Evisa Kenya & obtaining a Kenya visa online

Obtaining a Kenya Visa online is a simple process via the evisa Kenya portal. The Kenya visa application process for people who want to visit Kenya as a tourist takes a matter of days and can be done from the comfort of your own desk/phone. Obtaining a Kenya visa online is harder for long stays and residency permits but you can still use the evisa Kenya portal to apply.

Read on to learn about the Kenya visa application process.

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Visiting visa via Kenya evisa portal

The process of getting a visa to visit Kenya is simple with Kenya eVisa system. An online portal (www.ecitizen.co.ke) allows you to apply and receive approval for your visa in one central place. Visa approval is done in real-time. 

NOTE: you are no longer able to get your Kenya visa on arrival, all applications must be done in advance via the Kenya eVisa portal.  This has changed in recent years, where you used to be able to apply for your Kenya visa on arrival.

Kenya Visitor visas are valid for 3 months with the possibility of extending in country for another 3 months. This can be managed through the Kenya evisa portal.

 

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Kenya visa application

The Kenya visa application process is very simple for visitor visas to Kenya. Use the following steps to apply for a Kenyan visa:

1. Visit the Kenya evisa website at www.ecitizen.co.ke
2. Select register as a visitor.
3. Enter your Kenya visa application details. You will need to upload a passport size photo and a copy of your passport for the online visa application to be complete.
4. A Kenya visa application fee of 50 USD is Visa fee is required. The Kenya visa application fee is payable only in USD and is non-refundable since the application will be processed for approval or non-approval.
5. Pay Using visa card, Mastercard and other debit cards.
6. You will be notified if your application has been successful or not via email.   
7. Await approval via email, then download and print the eVisa from your eCitizen account.
8. Bring it with you to the immigration officer at port of entry in Kenya.

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Do I need a visa for entering Kenya?

To find out if you are required to have a visa for Kenya click on this link

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Kenya visa requirements

Transit visa Requirements

1. You require an onward Ticket to apply for a Transit Visa

Kenya visa requirements (On Arrival)

1. Passport Valid for at least Six Months
2. eVisa Printout from the Kenya evisa portal
3. Travel itinerary
4. Supporting letter e.g. letter from company or Invitation letter for business visits/family visits. or
5. Hotel bookings/details about places to visit if going as tourist.

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Types of Kenya visa

The type of visa you must have is defined by the Kenyan and Visa Regulations. This is taken from the ecitizen website.

1. Single Journey Visa: Issued for Single or Multiple entries to persons whose nationalities require visas to enter Kenya.
2. Transit Visa: Issued for periods not exceeding three days to persons whose nationalities require visas to enter Kenya and who intend to transit through Kenya to a different destination.
3. Diplomatic Visa: Issued for Single or Multiple entries to holders of Diplomatic passports who are on official duty. 
4. Courtesy/ Official Visa: Issued to persons holding Official or Service passports on Official duty and to Ordinary passport holders who are not entitled to a Diplomatic visa; but where it is considered by the Director to be desirable on the grounds of international courtesy. 
5. East Africa Tourist Visa: This is a tourist visa that entitles holders to travel to and within the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda for the purpose of tourism. Validity of East Africa Tourist Visa: 90 (Ninety days)

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How much does a Kenya visa cost?

Visa Type	Visa Type
Single entry visa (Business or Tourism)	$51
Transit visa	$21
East Africa Tourist Visa Coming Soon	$101
Courtesy Visa Coming Soon	N/A

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Work Permit and Residency Visa’s

Obtaining a work permit and residency visa has become harder over recent years. Kenya has begun to limit the number of foreign workers within the country and immigration services need to be reassured that you are not taking a job that a Kenyan could otherwise do.

There are many different ways to apply for a work permit or residency visa. The link here goes into further detail about each category.

In short they are:

• Permit Class A: (for prospecting and mining)
• Class B: (Agriculture and Animal husbandry)
• Class C: (Prescribed profession)
• Class D:(Employment)
• Class F:(Specific manufacturing)
• Class G:(Specific trade, business or consultancy)
• Class I: (Approved religious or charitable activities)
• Class K:(Ordinary residents)
• Class M:(Refugees)

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Kenya visa application for work permits and residency

Applications can be submitted online but manual applications have to be sent at the same time. The processing and approval of the permit must take place while out of the country.

A special 3-month work permit is available that allows you to begin working while waiting for approval of your long-term work permit. It can be renewed for an additional 3 months if necessary. 

The temporary permit takes three weeks to process, so the best approach is to send both applications simultaneously at least a month before the scheduled departure as the processing time for work visas can be lengthy.

• A new rule requires that for each holder of a work permit there is also a Kenyan understudy who must be trained to take the position held by the foreigner, except for senior management or skilled technical employees.
• There is no minimum salary for work permits.
• Once you have a work permit, you can apply for a residence permit or alien card. This process can take 2-4 months for approval.
• Work permits cost around US$3000, with an additional annual fee of US$2000. 

More details are available here Kenya immigration authorities. Many individuals and companies prefer to use a dedicated lawyer or specialist to submit the application and help with the processing of work permits and visas.

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Permits for dependents

If you are bringing your family to Kenya you will need to apply for special permits. These are broken down into categories as follows, and should be applied for at the same time as the work permit. Apply for work permits here.

• Special Pass Application
• Dependant Pass Application
• Kenya Student/Internship/Research Pass Application

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Visiting Kenya then read my Kenya Trip Planner before you leave

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