Kenya adopts a visa-free entry scheme for tourists and business people. The county has removed visa requirements for travelers, irrespective of their nationalities, the main aim is to attract global tourism. All foreign nationals can now enter the country for tourism or business travel as of 1st January 2024. All travelers are required to obtain a new electronic travel authorization online before the trip.
Kenya New Visa Waiver For all Nationalities 2024: Requirements, Cost & Application
Cost For E-Visa Application
The process for application of a visa has been made seamless, you can easily get the visa through an online platform and you only need to pay a $30 processing fee. Payment is made on the online platform. In addition, expedited processing is available at an extra cost. To add up, everyone applying for the e-visa has a minimum of a 90 day stay in the country.
However, for travelers from the East African Community nationals are exempted from the ETA requirement. They will be required to present their passport or relevant travel document to enter Kenya. The ETA is only valid for one trip and affected travelers must obtain a new ETA for each visit to Kenya.
E-Visa Application Steps
In order to apply for an E-Visa, visitors should:
- Click on Create an account.
- Click on E-Visa Application.
- Fill the Application form.
- Pay Using Visa Card, Mastercard and other debit or credit cards.
- Await approval then download and print the eVisa from your eVisa account.
- Present your printed eVisa to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Required Documents while Applying for E-visa
All applicants will be required to provide the following documents; a valid passport for at least six months after the date of arrival in Kenya with at least one blank page, personal information and confirmations for accommodation bookings. In addition, some applicants may need to present proof of scheduled exit, proof of financial statements , among others as per instructed.
Business travelers must also include an invitation letter from the inviting company and a copy of the company’s registration document.
Timeline to get E-visa
The government has also stated that the E-visa will be granted within three business days; however, it may take longer based on the applicant’s citizenship among other factors.
After a successful application, the applicant will receive an email confirming the issuance of their ETA. They will be required to print it and present it to an immigration officer on arrival or save it on a mobile app.
Travelers who obtained an e-visa prior to the launch of the ETA can travel on those visas as long as they are valid. The e-visa platform will be decommissioned since there are no longer any visa nationals for Kenya.
How to Verify an E-Visa
The visa is accessible for viewing by your airline, or at port, through an electronic system managed by the Kenyan Government. Once the e visa is issued, the holder can travel to an entry point where their passport will be stamped then they are allowed entry. Verify your E-visa here.
To Sum Up
Kenya expects to double tourist arrival numbers by the end of the year. The initiative aims to boost the tourism sector and foster international relations. Foreign nationals will now benefit from visa-free entry to Kenya for tourism and business trips up to 90 days, travelers should be aware of the ETA requirement and be sure to apply at least three days before their trip to ensure they have the proper entry information.
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