How to obtain a Kenya travel visa

As a travel addict, it is difficult for me to understand why some people choose to never venture from their native country or even their hometown. Based on my interactions with such people, the main reason they give is that making travel plans is too confusing. It is unclear what type of paperwork or credentials they need to enter different countries. I certainly understand this last part. I experienced some confusion a number of years ago as I was planning a trip to Kenya. It was my first international trip in more than a decade and I needed a Kenya travel visa. I had no idea where to start. Online resources weren’t as plentiful as they are nowadays. I was at the mercy of guidebooks and advice from other travelers. Eventually, I was able to get it all sorted and I was off to Kenya on the adventure of a lifetime. Good news, yes, and there’s even better news now: getting your Kenya visa has never been easier.

What is a travel visa?

Essentially, a travel visa is an official government document allowing you entry into another country. Unlike your passport, which is issued by your country of citizenship, a travel visa is issued by the government of the country you wish to visit. A travel visa grants a traveler permission to visit a specific country for a certain amount of time.

Types of Kenya travel visas

Most travelers to Kenya will need either a transit visa or a single-entry visa.

• Transit visas are issued for periods of no more than three (3) days (72 hours). This visa is for travelers who are stopping in Kenya en route to another country. For example, it is common for people traveling to neighboring Tanzania to fly into Nairobi. If these travelers intend to leave the airport, perhaps to spend one night in Nairobi before continuing on to Tanzania, they will need transit visas. Travelers only making a flight connection in a Kenyan airport, with no plans to actually leave the airport, do NOT need a visa.
• Single-entry visas are issued to travelers who intend to stay in Kenya for more than 3 days (visiting Diani Beach or going on safari) and are valid for up to ninety (90) days.

Apply online for Kenya travel visa

As far as I know, online applications for Kenya travel visas did not exist when I traveled there more than a decade ago. I planned to apply and pay for my visa upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. I was traveling solo and had never been to Kenya before. Understandably, I was a bit anxious during the entire journey. What if no officials were present when I arrived to issue the visa? (My flight arrived very late at night.) What if the visa procedures had changed and I didn’t know? If I could have taken care of getting my visa ahead of time, before departing for Kenya, it would have saved me a great deal of worry and anxiety.

Luckily, these days, travelers can apply for, pay for, and receive their Kenya travel visas before leaving home with e-visums.co.uk. This online service takes care of everything travelers need for transit visas and single-entry visas. Here’s how it works:

1. Fill out the online application on the E-visums website. You will need to have information on hand, such as your travel dates and your passport number.
2. Submit payment online (£79.95 per person) via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
3. E-visums submits all applicant information to the Kenyan government. It can take up to three (3) days for processing; however, in most instances, E-visums is able to deliver the visas within twenty-four (24) hours.
4. Print the e-visa and be sure to have it in your possession upon arrival in Kenya.

In addition to having the printed e-visa, the following is also required for a Kenya travel visa:

1. Your passport must be valid for at least another six months after your arrival date to Kenya.
2. You must have documentation proving your trip to Kenya. The document can either be your flight itinerary and confirmation, reservation confirmation from your hotel or resort, or – for business travelers – an invitation letter.
3. A color passport photo which clearly shows your face.
4. The Kenya visa application must be completed at least one (1) week before arriving in Kenya.

Lastly, citizens of the following countries require visas to enter Kenya: