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Kenya Visa On Arrival Suspended - What Now?

Written By: Richard Nathan

Fact Checked By: Jakus Eloff

21 Oct 2022

5 min read

No more visas are issued on arrival in Kenya, nor in Kenyan representations. Since the end of 2020 Kenya Visa on Arrivals has been discontinued. In an effort to digitalize systems, the Kenyan government has now introduced online tourist visas. The government is also installing Airport Biometrics to strengthen the security of airports and major public areas in Kenya.

What Is The Kenya Visa on Arrival?

Before Dec 2021 travelers from some countries were eligible to apply for a Kenya Visa on Arrival.

All foreign visitors to Kenya should be aware of the most recent change in the country's visa granting system. From January 2021, all eligible citizens must apply for a Kenya E-Visa to visit the country, according to the Kenyan government. The online application is entirely online.

Which countries Were Eligible For a Kenya Visa On Arrival?

Some states must complete their travel permits before coming to Kenya, according to the national government. Others do not need to have a passport, while others eligibility for a Kenya visa on arrival. Because all three countries (Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda) signed the East African Agreement, citizens from Uganda and Rwanda require their national identity cards.

How Do I Obtain A Kenya Visa Now?

Kenya has numerous types of visas you can apply for. If you're not sure about the Kenya visa requirements and the application process, applying for a Kenya Visa can be frustrating at first. The easiest way you can apply for your visa without hassle is through Atlys. Atlys does all the paper work for you, so you can have a stress-free visa experience.

Kenya has quickly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. All foreign visitors to Kenya should be aware of the most recent change in the country's visa-granting system. From January 2021, all eligible citizens must apply for a Kenya E-Visa to visit the country, according to the Kenyan government.

Nationals of roughly 147 countries are currently eligible to apply for a Kenyan e-visa if they meet the Kenya visa requirements. In comparison to traditional consular visas, the e-process is seamless and quick. All non-visa-exempt travelers will be able to apply for an eVisa online.

You can also start your online visa application on the Kenya Department of Immigration services - evisa.go.ke.

What Are The Types Of Kenya Visas?

Kenya offers tourists various visas, including tourism, business, medical, family visits, and courtesy visas. Obtaining a visa to Kenya is a quick and straightforward procedure. The validity, cost package, and document requirements vary per visa category. Citizens of countries that require access to enter Kenya must apply for one of the following visa types:

Kenya Transit Visa
Kenya Single Entry Visa
Kenya Business e Visa
Kenya Courtesy Entry Visa
Kenya East African Tourist Visa
Kenya Multiple Entry Visa
Kenya 5yr Multiple Entry Visa

What Are The Kenya Visa Requirements?

Persons whose nationalities require a visa to enter Kenya for business, tourism, medical treatment, or other reasons are issued any visa type. You will be required to meet the following requirements during the Kenya visa application process:

Travelers must have a valid passport with at least two blank pages, including minors and children.
From the arrival date in the Republic of Kenya, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Travelers can enter Kenya at one of the country's 10 recognized airports, 10 seaports, and 11 border crossings with an online visa in Kenya.
You must enter your arrival and departure dates when filling out the application. You must also confirm a reservation in Kenya for at least one night.
You must submit a travel plan or itinerary, as well as confirmation of your return flight booking when applying. You can easily get this for free with Atlys

What Are The Required Documents for a Kenya Visa?

General Documents: You must have the following documents for all visa types:

A valid travel document or passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
A Return ticket or A Round Trip ticket (for Transit Visa holders)
Photograph

What Is The Kenya Tourist Visa?

Kenya offers a single-entry visa for visitors from countries that the Kenyan government has not designated as visa-free. You'll need to apply for a tourist visa if your visit is for recreation or tourism. In Kenya, a tourist visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days. The visa will also be valid for 90 days.

What Are The Kenya Tourist Visa Requirements?

The required documents for the KenyaTourist Visa include: Travel Itinerary (Provide details about the places you will be visiting in Kenya), hotel booking details as well as a return air ticket (applicable to Single Entry Visa holders only).

What Are Some Tips For Getting a Tourist Visa In Kenya?

An application should be submitted at least 7 days ahead of time, according to the administration. It's important to note that the Kenya Visa processing fee , commonly known as the arrival fee, for a visa is non-refundable and incomplete Kenya Visa applications will immediately be rejected. Also, remember that the possession of an E-Visa is not sufficient authority to enter Kenya. One of the things Kenya doesn't take lightly is that it's illegal to engage in any business or employment without the necessary permit or pass, so this mistake should be avoided!

Your Kenya E-Visa should arrive in at least two working days and every adult traveler to the Republic of Kenya must apply for a Kenya E-Visa through their E-Citizen account. In the parent's account, parents can use it for their children.

Kenya Health Declaration Form

Since the border reopened in August 2020, Kenya, like many other countries, has created new criteria for people wishing to visit Kenya. The new measures are part of a local government attempt to strengthen pre-existing contingency plans to prevent the spread of Coronavirus among Kenyans. The Health Declaration is the most recent of these standards.

To enter Kenya, you will have to show a QR Code of the completed Traveler's Health Surveillance Form , including a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result and a valid E-Visa.

Now that you're all set, make sure to check out the complete Kenya E-Visa guide. When you travel to Kenya make sure to stop by the The Mysterious and Haunted crater in Kenya to make your trip extra special.

