Planning Your Trip to Kenya
How to Apply for a Kenya Visa
Before immersing yourself in this beautiful African nation, it is essential to get the necessary vaccinations and ensure you have the right travel documents. A visa is mandatory when traveling to Kenya. For this guide, we will focus on applying for a tourist visa. If you’re applying for another type of visa, the rules may differ (more information is available on www.ecitizen.go.ke). Below are the three main ways to apply for a tourist visa to Kenya:
1. Apply for a Visa Online
The easiest option is to apply for a Kenya visa online through a trustworthy organization. We recommend hiring a visa bureau to review and enhance your Kenya visa application if needed. Keep in mind that you may pay a little extra, but this ensures that everything is in order before you arrive in Kenya.
2. Apply for a Visa in the Netherlands
If you decide to apply for a tourist visa online, be aware that it may take about ten working days to receive your visa. Typically, you may get your visa within 24 hours, but officially it takes ten working days.
- Visit http://ecitizen.go.ke, create an account, and follow all the steps.
- You can apply for multiple visas for your whole family or travel group.
- Complete the form fully.
- At the end, pay $51 (approximately €45) per visa and receive a personal ‘REF NO’.
- You can check the status of your application with this number.
- If your visa is granted, click on ‘view’.
- Then click ‘download’. This is your proof of visa and payment.
- Print it out and bring your visa on your trip to Kenya.
Note: You will not receive a notification when your visa is granted (or denied). It’s essential to log in regularly to check if your visa for Kenya has been allocated! After logging in, click on ‘Profile’, and under ‘Approval’, it will say ‘Issued’ after a few days.
3. Visa on Arrival at the Airport
Would you prefer to apply for a visa upon arrival in Kenya? You can do that too! Upon arrival at Nairobi Airport, you can apply for a visa at the visa department inquiry bureau. The price is the same as the online application. However, requesting your visa in the Netherlands may save you from waiting in line at the visa counter upon arrival, as it often gets very busy.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months upon departure from Kenya and has two blank pages. Traveling with children? Make sure they also have valid passports.