Is A Visa Required In Order To Enter Kenya?

Kenya’s visa requirements are outlined on the official Republic of Kenya government website. Most nationalities (Category 2) need to apply for an eVisa online before arriving in Kenya, with some exempt from visa requirements. The new policy requires visitors to apply online at least three days before travel and pay a processing fee of $34. Kenyan President William Ruto has advocated for a borderless Africa, and travelers must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and two blank pages.

As of January 1, 2024, foreign nationals can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business travel for stays up to 90 days. However, they must obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) through the official website. As of February 15, 2024, tourists who have endorsed their passports with valid Kenya re-entry passes or other written authority do not require a visa to enter Kenya.

Current visa restrictions for entry and exit in Kenya are none, with a maximum of 100,000 Kenyan Shillings. Local authorities recommend applying at least two weeks before departure. Travelers who currently hold a visa can continue to travel using their visa.

For citizens of a foreign country wishing to enter Kenya, they generally must first obtain an eVISA via www.ecitizen.go.ke. Kenyan visas are now exclusively issued electronically, and there is no visa on arrival in Kenya. However, it is required to apply for and obtain approval for an ETA (electronic travel authorization) before departing to Kenya.

Can I travel to Kenya without eTA?

An eTA (electronic travel authorisation) is a government-issued travel authorisation for Kenya, which is mandatory for presentation during the check-in and boarding process. Nevertheless, airlines reserve the right to deny boarding in the absence of the requisite documentation, including a passport or boarding pass.

Which countries are visa free to Kenya?

Kenya has visa-exempt countries such as Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Kenyans can explore over 70 destinations without a visa, offering a wide range of options from remote islands to economically booming nations and neighboring African countries. These destinations cater to various travel plans, including vacationing, health-related trips, education, shopping, and business. Despite the challenges of fulfilling visa requirements, Kenyans can enjoy a world of visa-free or visa-on-entry destinations.

Can I get a Kenya visa on arrival?

It is a requirement for Kenyan travelers to complete an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at least 72 hours prior to their departure, which can be accomplished via the official website https://www. etakenya. go. ke/en/evisa. html. Individuals exempt from the aforementioned requirements include holders of valid Kenyan passports, holders of one-way emergency certificates issued by Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad, holders of Kenyan permanent residence permits, and holders of valid work permits.

Do I need a visa to travel through Kenya?

Kenya requires all visitors to obtain an electronic travel authorization, a passport with at least two blank pages, six months’ validity, and a Kenyan electronic travel authorization. If arriving from an endemic country, proof of yellow fever immunizations is required. For visa information, visit the Embassy of Kenya or the Kenyan Consulate in New York City. In December 2018, the Kenyan government introduced a new work permit program, requiring foreigners to apply for permits and visas from their country of origin 6-8 weeks before travel and submit a renewal application 90 days before the permit expires.

How long does Kenya’s eVisa take?

The typical processing time for eTA applications is three days; however, in certain instances, this may be extended. It is advisable to submit the requisite documentation at least two weeks prior to the planned date of travel. Applications may be submitted up to three months in advance.

Can you still get the Kenyan visa in the airport?

In order to obtain a visa, the following documentation is required: a scanned photograph, a passport, and a credit card. In the event that one lacks the requisite time to obtain a visa online, the necessary formalities may be completed upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Can I get a visa at the airport in Kenya?

Kenya has recently implemented a policy of exclusively issuing electronic visas through a digital eVisa portal. This policy effectively eliminates the previously available option of obtaining a visa on arrival. Consequently, all visitors to the country are required to obtain an eVisa prior to their departure.

Can I get a Kenya visa at the airport?

Kenyan visas are now issued electronically through a digital eVisa portal, and US citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival. Instead, travelers must obtain an eVisa before departing for Kenya and print it out to present to authorities at the border. However, several countries, including children under 16, those with a Kenyan work visa or reentry pass, and travelers with Laissez-Passer issued by the UN, World Bank, or IMF, can travel to Kenya visa-free. This is in contrast to the traditional requirement for a visa on arrival in Kenya.

How long does it take for Kenya eTA to be approved?

The processing time for the eTA application is typically three days; however, in certain instances, this may be extended. It is advisable to submit the requisite documentation at least two weeks prior to the planned departure date to facilitate a seamless processing procedure.

What happens if you arrive in Kenya without a visa?

As of January 1, 2024, foreign nationals can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business travel for up to 90 days. However, they must obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The requirements include a valid passport, recent passport picture, contact details, travel information, flight itinerary, proof of hotel booking, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries.

Visitors, including delegates staying in Kenya for up to 3 months, can receive duty exemptions of up to $500 worth of non-consumable and consumable goods for personal use, including non-alcoholic beverages and tobacco. The Kenyan government will facilitate the customs process for delegates.

How much is an eTA for Kenya?

Kenya has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the country. The process involves a fee of USD 30 payable online at the time of application. Non-Kenyan citizen visitors, including infants and children, are required to have an approved eTA before starting their journey. The ETA Kenya system is operated by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, State Department for Immigration, and the Citizen.

The eTA offers permission to travel and is authorized by the Kenyan government. However, it does not determine admissibility to enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon arrival. Kenya citizens are exempt from the eTA, while citizens of EAC Partner States are exempt.