Kenya Visa for Belgian Citizens

Belgian citizens visiting Kenya are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to entering the country.

The Kenyan eTA is issued for a single entry and permits a stay of up to 90 days.

Travelers from Belgium can conveniently apply online through the official portal. The process is straightforward, and most applications are approved within 3 business days.

For longer stays or specific purposes, such as employment or relocation, Belgian nationals must obtain a Work or Residence Permit.

This Kenya visa must be arranged in addition to eTAs, and the process typically involves submitting the appropriate documentation.

NOTE: For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding travel requirements, it is strongly recommended to visit official government or immigration websites such as the Department of Immigration Services portal.

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Kenya Visa Types for Belgian Nationals

Belgian citizens traveling to Kenya have various visa options depending on the purpose and duration of their stay.

While eTAs are enough for short trips, permits allow staying in the country for more extended periods or specific purposes.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The eTA is the most commonly used visa for short-term visits to Kenya. It allows Belgian nationals to enter Kenya for up to 90 days on a single-entry basis.

The travel authorization is ideal for tourism, transit, family gatherings, or business meetings.

To apply, Belgians must complete an online application and provide essential documents such as a passport valid for at least 6 months, a face photo, proof of accommodation, and additional files as required based on the reason for travel.

Work and Residence Permits

For Belgian nationals staying in Kenya for extended periods or engaging in professional, business, or employment-related activities, obtaining a Work or Residence Permit is mandatory.

These permits are categorized based on the applicant’s planned activities, examples of which include:

Class A (Prospecting and Mining): For individuals intending to engage in prospecting or mining activities in Kenya, either independently or in partnership.
Class B (Agriculture and Animal Husbandry): For those running businesses in agriculture or animal husbandry.
Class D (Employment): For specific employment in Kenya offered by designated employers, government agencies, or approved organizations, particularly for roles requiring skills not locally available.
Class G (Trade, Business, or Consultancy): For people engaging in specific trades, businesses, consultancies, or professions (excluding prescribed professions) in Kenya.
Class K (Ordinary Residents): For individuals 35 years or older with an assured annual income from sources outside of employment or business in Kenya.
Class N (Digital Nomads): For those working remotely in Kenya for companies registered outside the country.

The application process for these permits involves submitting a completed form, passport copy, face photos, a valid passport, a formal request letter, and any additional documents specific to the applicant’s planned activities in Kenya.

Kenya eVisa Application Process for Belgian Citizens

Belgian citizens visiting Kenya can apply for an eTA online through a streamlined process. It allows travelers to enter Kenya for tourism, business, medical reasons, or family visits.

Those who are going to work or reside in Kenya will need a Work or Residence Permit.

For eTA

Steps from the official eTA website are the following:

Visit https://etakenya.go.ke.
Click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions.
Ensure all information is accurate.
Submit the application.
Receive a confirmation email.
If payment is required, a second email will confirm receipt.

After review, you’ll get an email with the decision:

If approved, the email will include a PDF with your eTA. Print it, save it on your device, or store it in the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” app.

If denied, you cannot travel to Kenya for now.

For Work and Residence Permits

For additional permits, Belgian citizens should complete the process outlined on the eCitizen portal:

Visit the https://www.ecitizen.go.ke.
Register for a new account or log in to the existing eCitizen account.
Select the visa type suitable for the travel purpose and review the specific requirements.
Complete the application form online and upload all necessary documents (e.g., passport scan, invitation letter).
Pay the processing fee using a Visa card, Mastercard, or other supported payment methods.
Await an approval confirmation email. For some visas, an applicant may be required to attend an office.

Once the permit is approved, download and print it out. Keep the paper visa ready to present to officials upon arrival in Kenya, along with a valid eTA.

Kenya Visa Processing Time

Belgian travelers visiting Kenya should apply for their eTA well in advance.

Although most eTAs are processed within 3 business days, starting the process at least 2 weeks before departure is recommended to avoid any unexpected delays.

For those applying for permits, processing times can vary greatly depending on the type of permit requested.

Common causes of delays include incomplete forms, errors in the form, or high application volumes. To speed up the process, double-check that all documents are accurate and complete before submission.

Entry Requirements Upon Arrival in Kenya

Belgian citizens must meet specific requirements to comply with Kenyan immigration regulations.

Usually, visitors from Belgium entering Kenya are expected to:

Have an approved eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and, if applicable, a valid Work or Residence Permit.
Hold a passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
Provide a detailed travel itinerary, including dates and purposes of the trip.
Present proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations.
Submit an invitation letter if visiting for business, family, or other formal purposes.

Additionally, Belgian nationals should be prepared to satisfy any health-related entry requirements mandated by Kenya.

For example, it may be necessary to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when arriving from or transiting through regions where the disease is endemic.

For minors, additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or a parental consent letter, may be required if they are traveling alone or accompanied by just one parent.

Extension or Renewal of Visa While in Kenya

While a Kenya eTA grants up to 90 days per visit, Belgians can get an extension of their Visitor’s Pass up to two times, potentially allowing a total stay of up to 180 days.

Extensions must be submitted to and stamped by the Kenya Directorate of Immigration, the typical office being Nyayo House (Nairobi).

NOTE: Apply before the current eTA expires; inactive authorization cannot be extended. Overstaying leads to fines, deportation, and restrictions on future visits to Kenya.

Kenyan Work and Residence Permits are typically valid for 1–2 years and must be renewed before expiration.

Kenya Embassy Contact Details

The Kenya Embassy in Brussels is an invaluable resource for Belgian nationals applying for a visa to Kenya.

It provides clear guidance on the visa process, ensuring that visitors are well-informed about the required documentation and procedures.

Embassy staff are available to address specific questions, offer updates on Kenya visa policies, and provide support for unique or complex cases.

Additionally, they can assist Belgians in resolving any issues that may appear during the application process.

Address: 208 Avenue Winston Churchill 1180 Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32 2 340 10 40
Email: consular@kenyabrussels.com

Frequently Asked Questions for Belgian Visitors

Do Belgian citizens need a visa to visit Kenya?
Yes, Belgian citizens are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering Kenya for short visits.

What is a Kenyan eTA, and how long is it valid?
The eTA is a single-entry travel authorization that allows Belgians to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days.

How long does it take to process a Kenya eTA for Belgian citizens?
Most eTA applications are processed within 3 business days. It is recommended to submit the form at least 2 weeks before the trip to avoid delays.

What should Belgians do if they plan to work or reside in Kenya?
Belgian nationals intending to work, run businesses, or reside in Kenya must apply for a Work or Residence Permit arranged in addition to the eTA.

Can Belgian minors going to Kenya require extra documentation?
Yes, minors may need additional documents, such as a birth certificate or a parental consent letter, if traveling alone or with only one parent.

What should Belgian travelers do if their eTA application is denied?
If an eTA application is denied, Belgians should contact the Kenya Embassy in Brussels and review the details before reapplying.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kenya as a Belgian citizen is a process that begins with obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for short-term stays.

For those intending to work, reside, or engage in specific activities, securing the appropriate Work or Residence Permit is essential.

To avoid delays or complications, it is crucial to apply early, ensure all documents are complete and accurate, and consult official sources for the most current information.