Validity of the Kenya visa

The Kenya visa has a validity period of 90 days from the date of issue. During this time, travelers can visit Kenya once and stay for a maximum of 90 days. This information can be found on the relevant page dedicated to the Kenya visa.

What Is The Kenya e-Visa?

The Kenya e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization for visiting Kenya. It allows eligible foreigners to enter the country without the need for queuing at the airport. Visitors must present their e-Visa documents to immigration authorities at the points of entry. The duration of your stay in Kenya depends on the type of e-Visa you apply for.

What Is The Difference Between The Kenya E-Visa And The Kenya Tourist Visa?

Since January 2021, the Kenyan government has introduced a new regulation stipulating that all eligible citizens who wish to visit the country must apply for a Kenya E-Visa online. This requirement replaces the previous method of obtaining a Kenya Tourist Visa, which involved applying at the Kenyan embassy, attending a visa interview, and awaiting the decision on the visa application.

To streamline this process, the Kenyan government has launched an Online Visa portal, with the aim of digitizing its government systems. As a result, tourists are now required to complete their Kenya visa application online through this portal.

Validity Period of Kenya E-Visa for Tourists and Business Travelers

The single-entry e-visa for Kenya is the most popular choice, ideal for tourism and business trips. It offers a generous validity of 90 days, allowing ample time to explore various destinations within Kenya. The convenient online application process through a digital form makes it easy to apply. For more details and to determine if this visa suits your trip, refer to the requirements page for the Kenya visa.

Duration of Validity for Entry into Kenya

• The e-visa Kenya is valid for 90 days.
• You can enter Kenya within 90 days from the date of issue.
• No need to know the exact travel date when applying.
• Visa becomes invalid if arrival is more than 90 days after issue.
• Entry into the country is not allowed in such cases.

However, you can still apply for the visa more than 90 days before your arrival date. The application process will put your application on hold, if needed, to ensure visa validity during your trip to Kenya. If you're submitting the application within 30 days of your departure to Kenya, it will be processed immediately.

Applying for Visa Over 30 Days Before Departure?

• Apply for your visa, including the e-visa for Kenya, as early as possible.
• Visa applications may be put on hold to avoid expiry before travel.
• Expected arrival date in the application form determines processing time.
• Visa applications are processed 30 days before the arrival date.
• The average expected delivery time is 1 to 4 working days.
• Applying early ensures timely receipt of the visa and prevents missing the submission deadline.

Maximum Stay Duration in Kenya

• The maximum length of stay in Kenya is 90 days.
• The validity duration of your visa does not affect the 90-day limit.
• Your passport will be stamped upon arrival, and the 90-day period starts from that moment.
• It doesn't matter when you travel within the validity duration of your visa; you can always stay for the full 90 days.

Example: Travel Dates and Visa Validity

• You apply for a visa for a trip to Kenya, indicating your expected arrival date as 31 May.
• Applications are processed 30 days in advance, so your application is processed on 1 May.
• Your visa is approved on 8 May, allowing you to arrive in Kenya between 8 May and 6 August.
• Your plans change, and you arrive in Kenya on 1 July.
• An immigration officer stamps your passport with the date of arrival, 1 July.
• You can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days, meaning you must leave the country by 29 September.
• You have the option to leave earlier if desired.

Possibility of Visa Expiring Before Its Validity Ends

Here are the important details regarding your visa for Kenya:

• Your visa is valid only if you meet all the visa requirements.
• If you no longer meet the requirements, your visa becomes invalid.
• It is crucial to ensure that your passport remains valid for at least 6 more months upon your arrival in Kenya.

Planning an Extended Stay in Kenya?

Here are the possibilities for staying in Kenya for longer than 90 consecutive days:

1. Extend your visa: After arriving in Kenya, you have the option to extend the maximum length of stay allowed on your visa.
   
   
2. Apply for a new e-visa: If you need to stay in Kenya for an extended period, you can leave the country and apply for a new e-visa before returning.
   
   
3. Explore other visa types: Consider alternative visa options available through the Embassy of Kenya. However, be aware that these visa types may have a more complex application procedure and longer processing times.

What Are The Best Places To Visit In Kenya?

When planning a trip to Kenya, you are embarking on an adventure to witness its incredible wildlife. Kenya is renowned for its captivating national parks teeming with diverse animal species. Below is a compilation of the top 10 must-visit destinations during your time in Kenya:

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve
2. Amboseli National Reserve
3. Tsavo National Park
4. Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves
5. Lake Nakuru National Park
6. Lamu Island
7. Lake Naivasha
8. Nairobi
9. Nairobi National Park
10. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery

These locations offer awe-inspiring natural beauty, mesmerizing landscapes, and incredible opportunities to observe Kenya's remarkable wildlife in their natural habitats.