Written By: Richard Nathan

Fact Checked By: Jakus Eloff

Frequently Asked Questions

How many entries does the Kenya Visa hold?

The Kenya Visa is for Single Entry only, and it grants a maximum stay of 90 days in Total.

What are the photo and passport copy requirements for the Kenya Visa Application ?

Passport Photo: Please note that you have to upload a digital photograph as part of the online visa application for certain countries. The passport photo should meet the following requirements:

Format – JPEG/PDF.
The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.
Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin.
Background should be plain light-colored or white background.
No shadows on the face or on the background.
Without borders.

Passport Page Copy: The requirements for your passport copy that you need to submit with your online visa application are as follows:

The copy of your passport main page (page with your photo) should be in the JPEG/ PDF format.
The copy of the passport has to be clearly visible and should have no borders

Do children also need to complete the Kenya visa application?

Applicants under the age of 16 do not need to submit a visa application. Only their valid transport documents will be required at the point of entry.

In what situation do I need a Kenya transit visa?

If you are not planning to stay in Kenya longer than 72 hours and your trip has a connection through Kenya, you will not need an approved eVisa. Instead, you will need a transit visa issued. Persons catching connecting flights directly without leaving the airport do not need to apply for Transit visas.

Is it possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Kenya for U.S citizens?

As of January 1, 2021, all Kenyan visas will be electronic and must be applied online, according to the Kenyan government.

This means that visa-on-arrival services for U.S. citizens and all other inbound foreign nationals have been terminated. Following Kenya's new visa policy, visa on arrival services is being phased out. Before departing, it is now necessary to obtain a visa.

Visas on arrival were once available to American citizens, but they came with drawbacks such as more extended airport wait periods. Furthermore, the electronic visa system is expected to improve security by streamlining and strengthening operations.

What vaccines do American citizens need before traveling to Kenya?

For American citizens, there are no obligatory vaccines in Kenya. Only when U.S. citizens have recently visited a yellow fever high-risk location must they show proof of vaccination for Kenya or a Yellow Fever Certificate.

In all other circumstances, American tourists are highly advised to contact their physician 6-10 weeks before their trip to discuss the necessary vaccination for Kenya from the United States for their unique situation.

Is it required for me to take a COVID-19 Test to travel to Kenya?

This document does not require a test. However, all tourists must have a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate to enter the country. The test must be completed within 96 hours of leaving for Kenya.

However fully vaccinated tourists are exempted from the 72-hour before arrival PCR test.

What is the processing time for the Visa?

The length of time it takes to get a Kenya visa is determined by some factors, the most important of which is the style of processing you choose. We have the following:

For USD 93.00, standard processing takes 6 business days.
For USD 123.00, expedited processing takes 4 business days.
For USD 158.00, Super Rush processing takes 2 business days.

What States do not require a visa?

Barbados, Botswana, Belize, Brunei, Burundi, Cyprus, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji Island, Ghana, Grenadines, Grenada, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritius, Maldives, Namibia, Papa New Guinea, Nauru, Nevis, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, St. Kitts, St. Lucia San Marino, St. Vincent, Swaziland, Tanzania, The Bahamas, The Gambia Trinidad, Tonga, Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe

What Kenya Visa Do Indians Require?

Indian citizens require an e-visa to enter the Kenyan borders as well. They are required to fill out the Kenya application form with authentic Personal, Passport, and Travel information.

Is a Kenya Visa Required for US Citizens in Kenya?

Yes, US citizens do need a Kenya visa to enter the Republic of Kenya legally. Fortunately, obtaining a Kenya visa for US citizens is a short and painless process. In only a few minutes, US citizens can apply for a Kenya visa online with Atlys.

What Visas Should US Citizens Apply For?

An E-Visa application is a fundamental and quick process. From almost anywhere in the world, the applicant can finish the Kenya visa application process in 5-10 minutes. Basic personal information, passport, and travel-related questions are included in the Kenya visa application.

To avoid any information mismatches, applicants must use their passports to fill out the Kenya visa application form, submit the relevant papers, and pay the Kenya visa fees, commonly known as the arrival fee, with a debit or credit card.

The visa to Kenya for US citizens is delivered to the applicant's email address once it has been granted. It's critical to print multiple copies of the granted visa and save a digital copy on your mobile device to show border control officers when you arrive in Kenya.

I should mention that you might run into some problems when using the online portal. There might be numerous issues such as the website not working, documents not uploading, payment not working, etc. As such, I recommend starting your application through Atlys to avoid these problems.

What Are The Kenya e-Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens?

Before applying for a Kenya visa, all US passport holders must meet certain requirements.

It's highly recommended that US Citizens get a Kenya visa beforehand. You can learn more on the Kenya Visa - eVisa Application Process and Requirements.

What Does The Embassy Registration for U.S. Citizens Entail?

U.S. citizens can enroll in the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) system through their electronic visa application.

U.S. citizens in Kenya can use the Embassy Registration Service to get important updates and information from the nearest American embassy or consulate.

The following are some of the benefits of registering with the Embassy Registration:

Keeping up with the newest Kenyan safety alerts and security issues
Provide your contact information to the US embassy in Kenya for simple communication and traceability in the event of an emergency
In the event of an emergency, faster communication with friends and family back home is essential.

KenyaFirst-Time Travelers