About Kenya Visa
From the iconic savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the stunning Rift Valley, Kenya's geography is as varied as its people. In January 2024, Kenya announced that it is now a visa-free country.
To enter, Indians only need to fill out an online form called 'Electronic Travel Authorisation' and submit a few documents. Before we get into the details, here's a glimpse into the key facts about Kenya.
| Category | Information |
| Capital | Nairobi |
| Currency | Kenyan Shilling (KES) (KES 1= INR 0.61) |
| Language | Swahili and English (official) |
| Time Zone | East Africa Time (EAT) UTC+3 |
| Popular Tourist Destinations | Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lamu Island, Tsavo National Park, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi National Park |
| Visa Validity Period | Single-entry visa: up to 90 days |
| Kenya Visa Processing Time | Usually processed within 2-3 working days when applying online through the eVisa portal. |
Kenya Visa Fees
Here's a summary of Kenya visa fees for different types of visas.
| Kenya Visa Type | Kenya Visa Fee |
| Single entry visa (eTA) | USD 32.5 (INR 2719.09) |
| Multiple Entry visa (eTA) | USD 160 sz (INR 13386.30) |
*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations
Features of a Kenya Visa
Here are some unique features of a Kenya visa:
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Kenya is a visa-free country. However, you need to submit your personal details, documents, and other information through a process called 'Electronic Travel Authorisation' to determine whether you are eligible to visit the country.
- Multiple-Entry Option: For frequent travellers or those planning to visit Kenya multiple times within a specified period, a multiple-entry visa (eTA) is an option. This type of visa allows holders to enter and exit the country several times within its validity period.
Documents Required to Apply for a Kenya Visa
You need to submit documents related to your identity, travel purpose, financial means, etc., while submitting your Kenya visa application (eTA application). Here's a table describing the general requirements needed for all types of applications.
| Document | Description |
| Valid passport | A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. It should have at least one blank page. |
| Selfie or passport-style photo | A recent photograph of the applicant, meeting the specifications for passport photos. |
| Contact information | Includes email and phone details for communication purposes during the visa application process. |
| Entry and departure details | Comprehensive itinerary outlining the planned dates and means of entry and exit. |
| Hotel booking | Proof of reservations or bookings for accommodation during the stay. |
| Means of payment | Credit/ debit card,/another acceptable form of payment. |
| Financial means | Submit financial documents like- 1. A letter from your bank 2. Details of your financial assets |
| Proof of travel purpose | Submit proof of your travel purpose. 1. Medical treatment: An appointment letter from the doctor or the hospital referring you. Vaccination or results of tests may also be needed. 2. Conference: An invitation/participation letter. 3. Work: Employment contract 4. Resettlement: Evidence supporting plans for resettlement, such as a letter from an organisation or sponsor in Kenya. |
Additional Documents for Different Kenya Visa Types
Specific additional documents are required for the following travel purposes.
Documents for those Travelling to Kenya for Business
| Document Required | Description |
| Invitation | A formal invitation from the Kenyan company detailing the purpose and duration of the visit. |
| Copy of company registration | Proof of the business's registration, verifying its legal status in the country. |
Documents for Travellers Visiting Family
| Document Required | Description |
| Invitation | Invitation from the family member or host in Kenya, outlining the relationship and purpose of the visit. |
| Identity card or Passport/Alien card/Entry permit of the family member/host | Identification document of the family member or host in Kenya. |
Documents for Diplomats
| Document Required | Description |
| Diplomatic/Official/Service passport | A passport issued to individuals travelling on official diplomatic missions. |
| Official letter from India /Organization/Foreign Affairs | Formal correspondence from the originating country or organisation endorsing the diplomatic travel. |
Kenya Visa Types
The first step to a successful Kenya visa application is selecting the right visa type. Here's a summary of the various Kenya visa types you can apply for.
