Apply for a Kenya Visa

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Country overview

Practical context for travellers planning a visit to Kenya — from entry basics to local travel rhythm.

Kenya is synonymous with savannah safaris, snow-capped Mount Kenya, and Indian Ocean beaches. Nairobi is the main air hub and a base for short trips to Nairobi National Park, while the Maasai Mara draws visitors for the Great Migration and big-cat viewing. Most British passport holders need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding; allow processing time and keep approval emails accessible at check-in.

The Kenyan shilling (KES) is everyday currency; lodges may quote in USD but settle locally. English and Swahili are official languages, simplifying visa forms and lodge briefings. Pack neutral clothing for bush drives, respect distance from wildlife, and follow guide instructions—park fees and conservancy rules vary by county.

Weather depends on altitude: Nairobi evenings can be cool, while the coast is steamy year-round. July to October aligns with migration drama in the Mara; January and February offer dry skies in many reserves. Internal flights from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta reach airstrips near camps; road transfers can be long and bumpy.

Medical planning matters: malaria tablets for many regions, up-to-date routine vaccines, and travel insurance that covers evacuation from remote camps. Business and work permits follow separate immigration routes from tourism. This overview is guidance only; Kenyan immigration makes final entry decisions at the border.

Interesting facts

  • Most visitors must obtain a Kenya eTA online before departure unless exempt.
  • Yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from endemic countries.
  • The Kenyan shilling (KES) is used; USD is sometimes quoted for safaris.
  • Malaria prophylaxis is advised for many lowland and coastal areas—consult a clinician.
  • Plastic carrier bags are banned; avoid packing them in luggage.
  • Game drives in national parks require fees paid via the eCitizen or park systems.

At a glance

Capital
Nairobi
Currency
Kenyan shilling (KES)
Language
English and Swahili
Time zone
Africa/Nairobi
Continent
Africa

Climate

Highlands around Nairobi stay mild at 20–25°C; coast at Mombasa is humid and hot. Two rainy seasons—long rains March to May and short rains October to December—affect safari tracks.

Visa types

Choose the route that matches your purpose of travel to Kenya.

Tourist visa

A tourist visa for Kenya is intended for leisure travel, sightseeing, and short cultural visits without employment. Most applicants explain their itinerary—often including Maasai Mara—and show return plans plus sufficient funds in Kenyan shilling (KES). Kenya uses Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and consular visa routes; rules differ by nationality, so confirm whether you need a visa before departure or can obtain an e-visa online. Keep hotel confirmations and travel insurance aligned with embassy guidance, especially during peak seasons when consulates receive higher volumes. Mention cultural plans clearly on the form—More than forty ethnic groups contribute music, beadwork, and coastal Swahili heritage; greet elders respectfully and ask before photographing ceremonies.

Tourist visa details

Business visa

Business visas cover meetings, trade fairs, contract negotiations, and supervised commercial activity in Kenya. You typically need an invitation letter from a registered company, proof of your employer, and clarity that you will not take paid local work without a work permit. Visits to Nairobi for conferences are common; carry printed copies of event registration and contact details for your host organisation. Processing may require additional security screening depending on your sector and travel history.

Business visa details

Visa requirements

  • Valid passport

    Passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay in Kenya, with two or more blank pages for entry stamps. Some routes require machine-readable passports with chip data matching your application exactly.

  • Passport photographs

    Recent colour photos on a plain background, sized to embassy specifications (often 35×45 mm). Glasses and headwear rules vary; provide digital copies if applying through an online portal.

  • Travel medical insurance

    Policy covering emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and medical evacuation for the full trip duration in Kenya. Keep a printable certificate showing coverage dates and policy number in English or with translation.

  • Accommodation proof

    Confirmed hotel bookings, rental agreement, or host invitation showing address and dates. Immigration officers may verify reservations on arrival, especially for tourist visas.

  • Financial evidence

    Bank statements or payslips demonstrating you can fund travel and daily expenses in Kenyan shilling (KES). Sudden large deposits shortly before applying may prompt additional questions—use consistent account history where possible.

  • Invitation or sponsor letter

    Required for many business and family routes: letter on company or sponsor letterhead with contact details, purpose of visit, and responsibility for your stay. Private invitations may need notarisation depending on consulate policy.

  • Flight itinerary

    Return or onward ticket showing entry and exit from Kenya. Hold bookings that match visa validity dates; open tickets are rarely accepted unless explicitly permitted.

  • Supporting documents

    Employment letter, student ID, marriage certificates, or prior visas as relevant. Organise copies in the order listed on the official checklist to reduce processing delays at the visa centre.

Embassy information

Kenya High Commission, 45 Portland Place, London W1B 1AS

+44 20 7636 2371

Monday–Friday 09:00–17:00; consular by appointment

Official travel advice

Full embassy page · Requirements

Processing times

Service levelTypical durationNotes
standard3 to 4 working daysPrince Visa Standard service timeline for Kenya applications (UK passport holders). Confirm current availability on princevisa.com before travel. Listed total fee from GBP 171.00 at last sync.

