to enter Kenya, including some African and Caribbean nations, Cyprus, Fiji and Singapore. Check here to find the full list of countries that do not require a visa for Kenya. Meanwhile, travelers under the age of 16 are mostly exempt but check the requirements for your nationality and the specific visa.

How to apply for a tourist visa for Kenya

To apply for a tourist visa, head to Kenya’s official eVisa website here. First, you need to set up an account with a username and password and keep this handy so you can check the latest in your application status.

You are then required to produce their travel itinerary, plus you’ll need to upload a recent color photo, taken within the last six months. Ensure that you give yourself enough time before traveling for the application to be completed. For instance, you might have to give details of your accommodation in Kenya. According to the website, visas are issued within 48 hours.

According to the website, after you submit your information, you will receive an email confirmation of the application and payment. However, this isn’t always so – but don’t worry if you don’t receive an email straight away. Instead, log in to the website with your username and password to check the status of your visa. Meanwhile, it is also possible to check the dedicated Verify an eVisa portal.

Once your visa has been issued, print off a couple of copies, including one in color, to take with you. Also, download the PDF so you have a digital copy on your phone.

How much is a tourist visa for Kenya?

All online payments are taken in US Dollars and the cost of a standard, single entry visa is US$51. Moreover, the single entry visa is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Meanwhile, your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry, plus you must hold a return ticket.

Multiple entry visa

For anyone keen to visit Kenya more than once a year can apply for a multiple entry visa at a cost of US$101. This visa is valid for three to 12 months from the date of issue. However, multiple-entry visas do sometimes require more paperwork.

Transit visas for Kenya

Anyone in transit in Kenya for 72 hours, but wants to leave the airport, doesn’t need a full visa. It is possible to apply for a transit visa at a cost of US$21. However, if you aren’t leaving the airport, a short-stay visa isn’t necessary at all.

East African Tourist Visa

If you are planning on visiting Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, it is handy to get an East African tourist visa. The multi-country visa costs US$101 and is valid for three months from the date of issue. It is possible to apply for the visa online and once it is issued, print out a copy to show immigration officials at your first port of entry. There, you will receive an East Africa visa stick to use during your vacation.

The East African Tourist Visa is a handy option if you’re planning on visiting Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. This multiple-country tourist visa costs US$101 and is valid for three months from the date of issue. You can apply online. Once the visa is issued, print it out to show it to immigration officials at your first port of entry. You will then receive an East Africa visa sticker to cover your stay.