Norwegian citizens visiting Kenya must secure an Electronic Travel Authorization before their departure.
A valid eTA, allowing a single entry for stays of up to 90 days, is essential for boarding a flight to Kenya.
For those wishing to have an extended stay or pursue specific purposes, Work and Residence Permits are available.
Both travel authorization and permits can be obtained online through Kenya’s official portals.
On arrival, visitors from Norway must present a valid passport, a Kenya visa printout, a travel itinerary, and either a supporting letter or hotel bookings/details of places to visit for tourists.
Visitors coming from countries with a high risk of yellow fever must also hold a vaccination certificate.
NOTE: For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding entry requirements, including visa applications and health regulations, consult Kenya’s official government websites, such as the Department of Immigration Services.
Types of Kenya Visas Available for Norwegian Travelers
Norwegian citizens who intend to visit or stay in Kenya have access to several visa options depending on the nature and duration of their visit.
Kenya visas range from short-term Electronic Travel Authorizations to long-term Work and Residence Permits.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Recent updates to Kenya’s immigration system require all foreign nationals, including Norwegians, to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before entry.
The eTA is for those visiting Kenya for tourism, short business trips, conferences, or visiting family and friends. It is not valid for work, study, or long-term residence.
Norwegian citizens can apply through the official Kenyan eTA portal. The application requires a passport (at least 6 months of validity), a recent face photo, a travel itinerary, accommodation details, and supporting documents based on the purpose.
Visitors can enter Kenya within 90 days of authorization approval and may stay in the country for up to 3 months.
Work and Residence Permits and Passes
For Norwegian citizens seeking to work, invest, study, or reside in Kenya beyond the duration of the eTA, several classes of Work and Residence Permits are available.
They must be applied for before entering Kenya for those purposes, or shortly after arrival, under the guidance of the relevant Kenyan authorities.
Kenya offers a structured classification system for Work and Residence Permits, each designated for specific activities, for example:
- Permit Class A (Prospecting and Mining): Issued to foreigners intending to engage, alone or in partnership, in prospecting for minerals or mining in Kenya.
- Permit Class B (Agriculture and Animal Husbandry): Granted to those planning to engage, alone or in partnership, in agriculture or animal husbandry in Kenya.
- Permit Class C (Prescribed Profession): For professionals practicing a prescribed profession, either alone or in partnership, within Kenya.
- Permit Class D (Employment): Issued to individuals offered specific employment by a specific employer, the Government of Kenya, or approved aid schemes.
Permit applications are handled by Kenya’s Department of Immigration Services. Required documents vary by class but generally include an application form, passport, photographs, and proof of employment, admission, or investment.
Norwegian applicants should start by applying for an eTA to enter Kenya and, additionally, apply for a permit if they need one.
Kenya Visa Application Process for Norwegian Nationals
Norwegian citizens must complete an official application process in advance of their journey to Kenya.
Kenya offers a streamlined electronic system for most travelers, including short-term visits via the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and long-term stays via various permits available through the eCitizen portal.
The eTA Application Process
Norwegians traveling to Kenya for tourism, short business trips, or family visits must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) through the official portal at https://etakenya.go.ke. The process is fully digital and typically user-friendly.
- Click “Apply Now” and complete the online form.
- Ensure all details and documents are accurate and submit the application.
- Receive confirmation of application and payment (if applicable) by email.
- Wait for approval or refusal from Kenya’s Immigration Office.
Upon a decision being made, visitors from Norway will receive an email confirming the result. If approved, they must either print the attached PDF document or save it to their mobile device.
Permit Application Process
For Norwegian citizens seeking to work, invest, study, or reside in Kenya for extended periods, the appropriate permits must be applied for through the eCitizen portal.
- Register or log in (new users select “Register as a Visitor”).
- Select “Department of Immigration Services” and then “Kenyan Visa.”
- Choose the appropriate permit type.
- Fill out the form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the fee online.
- Await the results; some cases may require additional steps or interviews.
Once your permit is approved, you must download and print the document from your eCitizen account. It must be presented at the port of entry into Kenya and be on hand throughout your stay.
Kenya Visa Processing Time
The standard government processing time for a Kenya eTA is 3 working days. However, travelers report that most eTAs are issued within 1–2 business days.
