If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, whether for tourism, business, or other purposes, understanding the visa requirements and application process is crucial. Kenya offers various visa types depending on your purpose of visit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Kenya visa requirements, types, and how to apply.
Types of Kenya Visas
Each visa type caters to specific purposes and durations. Here’s a detailed look at the various categories of Kenyan visas:
1. Single Entry Visa
Purpose:
The Single Entry Visa is ideal for travelers planning a one-time visit to Kenya. It’s typically used by tourists or individuals visiting Kenya for short-term business engagements or personal reasons.
Duration: Generally valid for a single entry within a specified period (usually up to 90 days).
Ideal For:
- Tourists looking to explore Kenya for leisure.
- Business travelers attending meetings or conferences.
- Individuals visiting family or friends for a brief period.
Application Requirements:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and return ticket.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
2. Transit Visa
Purpose:
The Transit Visa is designed for travelers who are passing through Kenya on their way to another country. This visa allows you to stay in Kenya briefly while en route to your final destination.
Duration: Typically valid for up to 72 hours.
Ideal For: Passengers with layovers in Kenya who need to exit the airport or stay in Kenya for a short period before continuing to their next destination.
Application Requirements:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of onward travel to a final destination.
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the transit period, if applicable.
- Travel itinerary and flight details.
3. Courtesy Visa
Purpose:
The Courtesy Visa is issued as a gesture of courtesy to diplomats and other individuals who are visiting Kenya in an official capacity or as guests of the Kenyan government.
Duration: The duration and conditions of this visa are determined based on the specific arrangements and purpose of the visit.
Ideal For:
- Diplomats and government officials on official business.
- Guests of the Kenyan government or related entities.
Application Requirements:
- Official letter of invitation or sponsorship from a Kenyan government agency or organization.
- Valid passport.
- Completed visa application form, if applicable.
4. Multiple Entry Visa
Purpose:
The Multiple Entry Visa is suitable for frequent visitors who need to enter Kenya multiple times within a specified period. This visa type is advantageous for business people, frequent tourists, or individuals with ongoing travel needs.
Duration: Allows multiple entries into Kenya over a period of one year or five years, depending on the visa type issued.
Ideal For:
- Business professionals who frequently travel to Kenya for meetings or projects.
- Tourists who visit Kenya regularly.
- Individuals with family or other commitments in Kenya requiring frequent visits.
Application Requirements:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
- Proof of frequent travel needs (e.g., business letters, previous travel history).
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Evidence of accommodation, travel itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds.
- Supporting documents explaining the need for multiple entries.
What is Required for Kenya Visa Application?
To apply for a visa to Kenya, you’ll need to fulfill several requirements to ensure a successful application:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Kenya.
- Visa Application Form: Accurately complete the visa application form available on the Kenya eVisa portal.
- Passport Photos: Provide recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specified criteria.
- Travel Itinerary: Include details of your travel plans, accommodation, and flight information.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate that you have adequate funds to cover your stay.
- Return Ticket: Provide a confirmed return or onward ticket to show your intent to leave Kenya after your visit.
Work Permits in Kenya
Work permits are required for foreign nationals who wish to work in Kenya. Here’s an overview of the main types of work permits available:
1. Class A Work Permit
Purpose:
For individuals engaging in mining, agriculture, and other natural resource activities.
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A Copy of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- License to prospect for minerals mine
- Proof of funds for investment at least (minimum USD 100,000)
- Current license and copy of PIN certificate (for renewals)
- Signed audited accounts for the last one year (for renewal)
2. Class B Work Permit
Purpose:
For professionals in industries that require specialized skills.
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A Copy of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- Proof of land ownership/leasehold
- Proof capital availability bank statement (minimum USD 100,000)
- Clearance/license from relevant bodies
- Copy of PIN certificate
- Current audited accounts (for renewal)
3. Class C Work Permit
Purpose:
For individuals engaging in activities related to trade or other commercial enterprises.
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A Copy of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- Proof of membership to a prescribed profession
- Copies of certified academic and professional qualifications
- Copy of PIN certificate
4. Class D Work Permit
Purpose:
For individuals seeking employment in Kenya where there are no suitable Kenyan candidates.
