Kenya eVisa – tips and general information
Are you planning to visit Kenya anytime soon? For a smooth and stress-free journey, it’s important to navigate the eVisa application process carefully.
With the right knowledge, you can save yourself from unnecessary delays or entry problems that may arise from making mistakes on your online Kenya eVisa form.
In this blog post, we share with you helpful Kenya eVisa tips for avoiding common pitfalls when applying for a visa online so that your trip goes as hassle-free as possible!
Select the type of Kenya eVisa accordingly
As there are several Kenya visa types serving different travel purposes, you should explore them and select the one that fits your planned trip the best.
A tourist visa is what you should choose if you are going to Kenya to explore the country as a tourist or visit your family members and friends.
A business visa is designed for people intending to conduct business in Kenya. This type, the same as a tourist visa, stays valid for 90 days from the visa approval and allows its holders to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days in a row.
A transit visa is an option if you enter Kenya only to get to the next destination. It stays effective for 72 hours from the planned date of entry into Kenya.
East Africa tourist visa is a multiple entry visa for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. During the 3 months of its validity period, you can travel between these three countries as many times as you want.
Check your passport validity period
An international passport is the most important document to apply for a Kenya visa online. It must stay valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date into Kenya.
If you have checked your passport’s validity, and your travel document expires within 180 days, you cannot travel abroad nor apply for a travel visa.
It is necessary to get your passport replaced: apply for a passport renewal or apply for a new passport before beginning the application process for a Kenya eVisa.
Also, note that the approved electronic visa will be digitally connected to your passport, and any changes to its data will make the visa invalid.
Make sure to provide accurate information
The Kenya visa application form requires you to provide some personal, contact, and travel information, such as your name and surname, birthdate, nationality, phone number and email address, as well as your travel dates.
It is also requested to attach the applicant’s face photo and other supporting documents:
East Africa visa:
- hotel reservations
- return ticket
Transit visa:
- hotel reservations
- return ticket
- onward ticket
Business visa:
- company’s registration certificate
- staff ID of the inviter or representative
- Kenyan ID of the inviter or representative
- inviter or representative’s passport bio-data page
- passport immigration status page of the inviter or representative
All the data and documentation you provide in the form must be absolutely correct and relevant. Any errors, mistakes, or typos may cause mistakes that ultimately can lead to delays or even refusal.
Always double-check the provided data before submitting. This way, you can save yourself from a lot of problems.
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply
With the introduction of the electronic visa system, you don’t need to hurry up to the embassy or consulate to start the application process. So it is natural that you can get the temptation to put the visa application form on the back burner and try to apply last minute.
Even though the application process itself is really easy, you won’t get a Kenyan visa immediately. Your application needs to be processed by our specialists and Kenyan authorities, and the processing time depends on many factors.
You want to get your visa approved before arrival in Kenya, don’t you? Then don’t wait for too long to apply: you should begin the application process at least several days in advance before your trip. Still, don’t run to extremes: it is not recommended to apply too early, either.
Choose the entry port accepting eVisas
Not all entry points accept electronic visas, so be attentive when choosing the place to cross the Kenyan borders.
Before planning your travel, see which points support eVisas and select one of them:
Airports:
- ELDORET International Airport
- GARISSA Airport
- JOMO KENYATTA airport – Nairobi
- KISUMU Airport
- LAMU Airport
- LOKICHOGIO Airport
- MALINDI Airport
- MOI Airport – Mombasa
- WAJIR International Airport
- WILSON Airport – Nairobi
Border crossings:
- Busia
- Isebania
- Liboi
- Loitokitok
- Lungalunga
- Malaba
- Mandera
- Moyale
- Nadapal
- Namanga
- Taveta
Seaports:
- Busia
- Kilindini Seaport
- Kisumu
- Kuinga
- Lamu
- Malindi
- Mbita
- Muhuru Bay
- Old Port
- Shimoni
- Vanga
These days, obtaining a visa to Kenya is easier than ever before. Still, without knowing some important information, you may face issues and delays, which can ruin your trip. Save these tips to avoid unnecessary heartache when travelling to Kenya.