Everything You Need To Know About Kenya E-visa

People from 43 foreign countries including Bahamas, Ethiopia, Singapore, Zambia, and Zimbabwe do not need a visa to enter Kenya. However, all the remaining countries comprised of India, United Kingdom, United States and China need a visa to visit Kenya legally.

In the earlier days, foreign nationals need to visit the Kenyan consulate in their respective countries to obtain a Kenya visa. However, in September 2015, Kenyan authorities introduced the e-visa facility to foreign nationals, and it made their visa application procedure pretty easy.

What is a Kenya e-visa?

Kenya e-visas are basically an electronic authorization which allows foreign nationals to enter the country without any legal barriers. These visas will be electronically connected to the applicant’s passport, and once the traveler reaches the Kenyan entry port, immigration authorities will make a visa stamp on their passport after verifying the e-via.

Earlier Kenyan authorities had allowed foreign nationals to obtain a ‘visa on arrival’ after reaching the entry port in Kenya. But now, things have changed, and the visitors are recommended to apply via the web based visa issuance system, popularly known as the e-visa.

As per the requirements of the traveler, Kenyan authorities have classified e-visas into two types; Kenya tourist e-visas, and Kenya business e-visas. As the name indicates, Kenya tourist e-visas allow foreign nationals to engage in tourist activities like sightseeing after entering the national. On the other hand, Kenya business e-visas are issued to foreign citizens who intend to visit the country for business-related operations and commercial trading activities.

Kenya tourist e-visas

Please find below the necessary documents to obtain a Kenya tourist e-visa.

• The foreign national should produce a clear copy of the passport which is readable. The submitted passport should have at least six months validity and it should contain two blank pages for visa stamping purposes.
• The applicant should also submit his or her recently taken photograph.
• It is necessary to submit the proof of travel arrangements. The travel arrangement proofs could be hotel room booking confirmation and the copy of confirmed flight tickets.
• The applicant should properly fill the e-visa questionnaire. In some cases, applicants might find it difficult to complete the questionnaire correctly, and in these times, you can approach the Visa Genie team for assistance. Our expert visa processing officers will help you in all stages of the visa application, and you can sit back and relax after submitting the necessary documents to us.

Things to take care while traveling to Kenya with a tourist e-visa

While traveling to Kenya, the traveler should make sure that he or she is carrying the copy of flight tickets that show onward and return travel. It is also recommended to carry the copy of hotel booking confirmation along with an invitation from the Kenyan entity. You should also take a print out of the e-visa to show in the entry port.

Note 01: Please note that you are applying for a Kenya e-visa at least 30 days before your travel date.

Note 02: Minors under the age of 16, if traveling with their parents do not need a visa to enter Kenya.

Note 03: If the passenger is arriving by cruise, there is no need of obtaining a visa if the foreign national is not leaving the ship.

Kenya business e-visas

Please find below the requirements to get a Kenya e-visa.

• In order to obtain a Kenya business e-visa, the foreign national should made sure that his or her passport is valid for six months, and it should have at least two blank pages.
• The foreign national should hold proof of sufficient funds.
• He or she should also hold proof of onward and return travel.
• Accommodation proof that could be confirmation of hotel booking tickets should be submitted.
• The applicant should submit a recently taken photograph.
• The foreign national should submit a business introduction letter from his or her home land.
• The applicant should submit an invitation from the Kenyan entity.

Note: While entering Kenya, the foreign national should show the copy of the business introduction letter and invitation letter, along with the passport and the print out of the sanctioned e-visa.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the validity of a Kenya e-business and e-tourist visa?

In usual cases, the validity of a Kenya e-tourist and e-business visa will be 90 days. However, after entering Kenya, the foreign national can apply for an extension by visiting the National Passport and Residence Affairs office in Kenya. It should be noted that the visa extension request could not be guaranteed, as it comes under the sole discretion of the Kenyan authorities.

Do Kenyan authorities have the right to deny my entry to Kenya if I get an e-visa?

Obtaining an e-visa does not guarantee your entry to Kenya. After entering Kenya, immigration authorities at the entry port will thoroughly check your e-visa, and they may deny entry if your presence will work against the nation’s welfare or security.

Is it necessary to take the print out of the e-visa while visiting Kenya?

The immigration authorities at the Kenyan entry port usually check the e-visa on their system. But sometimes, there could possibility of a system failure, and this time, a print out of the e-visa will help you to tackle the issues. So, while traveling to Kenya, always make sure that you have the printout of the e-visa with you.

What should I do if I wish to stay in Kenya for one year?

The usual validity of a Kenyan e-visa is 90 days. After entering the country, you can extend the visa validity by visiting the National Passport and Residence Affair Office in Kenya. However, the maximum number of days a visitor can stay in Kenya is 180 days. If somebody wishes to stay more than that, they should return to their homeland before the expiration of the current visa, and should apply for a new one.

Is Kenya offering multiple entry e-visa?

Kenya offers only single-entry privilege for foreign nationals.

Will Kenyan authorities refund my e-visa processing fee if my visa application gets denied?

As the name indicates, Kenyan authorities are charging this sum as the visa processing fee. The foreign national will not get this money back even though his visa application gets rejected.

How long does it take to get my Kenya visa on hand?

In usual cases, you will get your Kenya e-visa by email within five days. If you need the visa before five days, you should apply for super rush processing. While applying for a super rush visa, authorities will charge an extra sum from the applicant.

Can I travel to Kenya with my payment invoice if my e-visa processing gets delayed?

Yes, you can as this is practically possible. Sometimes, due to overload of applications, Kenyan authorities may be compelled to delay the sanction of e-visas. During these times, you can travel using the payment invoice, and can show it in the Kenyan entry port.

Note: Traveling with a payment invoice will not guarantee you the entry to Kenya, as this is just a possibility you can try if your visa gets delayed. In order to assure hassle-free traveling experience, make sure that you have an e-visa on hand before you start your trip. If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to contact Visa Genie.

What are the criteria that should be followed while submitting photographs for Kenya e-visa?

The photograph should be taken within the last six months, and its background should be white in color. Always make sure that the foreign national is not wearing any spectacle while taking the photo. It is also necessary to maintain a neutral expression in the photo.

I am an Indian citizen. My son is 17 years old, and it means he is a minor. Should I need to take a visa for him?

In Kenya, people above 16 years are considered major. If your son is 17 years old, it is very much necessary to obtain a separate visa for him. For minors under the age of 16, there is no need to obtain a visa if they are traveling with their parents.

Is it necessary to submit an invitation letter while applying for a Kenya business e-visa?

While applying for a Kenya business e-visa, an invitation letter from the Kenyan host is a must. There are several factors to be taken care while submitting the invitation letter, and some of the most noted ones are mentioned below.

• The invitation letter should be submitted on the letter head of the company.
• The letter should include all the personal and professional details of the applicant.
• The letter should detail the nature of the trip and purpose of the journey.
• The invitation letter should describe the places and organizations that will be visited by the foreign national during his trip to Kenya.
• The letter should also promise that the company is taking the full responsibility of the traveler during his or her visit to Kenya.