Kenya continues to be one of the top travel destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. If you are seeking a vacation that is full of vibrant culture, world heritage sites, wildlife safaris, mountain climbing, bird watching and adventure holidays, then Kenya is the place for you. The nation also offers a dynamic metropolitan life, that adds to your enjoyment.

Travelling to Kenya from India can be thrilling, and to make things better, the country has announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists. 

Kenya’s government has not transparently for how long this project will remain in effect. Visitors are required to apply for an eTA and pay a processing fee before entering the country. However, travellers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or at arrival anymore. 

An approved Kenya eTA simplifies the check-in process by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections.

Read on to know details about Kenya visa for Indians.

Yes, Indian tourists who wish to visit Kenya must apply for an eTA or e-visa online before entering the country.

Starting January 2024, President William Ruto announced that tourists visiting Kenya from any part of the world will no longer need a traditional visa. Instead, the government has introduced a digital platform to streamline the process (1). This system ensures that all visitors will be granted an electronic travel authorization (eTA) in advance, eliminating the need for traditional visa applications.

Under the new system, travellers must apply online for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) by submitting the necessary documents and paying a fee of USD 34.09 per traveller which includes the cost of the eTA, bank and processing fees.

The implementation of the visa-free entry scheme comes as part of strategic efforts to revitalize Kenya’s tourism industry, which has been adversely affected by global travel restrictions in recent years.

No, visa on arrival is not available for Indian citizens travelling to Kenya. Indians must apply for an eTA or e-visa online depending on their requirement, before travelling to Kenya.

Visitors can apply for a single-entry visa to Kenya if they are travelling for a duration not exceeding three months for reasons such as tourism, business, medical, or other reasons.

The eTA remains valid for more than one entry if:

• You visit one of the following EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, and;

• You don't visit any other country, and;

• Your eTA has not expired (90 days from issuance) 

All visitors, including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya, must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.

General Requirements for a Kenya Visa

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your planned arrival date in Kenya, with at least one blank page.

• Passport-type Photo: Must meet specific requirements (see below).

• Contact Information: Email address and phone number.

• Travel Details: Flight itinerary and accommodation booking confirmation(s).

• Payment Information: Credit or Debit card details (if required).

• Financial Assets/Bank Letter(s): Might be required based on country of residence & citizenship.

Passport Photo Requirements

When uploading your photograph, ensure it meets the following requirements to avoid errors.

• Do not take a photograph or scan the photo on your passport biodata page.

• The photo must be taken within the past 6 months, showing your current appearance.

• It must be in colour.

• It must show your full face with a plain white or off-white background.

• It must be 2 by 2 inches.

• It must be taken in normal street attire. Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.

• Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.

• If you usually wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.

• Dark or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

Additional Requirements Based on Purpose of Visit

Medical Travel

• Letter and/or appointment confirmation from the referring doctor/hospital.

Conference or Business Events

• Conference invitation or participation letter.

Employment or Resettlement

• Employment contract.

• Supporting documents for resettlement.

• Vaccination/test result certificates (if required).

Business Travelers

• Invitation letter from the company.

• Copy of company registration.

Visiting Family

• Invitation letter from family/host.

• Copy of identity card/passport/alien card/entry permit of the family member/host.

Diplomatic Travel

• Diplomatic, Official, or Service passport.

• Official letter from the Country of Origin/Organization/Foreign Affairs.

Within minutes after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. This email will contain the reference number assigned to your application. You can use this number to check your application status.

How Can I Avoid Getting My Kenya Visa Application Rejected?

To ensure the approval of your Kenya visa application, you should follow the below steps:

• Your passport should be valid for at least six months before arrival.

• Double-check all details, including name, passport number, and travel dates.

• Follow the photo guidelines strictly to avoid rejection.

• Some nationalities may require additional documentation.

• Submit your application well before your travel date to allow time for corrections if needed.

• A failed or incomplete payment may lead to an automatic rejection.

Can I Extend My Stay in Kenya While I'm in the Country?

No, generally, you might not be allowed to extend your e-visa to Kenya while staying in the country. However, you can go to the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi or Mombasa and provide a valid reason, supporting documents, and current visa details.

Now after you have all the information about how to get a Visa for Kenya, we come to the most important part which is a ‘Travel Insurance’. We know most of you don’t even consider it an important part of your travelling checklist but believe us, you need one in Kenya; considering Bangkok is one of the top ten scam cities in the world. So, well, anything can happen!

You should have a Kenya travel insurance policy to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances such as:

• Huge foreign country’s medical bills

• Protection of your luggage

• Safety in case of emergency medical situations

Travelling to Kenya offers a unique and eye-opening experience, and with the recent visa regulations, you can have a seamless process before you take off. Now that you know all the important information about Kenya visa for Indians, you can easily apply for an e-Visa or eTA to Kenya and enjoy your trip to this beautiful country.