Why choose Prince Visa

Years of experience

Specialists who understand consular expectations for complex routes.

Fast support

Responsive guidance on forms, appointments, and document checks.

Secure processing

Your data is handled with care and clear privacy practices.

Visa specialists

Country-focused advice tailored to your travel purpose.

High approval guidance

Structured checklists that reduce common refusal reasons.

Travel highlights

Top attractions

  • Maasai Mara
  • Amboseli
  • Diani Beach
  • Lamu Old Town
  • Lake Nakuru

Best cities

  • Nairobi
  • Mombasa
  • Kisumu
  • Nakuru
  • Eldoret

UNESCO sites

  • Lake Turkana National Parks
  • Mount Kenya National Park
  • Lamu Old Town
  • Fort Jesus, Mombasa
  • Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site

Local food

  • nyama choma
  • ugali
  • sukuma wiki
  • mandazi

Transportation

Safari operators use 4x4s; Nairobi–Mombasa SGR train is fast; domestic flights save time to Mara and coast strips.

Safety tips

Petty crime occurs in Nairobi; follow park rules on wildlife; check FCDO advice for border and northern areas.

Weather

Highlands around Nairobi stay mild at 20–25°C; coast at Mombasa is humid and hot. Two rainy seasons—long rains March to May and short rains October to December—affect safari tracks.

Best time to visit

July to October for Great Migration river crossings; January to February for dry-season game viewing nationwide.

Popular destinations

Maasai Mara · Amboseli · Diani Beach · Lamu Old Town · Lake Nakuru

Frequently asked questions

Requirements depend on your passport nationality, length of stay, and purpose of travel. Kenya maintains Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and consular visa routes, and some travellers qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival while others must apply in advance. Always verify the latest list published by the embassy serving your country of residence before departure, because bilateral agreements change without wide notice.

Typical tourist stays range from a few days to several months depending on the visa sticker or e-visa validity. Overstaying can lead to fines, future entry bans, or detention at departure. Your permitted duration is printed on the visa or entry stamp—plan extensions through immigration offices in Nairobi only if officially allowed, never by simply remaining past the date.

Tourist visas generally prohibit local employment and often restrict paid activity within Kenya. Remote work for a foreign employer exists in a legal grey area in many countries and may still violate visa conditions if you are performing ongoing professional duties from Nairobi. If your trip includes client meetings or contract work, apply for a business or work route instead.

A valid passport, photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial statements, and flight reservations form the core bundle for most categories. Business and family routes add invitation letters and relationship evidence. Each consulate publishes a checklist—missing one item can delay processing by weeks even when other papers are perfect.

There is rarely a single published figure; officers assess whether your balance matches hotel costs, daily spending in Kenyan shilling (KES), and trip length. Provide several months of bank statements with consistent income rather than a one-time deposit. Sponsors may submit their finances when they cover your expenses, accompanied by a signed support letter.

Many visa categories require insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation for the entire stay. Policies should list Kenya as a covered territory and meet minimum coverage amounts if specified by the embassy. Keep a printout in English at border control; some airlines deny boarding without proof when visa rules mandate insurance.

Applications are usually lodged at the visa application centre designated for Kenya in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, or through an online e-visa portal when available. Appointments may be required for biometrics. The embassy in Nairobi does not typically accept walk-in applications from UK residents unless explicitly stated.

Standard processing often takes two to four weeks once biometrics and documents are complete, while express services shorten that window when offered. Security checks for certain nationalities or travel histories add time. Apply at least six weeks before travel during summer, religious holidays, or major events in Kenya.

Extensions are category-specific: some tourist visas cannot be extended and require exit and re-application, while student or work permits may renew through immigration departments in Nairobi. Overstaying while waiting for an extension decision is risky. Consult official immigration guidance before your current visa expires.

Major hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia offer direct or one-stop routes to Nairobi, though schedules vary seasonally. Your visa validity should cover the entire itinerary, including layovers in third countries. If you transit through nations that require transit visas, arrange those before flying to Kenya.

The official currency is Kenyan shilling (KES). International cards work in many urban hotels and restaurants, but markets and rural areas may prefer cash. Notify your bank of travel dates to prevent fraud blocks, and declare large cash amounts if customs rules in Kenya require it.

Refusal letters usually cite insufficient funds, unclear purpose, or incomplete documentation. You may reapply with stronger evidence or appeal only if local law provides that right—many consular decisions are final. Address each stated reason, avoid identical submissions, and consider professional review of your file before paying another fee.

Customer reviews

“Prince Visa helped me organise documents for Kenya quickly. The checklist matched what the visa centre asked for, and I received my visa without a second interview.”

— Sarah Mitchell, United Kingdom

“I was unsure about financial proof for Kenya, but the team explained exactly what statements to include. Processing took longer during the holiday season, yet my application was accepted first time.”

— James Okonkwo, Nigeria

“Clear guidance on insurance and hotel bookings for Kenya saved me from a rejection. I recommend starting at least a month before travel if you need an appointment for biometrics.”

— Elena Vasquez, Spain

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