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.

Note: 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. 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 reasons such as tourism, business, medical or other reasons, for a duration not exceeding 3 months.

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.

What Documents Are Required Before Starting Your Visa Application?

• Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival in Kenya with at least one blank page 
• Passport-type photo
• Contact information, email address and phone number
• Details of your travel and flight itinerary 
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
• Credit or Debit card information for payment, if necessary.

When uploading your photograph, ensure that it meets the following requirements to avoid any error.

• Do not take a photograph or scan the photo in 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, front view 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 normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
• Dark glasses or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required. 

The visa fee for travellers visiting Kenya is $34.09. Indians travelling to Kenya must apply online for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) by submitting the necessary documents and paying visa fees.

From January 2024, the Kenya government has announced a seamless and quick "visa-free" entry for all travellers including Indian citizens. You can also complete your eTA payment online through either Visa/Mastercard, KCB cash or Equity cash.

The processing time for Kenya's visa is approximately 3 days. The applications are processed real-time and provides a quick and easy experience for travellers visiting Kenya.

To apply for an eTA to Kenya, visitors should:

• Visit the official Kenya e-Visa site and click on ‘Apply Now’.
• Fill in the application form accurately and completely.
• You will need to upload documents and fill in personal correct details to avoid your application from being rejected.
• Re-check your application before final submission to avoid rejection.
• Once the application form is filled in, pay the Kenya visa fees for Indians. You can choose any convenient online payment mode.
• You will receive an email confirmation for the receipt of your application, receipt of payment, approval or refusal of your application.
• After the application is processed and approved, your Kenya e-visa for Indian nationals will be sent to your registered email ID. Download the document or keep a printout of the same.
• You will need to present your printed e-Visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry.

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.

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.

Know More About:

• Best Time to Visit Kenya
• Indian Embassy, Consulate and High Commission in Kenya
• Kenya Embassy, Consulate and High Commission in India
• What is Kenya Famous For?