| Kenya Visa Types | Description | Validity |
| Single Entry Visa | Issued for a single entry to individuals from nationalities requiring a visa for business, tourism, medical, or other purposes. | 90 days from the date of visa issuance |
| Transit Visa | Issued to individuals from visa-requiring nationalities transiting through Kenya to other destinations. No visa is needed for direct airport transfers. | Up to 72 hours |
| Multiple Entry Visa | Issued for multiple entries to individuals from visa-requiring nationalities for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, medical, or other reasons. | 90 days from the date of visa issuance |
| Courtesy Visa | Issued to holders of Diplomatic/Official and Service passports for official duties. Also issued to Ordinary passport holders on grounds of international courtesy. | 90 days from the date of visa issuance |
Who Can Apply for a Kenya Visa?
To ensure that your application is accepted, you must meet the Kenya visa requirements. Here's a checklist to help you understand who can apply for a Kenya visa.
- Indian citizens planning to travel for studies, work, business, tourism, transit, or other valid travel purposes.
- Individuals holding a valid Indian passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of arrival in Kenya, with at least one blank page available.
- Applicants who have a comprehensive itinerary detailing the dates of arrival and departure from Kenya.
- Applicants who can provide a confirmation of hotel bookings for the duration of their stay in Kenya.
- Applicants who can submit a document evidencing their travel purpose.
How to Apply for a Kenya Visa?
A visa to Kenya is now replaced by an 'Electronic Visa Authorisation'. The electronic system decides whether you are eligible for a Kenya visa (eTA) or not. All Kenya visa applications are submitted through the e-visa portal. Here are detailed steps explaining how to apply for a Kenya visa.
Step 1: Visit the official Kenya eVisa website
Step 2: Click on the "Apply Now" button on the homepage
Step 3: Select the option for "Tourists and Visitors"
Step 4: Choose whether you are applying as an individual or as a group (up to six travellers can apply together if they are family, a couple, or friends).
Step 5: Select your country of residence as India.
Step 6: Upload a scanned or digital photo of the biographic page of your passport. This page contains your photo, name, and other personal details.
Step 7: Submit the required documents along with your application.
Pay the visa fees using a credit/debit card, or any other accepted method of payment.
After submitting your application and payment, wait for processing. On average, Taiwan visa processing takes about 3 days, but it could take longer depending on the volume of applications.
How to Check Kenya Visa Status?
Here are the steps explaining how you can check your Kenya visa status (eTA status):
- Visit the eTA website
- Click on 'Check Your Application'
- Enter your document number, date of birth, and referencing number
- You can use your passport details if you don't have your referencing number
- Click on 'Check Status' to see your Kenya visa status (eTA status)
Kenya Visa for Indians: FAQs
-
Q1: What is the average Kenya visa processing time?
Ans: Usually, the Kenya visa processing time is 3 days. However, the processing time could take longer depending on each application. -
Q2: Can I get my Kenya visa (eTA) urgently?
Ans: If you need to get a Kenya visa from India (eTA) urgently, write a note at the end of your eTA application. After you submit the application, contact the eTA authority through live chat to request urgent processing. -
Q3: What can I do if my Kenya visa application (eTA) gets rejected?
Ans: If your eTA application is rejected, you cannot visit Kenya. You can write an email to etakenya[@]immigration.go.ke and explain your situation to get more details about the rejection. -
Q4: Can I get a visa on arrival to Kenya?
Ans: No, Kenya stopped issuing on-arrival visas to foreign nationals in 2021. -
Q5: Do I need travel insurance to visit Kenya?
Ans: Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for a Kenya visa from India (eTA). However, it is highly recommended that you get one.
Travel Insurance Companies
Aditya Birla
Bajaj General
Care
Cholamandalam MS
Digit
Future Generali
HDFC ERGO
ICICI Lombard
IFFCO Tokio
IndusInd General
National Insurance
New India Assurance
Niva Bupa
Oriental
Royal Sundaram
SBI General
Shriram General
Star
Tata AIG
United India
Universal Sompo
Zurich Kotak



