Do you want a visa to go to Kenya?

Earlier than you ebook that dream safari journey to the Masai Mara, begin planning seaside time in Mombasa or understanding which of Nairobi’s cool bars you wish to take pleasure in a chilly beer at, ensure you’ve obtained your visa to go to Kenya discovered. 

The excellent news is a vacationer visa for Kenya is straightforward to acquire for a lot of nationalities, and most are issued promptly after a web-based utility. Learn on for every thing about Kenya visa functions, together with prices, the paperwork you want and which nations require a visa.

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Do I would like a visa for Kenya?

Most nationalities (known as Class 2) can apply for an eVisa on-line earlier than arriving in Kenya. Some nationalities are exempt and fall into Class 1, and a small quantity in Class 3 require referred visas, which means a visit to the native Kenyan embassy earlier than arrival.

Who can go to Kenya visa free?

A number of nationalities don’t want a visa to enter Kenya. Test the official complete eligibility list, which incorporates some Caribbean and African nations and nations akin to Cyprus, Fiji and Singapore. Vacationers below 16 are sometimes exempt, however test on-line straight for the necessities to your nationality and particular visa.

Meet the Samburu folks of north-central Kenya in your go to © Bartosz Hadyniak / Getty Photos

How do I apply for a vacationer visa for Kenya?

Apply for a vacationer visa by Kenya’s official eVisa website. Arrange an account with a username and password and maintain it helpful as a result of you may log in to see your utility standing. Vacationer visa candidates are requested to produce their journey itinerary, and also you’ll need to add a current coloration photograph taken within the final six months.

Give your self sufficient time earlier than you journey to finish the applying since you may want to produce particulars of the place you’re staying. Though the web site says visas are issued in 48 hours, we advocate giving your self a buffer. After submitting, some candidates is likely to be requested to offer further details about their keep or their hosts.

The visa service says you’ll obtain e mail affirmation of your utility or cost, however this isn’t at all times the case. However don’t panic in case you don’t get something through e mail. As an alternative, log in together with your username and password to test on the standing of your visa. You too can test the devoted Verify an eVisa portal.

When your visa is issued, print off a few copies (one in coloration) to take with you, and obtain the PDF so you’ve got a digital copy saved to your cellphone.

How a lot does a vacationer visa for Kenya value?

The usual visa is the single entry visa which prices US$51. All on-line funds are taken in US {dollars}. You should utilize this to enter Kenya as soon as for enterprise, tourism, medical or different causes. The one entry visa is legitimate for 3 months from the date of subject.

Your passport must have not less than six months’ validity from the date of entry, and you will need to have a return ticket. 

Kenya additionally provides a multiple entry visa for US$101, nice in case you’re planning not less than two journeys to Kenya in a yr. It’s legitimate for 3 to 12 months from the date of subject. A number of entry visas generally require extra paperwork, so some vacationers favor to use for the one entry visa every time, however Kenya’s visa service is getting higher and sooner on-line.

Does Kenya have a transit visa for brief stays?

For those who’re in Kenya for lower than 72 hours and wish to go away the airport, you don’t want a full visa. You’ll be able to apply for a transit visa as a substitute which prices US$21. In case your flight connects straight and also you’re not leaving the airport, you don’t want a visa for Kenya in any respect.

For those who’re additionally visiting Rwanda and Uganda, look into the East African Tourist Visa.

A lion in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
You’ll be able to lengthen your visa to spend extra time recognizing lions within the Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve © ihab / Getty Photos

Can I lengthen my visa to remain in Kenya longer?

You’ll be able to lengthen your visa for 90 days by making use of for the Visitor’s Pass Extension through the Department of Immigration Services. Create an account, and after submitting your utility, print out the shape, signal it and take it to the Immigration Counter at Nyayo Home in Nairobi for processing, alongside together with your passport and authentic visa doc.

Does Kenya provide a working vacation visa?

Kenya doesn’t have a working vacation visa. As an alternative, you’ll want a work permit from the Division of Immigration Companies. It’s unlawful for any foreigner with no legitimate work allow to be employed in Kenya, together with volunteering and self-employed work. For those who’re planning to volunteer or have an internship or different work placement, ask the host group or firm for recommendation on the right work allow.

The East African Vacationer Visa is an choice

The East African Tourist Visa is a helpful choice in case you’re planning on visiting Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. This multiple-country vacationer visa prices US$101 and is legitimate for 3 months from date of subject. You’ll be able to apply on-line. As soon as it’s issued, print out your eVisa to point out to immigration officers at your first port of entry, the place you’ll obtain an East Africa visa sticker to your keep.