Kenya Invitation Letter
This post covers everything you need to know about the Kenya invitation letter. The post includes when you need it, where you should get your invitation letter, and what information you need to put int the letter.
Kenya Transit Visa: How To Get A Transit Visa For Kenya
Written By: Laliq Schuman
Fact Checked By: Richard Nathan
Oct 24, 2022
5 min read
Do you have a layover in Kenya but are unsure if you need a Transit Visa? Well, then, this post is for you. I'll discuss everything you need to know about the Kenya Transit Visa, like the required documents, application process, costs, and processing times.
Let's get started!
What is A Kenya Transit Visa?
A Kenya transit visa is issued to people who have a layover in Kenya to other destinations for a period not exceeding 72 hours. You can leave the airport and travel to Kenya for 3 days if you have a transit visa. However, if you're connecting flights without leaving the airport, you don't need to apply for a Transit visa.
A Kenya Transit visa allows you to see Kenya's local cultures and beauty before heading to the final destination. These tourist hotspots are located near airports, so you can still catch your flight on time.
Do US Citizens Need A Transit Visa?
Yes, you do. If you have a long layover in Kenya, you must apply for a Transit Visa. However, as I've mentioned above, if you're connecting flights without leaving the airport, you don't need one.
The people exempt from the visa are:
- Children aged under 16 years of age and below.
- Holders of re-entry pass to Kenya.
- Holders of Permanent Residence pass.
What Are The Kenya Transit Visa Requirements?
Before starting your visa application, you must make sure about all the visa requirements. This part of the post covers everything you need to know about visa requirements.
What Are The Kenya Transit Visa Required Documents?
There are a few travel documents you need to get your Transit Visa. These documents are important for your application. You'll need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel with at least two blank pages.
- An onward ticket or round trip ticket.
- A passport photo.
What Are The Kenya Transit Visa Photo Requirements?
When you submit your passport-size photograph, it must meet certain criteria. The requirements are as follows:
- The picture should have been taken within the last 6 months.
- The picture should be colored and not black and white.
- The face of the applicant should be visible from the front.
- The photo must have a white background.
- The head should not be covered with any headgear or accessories except for religious purposes.
Make sure to check out Atlys' Passport Photo tool to make this task even simpler.
How To Apply For A Kenya Transit Visa?
Now that we've reviewed all the requirements let's get to the application process. The application process is pretty straightforward. If you follow this simple guide, you'll have your visa in no time.
- Step 1: Create An Account
- Step 2: Start Your Visa Application
- Step 3: Upload The Required Documents
- Step 4: Review Your Application
- Step 5: Pay The Visa Fee
- Step 6: Submit Your Application
Step 1: Create An Account
You first need to create an account on the Kenyan eVisa official website. When you get to the website, click on the "Create an account" option. Next, you'll need to provide information like your passport number, email address, and password.
Step 2: Start Your Visa Application
Next, you need to complete the visa application form. You'll need to provide information like your passport, travel details, and other relevant information. To find out more about how to complete the evisa application form, visit our blog.
Remember to choose Transit Visa when you need to fill in the type of visa.
Step 3: Upload The Required Documents
Remember those travel documents I talked about earlier? This is where you'll need them. You must upload all the required documents for the Transit visa in this part. You'll need a copy of your passport, your return flight ticket or onward ticket, and a passport photo.
Step 4: Review Your Application
This is an important step. If you make any mistakes on your visa application, it could extend the processing time or even cause officials to deny your visa.
If you make a mistake, you can just go back and fix the mistake.
Step 5: Pay The Visa Fee
Before you submit your application, you need to pay the visa fee. You can pay the visa fee online using a debit card or a credit card. The transit visa fee is USD 20.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Lastly, you must submit your application and wait for officials to process your visa. The processing time can take anywhere between 5-10 days. You'll get an email with your Transit Visa attached when your visa is processed. Then, you need to print out the Kenya eVisa to show to officials.
What Is The Kenya Transit Visa Processing Time?
It usually takes between 5-10 days for officials to process your visa. This does not include public holidays or weekends. The processing time begins once you submit your entire visa application.
Free Atlys Tools You Can Use To Travel With Certainty
I know you will be very excited about this next section because I am. Atlys has some very helpful tools to help organise and structure your next trip.
These tools were created by travelers for travelers to make traveling easier. Here's a list of Atlys' free tools that will make your next visa application a breeze:
That's It!
Have you ever found that applying for a visa is a very stresful and tedious process? From missing documents, to tiny errors and websites crashing all leaving you wondering if you will ever get this visa? If you ever need the Kenya e-visa Atlys can help you apply hassle-free in under 10 minutes. This sounds impossible, right?
It's as easy as downloading the Atlys app and starting your application now..
Now you know everything you need to know about the Kenya Transit visa. If you have any more questions, check out the FAQ section. Happy travels!
Written By: Laliq Schuman
Fact Checked By: Richard Nathan
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Time In Nairobi?
At the time of writing this post, it's 17;54 in Nairobi. If you ever want to figure out the time in Nairobi, just remember that Nairobi is 7 hours ahead of the US.
What Are The Kenya International Airports?
If you travel from other countries you can land at the following international airports in Kenya (port of entry):
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi Moi Internatinal Airport in Mombassa.
What Are The Different Types Of Kenya Visas?
Here's a list of the Online Visas for US citizens:
- Single Entry Visa
- Multiple Entry Visa
- 5-year Multiple Entry Visa
- Transit Visa
- Business Visa
- East Africa Tourist Visa
Which Countries Enjoy Visa-Free Travel To Kenya?
The following eligible countries are exempt from applying for a Kenya Visa:
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Mauritius, Malaysia (30 days), Malawi, Maldives, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, The Solomon Islands, South Africa (30 days), Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, St. Vincent, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu and Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Is A Yellow Fever Vaccine Required For Kenya?
It is recommended to get a yellow fever vaccine if you’re planning to go to Kenya, but it’s not necessarily required.
When is the best time to travel to Kenya?
The best wildlife viewing month is from July to October. Unfortunately, this high season usually gets Kenya crowded.
What is the capital of Kenya?
Kenya’s capital is Nairobi. It's the largest city in both Kenya and East Africa.
Is It Safe To Travel To Kenya?
Kenya is not the safest place to visit but then again it’s up to you. There are a few problems in Kenya, which include:
- Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.
- Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship.
- Demonstrations may occur, blocking key intersections and resulting in widespread traffic jams.
- Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections.
Do Not Travel to:
- Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas due to terrorism and kidnapping. Areas of Turkana County due to crime.