Still, it’s recommended for Norwegians to apply at least 2 weeks before the trip to avoid last-minute delays.
Other Kenya visa categories (e.g., Work or Residence Permits) processed via eCitizen can have widely varying timelines — ranging from several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the application.
✍️ Tips for timely approval:
- Ensure accuracy — mistakes or incomplete info can delay or extend processing.
- Check status online via the eTA or eCitizen portals regularly.
- For complex cases, such as work or study permits, allow a minimum of 4–8 weeks, as processing may take months in some situations.
Understanding these factors can help applicants from Norway better prepare and minimize the likelihood of issues with their visa approval process.
Entry Requirements Upon Arrival in Kenya
When traveling to Kenya, Norwegians should make sure they meet all the requirements in advance for a smooth and hassle-free entry process.
The list of paperwork to cross the Kenya’s borders includes:
- Passport – Your document must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Kenya visa printout – A printed copy of your approved eTA and permit (if necessary)
- Travel itinerary – A detailed plan describing your activities in Kenya.
Also, it is necessary to provide one of the following documents:
- Supporting letter – For business or family visits, this could be a letter from your company or an invitation letter.
- Hotel bookings/details of places to visit – If you are visiting as a tourist, provide proof of accommodation or a clear outline of sites you plan to explore during your stay.
Make sure to double-check all conditions according to your purpose of visit, as these can vary depending on Kenyan immigration policies. Having all necessary documentation prepared and organized will help facilitate a trip.
Extension or Renewal of Kenya Visas
If you’re a Norwegian traveler in Kenya and need to stay beyond the 90-day limit of an eTA or renew a Work or Residence Permit, there are several options.
- eTA extension: After presenting the travel authorization upon arrival, individuals get a Visitor’s Pass that allows a stay in Kenya and can be extended; it is also possible to transit to another permit type to legally prolong your visit.
- Validity & renewal of permits: Most Work Permits are valid for 1-2 years and can be renewed if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
It is crucial to apply for a new permit or extension before a current eTA, Visitor’s Pass, or Work Permit expires. This guarantees continuous legal status during a stay in Kenya.
IMPORTANT: Work Permits are tied to specific employers or activities. Switching jobs may require applying for a new document.
Importance of Kenya Embassy
For Norwegian citizens seeking to travel to Kenya, the absence of a Kenya Embassy in Norway presents unique challenges.
Visa applicants must rely on alternative Kenyan diplomatic missions, typically located in neighboring countries, such as Sweden or Denmark, to process their requests.
These embassies play a critical role by acting as the primary point of contact for guidance, application submissions, and visa-related inquiries.
It is essential for visitors from Norway to plan ahead, allowing extra time for travel to or correspondence with these regional embassies to make sure their visa applications are processed smoothly.
Contact details of Kenya Embassy in Sweden:
- Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 37, 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 7694, 103 95 Stockholm.
- Telephone: +46 (0)8 218300/04
- Email: info@kenyaembassy.se
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Norwegian Citizens
- Do Norwegian citizens need an eTA to travel to Kenya?
Yes, Norwegian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for short stays in Kenya. It must be obtained online before departure.
- How long can Norwegian travelers stay in Kenya with an eTA?
The eTA allows a single entry for up to 90 days.
- What health documents are required to enter Kenya?
Norwegian nationals arriving from yellow fever risk areas must present a vaccination certificate.
- Can children of Norwegian travelers enter Kenya without a visa?
No, all visitors, including children, need an eTA unless exempted. Each family member must apply individually.
- What is the processing time for a Kenya eTA?
Approval typically takes 1–3 business days, but it’s best to apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
- What should Norwegians present at the Kenyan port of entry?
Norwegian citizens must present their passport, a printed eTA, a travel itinerary, accommodation details, and any supporting letters.
Conclusion
Travel to Kenya offers opportunities for exploration, business, and cultural exchange for Norwegian citizens.
However, it is essential to ensure compliance with the visa and entry requirements to guarantee a smooth experience.
The eTA and various permit options provide solutions for both short-term visitors and long-term stayers, suiting diverse purposes such as tourism, work, or study.
Proper preparation, including timely applications and required documentation, is key to avoiding any issues.
