Kenya, with its natural beauty, safari tours, and cultural diversity, is a country that attracts tourists from all over the world. As one of the most popular destinations in East Africa, Turkish citizens who wish to travel to Kenya must first complete the visa procedures. Since 2021, Kenya has introduced an electronic travel authorization (eTA) system for all foreign visitors. Through this system, visa applications can be easily made online, which both shortens the processing time and provides a more practical procedure.
The most important points to pay attention to in visa applications for Kenya are the passport’s validity period, the required documents, and the fees to be paid during the application. In addition, the validity period of the visa and the permitted length of stay should also be considered when planning the trip. This information is especially important for those traveling to Kenya for the first time. Therefore, knowing the answers to the most frequently asked questions helps to complete the process more quickly and smoothly.
1. How much is the fee required for the Kenya visa application?
The fee required for a Kenya visa application varies depending on the type of visa. For a single-entry tourist eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application, the fee is generally set at 50 USD, and online payment during the application is mandatory. For multiple-entry visas or longer stays, this fee may be higher. Payment is accepted only by credit card or internationally valid debit cards. If the payment is not completed before finalizing the application, the process will not be taken into consideration; therefore, it is very important that the fee is paid in full and correctly.
2. How many days does it take for the Kenya visa application to be processed?
The Kenya visa application is usually processed in a fairly short time. Applications made through the electronic travel authorization (eTA) system are most often reviewed and approved within 48 to 72 hours. However, it should be taken into account that the process may be extended by a few more days depending on the workload, official holidays, or missing documents. For this reason, it is recommended to apply at least one week before the travel date.
3. What documents need to be prepared for the Kenya visa?
The documents that must be prepared for a Kenya visa application are aimed at verifying the applicant’s identity and travel information. At the most basic level, a passport with at least six months’ validity, a scanned copy of the passport’s biometric page, a biometric photograph, a round-trip flight reservation, and a hotel reservation document showing accommodation details in Kenya are required. In addition, the completed electronic form and the online payment receipt must also be uploaded. Since additional documents may be requested in some cases, it is important to check the updated official instructions before applying.
4. What are the types of visas?
For those who wish to travel to Kenya, there are various types of visas designed for different needs. The most common is the tourist visa, which is preferred for short-term visits, safari tours, or holiday trips. In addition, a business visa is issued for those who want to attend business meetings, fairs, conferences, or establish business connections. These visas are generally available as single-entry or multiple-entry. Single-entry visas allow entry into Kenya only once, while multiple-entry visas provide the right to enter and exit several times within a specified period.
Apart from these, a transit visa is issued for travelers passing through Kenya to another country and is usually valid for a short period (up to 72 hours). There are also special visas based on birthplace or family ties. All visa applications are made electronically through the eTA system, and it is very important to choose the visa type that matches the purpose of travel. Applying for the wrong visa type may jeopardize your trip; therefore, it is recommended to carefully review the current conditions before applying.
5. How long must the passport be valid in order to enter Kenya?
To be able to enter Kenya, the passport must have a validity period of at least six months from the date of travel. In addition, the passport must contain at least one or two blank pages for visa and entry-exit stamps. These conditions are mandatory in order to prevent possible problems at the border and to ensure that the trip takes place smoothly.
6. What is an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and who is required to obtain it?
The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital travel approval that foreign visitors entering Kenya are required to obtain through the online system. Implemented since 2021, this system has replaced traditional visa applications, making the process faster, more practical, and more accessible. All foreigners who wish to travel to Kenya for tourism, business, or transit purposes must apply for an eTA. Only Kenyan citizens and nationals of certain East African Community (EAC) member countries are exempt from this requirement. It is not possible to enter the country without an eTA, and applications are accepted only through the online platform.
7. What is the maximum length of stay allowed with a Kenya visa?
The length of stay in Kenya with a visa varies depending on the type of visa but is generally granted for 30 days. Tourist visas obtained through the electronic travel authorization (eTA) are issued as single-entry and allow visitors to travel freely within the country during this period. During these 30 days, visitors can explore Kenya’s national parks, beaches, and cultural regions.
However, for travelers who wish to stay longer, it is possible to apply for a visa extension. Extension procedures are carried out through the Immigration Department in Kenya and usually allow for an additional 60 days. However, exceeding the permitted stay may lead to penalties and negatively affect future visa applications, so it is extremely important to carefully consider the visa duration when planning the trip.
8. Is it possible to obtain a multiple-entry visa for Kenya?
It is possible to obtain a multiple-entry visa for Kenya; however, this type of visa is usually not issued for short-term tourist visits but rather for business trips, official visits, or travelers who need to visit the region frequently. Multiple-entry visas allow several entries and exits within a certain period and are especially advantageous for those planning to travel to Kenya along with Tanzania, Uganda, or other East African countries. During the application process, the purpose of travel and the planned entries and exits must be supported with documentation.
9. When the Kenya visa is approved, is it stamped in the passport or is a separate electronic document issued?
When the Kenya visa is approved, it is not physically stamped in the passport; instead, an approval document is issued electronically to the applicant. This document, obtained through the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system, is sent to the applicant’s email address, and it is recommended to carry a printed copy during travel. Border control officers verify the electronic visa by matching it with passport information. Therefore, the Kenya visa is issued entirely through a digital system, and no sticker or stamp is placed in the passport.
10. If the application is rejected, is it possible to appeal or reapply?
When a Kenya visa application is rejected, there is no direct appeal mechanism; in other words, the rejection decision cannot be officially contested. However, applicants may reapply by making the necessary corrections or by completing missing or incorrect documents. For this reason, it is very important to carefully examine the reason for the rejection of the first application and to address these shortcomings in the subsequent application. Preparing the documents with up-to-date, complete, and accurate information will increase the chances of approval for the second application.