Following my recent trips to Kenya, many of you have been asking me, Rob, how did you even go about the Visa application process, in a country you’ve never set foot in? well, to answer most of your why, and how questions, I decided to do this post and share with you the necessary steps you need to take, like I did, to enable you to get that Kenyan Visa.
So first things first, let’s look at the types of Visas, popularly known as eVisa, since they are issued digitally, in PDF form, that Kenya issues to its visitors, this will enable you to know the type of visa that is suitable for you and the fees charged.
Types of Visa and fees
In case you are wondering, Why Kenyan Visa?
It’s undisputable, Kenya is a great country known for many things like its people’s hospitality and beauty, athletics, quality tea, and coffee production, wildlife, especially the big 5 animals, and adventure, it is also known as the home of the 8th wonder of the world: the wildebeest migration. Visitors from around the world visit to explore its stunning natural attractions and cultural heritage.
So, if Kenya is on your bucket list destination, then, you have come to the right place, read on, as this post will help you to know the types of visas available, which one may be suitable for you, and how to apply for it.
Types of Kenyan eVisas
Kenya offers several types of visas to its visitors, depending on the nature of their visit. They include:
Single Entry Visa – This visa allows a single entry into the country and is valid for 90 days.
Multiple Entry Visa – This visa allows multiple entries into the country and is valid for 6 to 12 months.
Transit Visa – This visa allows for a short stopover in Kenya on the way to another destination and is valid for 72 hours.
Courtesy Visa – This visa is granted to diplomats and other government officials who are traveling on official duty.
East Africa Tourist Visa – This type of eVisa is suitable for travelers who plan to visit the East African region, which includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda on one visa, it’s validity lasts 3 months.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Kenyan visa, visitors need to have a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration, a return air ticket, and proof of accommodation, either hotel reservation bookings or an invitation letter from their Kenyan host.
The Application Process
This answers your: ‘How to apply for Kenya eVisa online’ question.
The application process for a Kenyan eVisa is quite straightforward and can be done in 3 easy steps:
Step 1: Create an Account on the Official eVisa Website
Visit the official eVisa Kenya Website and create an account, fill in your details. It’s important to note that this is eVisa’s official website, and applicants should be careful NOT to sign up on any other website that may be posing as eVisa Once done creating your account, click on ‘Evisa Application’.
Step 2: Fill in the eVisa application form
Once you have created an account, fill in the required details on the online application form, In this step, it’s important to note that you will be required to upload a recent front-facing passport photo, a picture of the bio-data page of your passport, a return air ticket, and proof of accommodation, either hotel reservation bookings or an invitation letter from your Kenyan host, so prepare them in advance, for you to have a smooth application, and avoid a lot of back and forth.
Step 3: Payment and Processing
This is the last step, you will be required to pay the visa fee, using your credit card or debit card, Visa card, or MasterCard. It’s important to note that sometimes credit card payments fail, and if this happens, applicants can contact eVisa officials on the phone numbers provided on the official eVisa website. The officials will advise on how to make payment and may recommend asking your host to pay on your behalf to eVisa’s bank account and sending the bank slip to an email address provided by eVisa officials.
When you finish filing everything and submit your eVisa application, you should be able to get a response within 72 hours.
You will receive notifications by email, about the progress of your eVisa application. On the page of your eVisa account that you created, you will be able to see a unique tracking number, which you can use to track the progress of your application. OAs soon as the visa is approved and issued, the applicant will be notified and instructed to download the eVisa, which is in PDF format.
Conclusion, Kenya offers several types of visas to its visitors, and it’s important to know which type you need before you apply for an eVisa. The eVisa application process is simple and can be completed in just a few easy steps.
IMPORTANT: Remember 2 things:
Be keen when signing up on eVisa Kenya Website, make sure it’s the official website, and also be careful on credit card payments, if credit card payment failure occurs, contact eVisa officials for guidance. Enjoy your visit to Kenya, the home of world record-holding marathoners and the 8th wonder of the world: the wildebeest migration
