Kenya Visa Application
If you wish to visit Kenya, you must first have a suitable entry permit. A standard document is a regular visa issued at the Kenyan Embassy. However, foreign travelers from eligible countries may also apply online for an electronic visa – eVisa.
The online application is very convenient and intuitive. It requires you to complete the registration form, upload the required documents, and cover the processing fee. Once it’s authorized, an approved visa will be sent to you via e-mail.
Kenya Visa Requirements
It is essential to ensure you have all the required documentation before proceeding with the visa application. One of the most important documents is your passport.
The passport you are going to use for the visa application should remain valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of arrival in Kenya. What is more, the travel permit cannot expire during your trip abroad. If it expires early, it renders your electronic visa invalid as well.
Depending on the selected visa type (Tourist, Business, or Transit), you are required to provide different documents for the registration process. Below, you will find more information on what to prepare in order to obtain an electronic entry permit to Kenya.
Tourist Visa
- digital photo of the passport’s bio-data page
- digital photo of the applicant’s face
- proof of hotel reservation
- proof of return ticket purchase
Business Visa
- digital photo of the passport’s bio-data page
- digital photo of the applicant’s face
- company registration certificate
- staff ID of the inviter or representative
- Kenyan ID of the inviter or representative
- passport bio-data page of the inviter or representative
- passport immigration status page of the inviter or representative
Transit Visa
- digital photo of the passport’s bio-data page
- digital photo of the applicant’s face
- proof of hotel reservation
- proof of return ticket purchase
- proof of onward ticket purchase
Depending on your country of origin, you may be asked to upload an additional medical certificate proving that you are in good health. This situation is more common for citizens of countries with a higher level of yellow fever infection risk.
Kenya Visa Photo Requirements
During the visa application, it is important not only to upload all the necessary documents but also to take an appropriate visa photo. There are a few guidelines concerning the color, size, and arrangement of your picture.
Visa Photo Size and Colors
Your visa photo should be recent and show your full face from the tip of the head, front view, and eyes open. Moreover, this full-color, head-size photography should be taken on a clear, white background.
The visa photo size requirements are the same for every traveler, regardless of the selected visa type. The photography should be 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm). Pictures taken in another size will not be accepted.
Remember that if your photo is blurred or taken earlier than within the last 6 months from the application date, it will not be accepted. Black and white copies also do not meet the visa photo requirements.
Visa Photo Clothes and Attire
While taking the photo for your Kenya electronic visa, there is no need for you to wear smart clothes. In fact, it is highly recommended to wear casual attire instead of formal uniforms. The only exception is religious attire that is worn daily, but it should be accompanied by an official statement signed by the applicant.
Photos with regular dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses will not be accepted. In the picture, you are allowed to wear glasses for medical reasons only, but it is necessary to present a suitable certificate from the doctor first.
Passport Photo Requirements
To be given the Kenyan electronic visa, you must also provide a digital copy (a photo or a scan) of your valid passport. The bio-data page contains all the personal details required for visa processing, including full name, gender, country of origin, etc.
While taking the passport photo, ensure all four corners of the document are visible. The image should be clear so that all the required information is legible.
Summary
With all the complicated guidelines, taking a perfect photo for your Kenya visa application may seem intimidating. However, with the right preparation, you will be able to get the perfect picture that will make you look professional while applying for your visa.
Below, you will find a summary of the most important tips for taking a perfect travel snapshot. If you follow this guide, your photo should be easily accepted for the Kenya electronic visa application.
Tips for taking the perfect photo for a Kenyan eVisa:
- recent photo, not older than 6 months from the application date
- presented full face from the tip of your head, front view
- clear photo in color, without black and white filter
- simple, white background without blurring filters
- photo size of 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm)
- casual clothes, no formal uniforms, glasses only for medical reasons
If your picture meets all the photo requirements described above, you may proceed with the visa application process and soon enjoy your travel to Kenya.