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A Copy of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- Duly certified copies of academic and professional certificates
- Curriculum Vitae
- Duly filed and signed application form 27
- Name of Kenyan understudy
- Certified copies of academic certificates and full contacts of the understudy: – email, address, cell phone
- Curriculum Vitae of the understudy
- Certificate of registration of the organization
- Clearance letter from relevant institutions
5. Class E Work Permit
Purpose:
For individuals involved in specific manufacturing
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A Copy of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- Copy of license held
- Proof of funds for investment (manufacturing) minimum USD 100,000
- Registration certificate of the company
- Memorandum of understanding
- Articles of association Signed
- Current audited accounts (for renewals)
- Shareholders certificate (CR12)
- Copy of PIN certificate
6. Class F Work Permit
Purpose:
For investors who intend to start a business in Kenya or specific trade, business or consultancy.
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A Copy of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- Documentary proof of capital to be invested of at least USD 100,000
- Certificate of incorporation of the company
- Memorandum of understanding
- Articles of association
- Copy of PIN certificate
- Signed current audited accounts (for renewals)
- Duly filled form 27
7. Class I Work Permit
Purpose: For individuals involved in religious and charitable activities
Documents required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A Copy of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- Registration certificate of the organization
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates
Issued to:
a) Members under societies act
b) Members of Co limited by grantee
c) Members of trustee registered under a trustee act
8. Class K Resident Permit
Purpose: For individuals relocating to reside in Kenya
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- A Copy of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- Documentary proof of annual assured income of at least USD 24,000 of own rightful and at free disposal from other sources other than employment, occupation, trade, business or profession. Income that is derived from sources outside Kenya remitted as pension or annuity
9. Class M – Refugees
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Signed cover letter from the employer / self / organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- Copies of national passport
- Two recent colored passport size photos
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new cases, plus individual Tax Compliance Certificates for renewal cases
- Recommendation letter from the Department of Refugee Affairs
Exemption:
- Duly filled and signed Form 25
- Detailed and signed cover letter from the employer/organization/self, addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- Copy of a valid national passport
- Two (2) recent passport size photos (for both Renewal and New cases)
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized /recognized institution
- Copy of the gazette notice
- Copy of duly signed host country agreement
10. Dependent Pass
Purpose:
Issued to dependents (spouses and children) of individuals holding a valid work permit.
Documents Required:
- Duly filled and signed application Form 28
- Detailed cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- Copy of valid National passport (bio-data page)
- Current immigration status for both the applicant and the dependent
- Current two (2) passport size colored photos of the dependent
- Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the dependent
- Proof of sufficient and assured income to sustain self and the dependent
- Sworn affidavit of incapacity/inability to sustain self (dependent)
- A valid copy of work permit- at least six months to its expiry (for applicants holding work permits)
11. Kenya Special Pass:
Document Required:
- Application Form 32 duly filled, signed and stamped by organization
- Detailed cover letter from the applicant/organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- Current Two (2) passport size colored photos
- Current immigration status (if in the country)
- Copy of valid national passport
- Copy of registration certificate of the organization
- Academic and professional certificates of the applicant
- Copy of any permit or passes held.
- Copy of any official receipt or acknowledgement for those waiting for permits processing.
- Clearance letter (where applicable) from the relevant
12. Student Pass:
Purpose: For individuals who wish to study in any of Kenya’s
How to Fill Out Kenya Visa Application
Filling out the Kenya visa application form is a straightforward process if you follow these steps:
- Visit the Kenya eVisa Portal: Go to the official Kenya eVisa website.
- Register an Account: Create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Select Visa Type: Choose the type of visa that matches your purpose of travel (e.g., tourist, business, student).
- Complete the Form: Fill in your personal details, travel information, and other required data.
- Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of necessary documents such as your passport, photos, and travel itinerary.
- Pay the Fee: Complete the payment for the visa application fee online.
- Submit Application: Review and submit your application through the portal.
How Long Does the Kenya Visa Application Process Take?
The processing time for a Kenya visa can vary based on the type of visa and application volume. Generally:
- eVisa: The electronic visa usually takes 2-5 business days to process.
- In-Person Applications: Applications submitted through a Kenyan embassy or consulate might take up to 10 business days.
Applying well in advance of your travel date is recommended to avoid any potential delays.
What Documents Do I Need to Enter Kenya?
For entry into Kenya, ensure you have the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Visa: Depending on your nationality and purpose of visit.
- Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.
- Travel Itinerary: Flight details and travel plans.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other evidence showing sufficient funds for your stay.
To determine your eligibility and find the right type of visa for your needs, contact Talent PEO Africa‘s Kenya Immigration and Relocation experts. We provide personalized advice and guidance to ensure a smooth visa application process. Reach out at kenya@talentpeo.com for expert assistance.