Visiting Kenya
Visas & entry requirements
Find the entry rules, referral visas and documents foreign nationals need for Kenya.
Service standard: Referral visas subject to vetting timelinesLast updated: May 2026Available in: EN
Who this is for
Foreign nationals planning to visit Kenya who need to confirm whether they require an eTA, a referral visa, or qualify for an exemption, and what documents to prepare.
Some nationalities are referral cases that require additional vetting and must apply through a Kenyan mission rather than the standard online route.
At a glance
- Who can apply
- Any foreign national travelling to Kenya. Requirements differ by nationality and purpose of travel.
- What to bring
- A passport valid for at least six months, recent photos, proof of accommodation and onward travel, and any invitation or supporting letters for your visit.
- Cost
- Fees vary by visa category and nationality. Confirm the current fee for your case before applying.
- How long it takes
- Standard eTA cases are quick; referral visas take longer because of additional vetting.
- Where
- Online for eTA cases, or at a Kenyan mission for referral visas.
What happens after you apply
The step most sites skip - so you know what to expect and don't need to call.
- Check whether your nationality needs an eTA, a referral visa, or is exempt.
- Gather the required documents for your category of travel.
- Apply online for an eTA, or lodge a referral visa application at a mission.
- Receive the decision and carry your approval for travel and arrival.
If something goes wrong, or you need help
If you are detained, hospitalised, or in immediate danger, do not wait for the form - call the consular emergency line. For questions about an application already submitted, contact the mission directly.
One template, every missionThis page runs on a single service spine - who it's for, what to bring, cost, time, where, what happens next. Nairobi and all 60+ missions fill the same fields with their local facts (fee, address, hours, emergency number). Fix the spine once and every mission improves; only the local data changes.