Kenya visa application process for an e-visa differs from that of an offline visa. It is because the latter is referred to processing and approval via Kenya Consulate only. Hence, the offline visa or Kenya visa in advance is also known as Kenya consular visa or permit.
Thus, it is important to understand if you need a consular permit or an e-visa to enter Kenya. While there are few selected countries, which may travel to Kenya visa-free, others must apply for Kenya visa online or via Consulate.
Kenya E-visa and Consular visa
E-visa or Kenya visa online is a permit to enter Kenya and it must be applied for and availed before entering Kenya. In a layman’s language, it is an entry permit that entitles you to enter/travel Kenya for a particular period. While a few countries are eligible for e-visa, others are not.
Refer to the Kenya visa policy map further provided in the blog
Typically, a consular visa is processed and approved by the Kenya Consulate only. Meaning the residents of these countries cannot apply for a Kenya visa online or via a visa agent.
Kenya eVisa Application
On the contrary, an e-visa may be availed online or via trusted visa agent like Blinkvisa. Generally, there are two popular types of Kenya online visas. They are;
The type of entry is single, meaning you can enter Kenya only once using the visa. Thus, you need to apply for another Kenya tourist visa for entering the country again.
[su_button url=”https://blinkvisa.com” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#F49122″ color=”#ffffff” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”5″ icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#ffffff” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #fffffff”]APPLY KENYA TOURIST VISA[/su_button]
Read for More Information: Kenya Tourist Visa
The validity of your Kenya transit visa is 90 days. You can use it to stay in Kenya for a period of 72 hours (up to three days). However, it is imperative to note that you may apply for a transit visa only when you have a layover in Kenya or when you need to leave the transit area in the airport.
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Read for More Information: Kenya Transit Visa
How to Apply for Kenya Visa Online?
Step-by-step application process
Here are the steps to apply for the Kenya visa:
- Visit www.blinkvisa.com
- Fill in your basic details
- Pay the registration fee (service charge of INR 500) to initiate the application process
- Our visa expert will soon call you (generally within half an hour) to provide you with the documents checklist. The same is conveyed via SMS and email
- Once you upload the documents, we will process your visa in two working days
- On approval, pay the remaining visa fee to download your Kenya eVisa
Kenya E-visa fees
| Visa Name | Visa Fees | Blinkvisa Fee (INR) | Total Cost (INR) | Avail Cashback |
| Single-entry Kenya tourist visa | 3990 | 500 + 18% GST | 4580 | 4580 |
| Kenya transit visa | 1990 | 500 + 18% GST | 2580 | 2580 |
Read for More Information: Kenya Visa Fees
List of common documents
- Scanned copy of the first and last pages of your passport
- A scanned copy of your passport-sized photograph
- Proof of confirmed air tickets
- Cover letter* stating the purpose of your visit
Kenya tourist visa requirements
Apart from the list of common documents, you need the following additional requirements;
- Proof of accommodation
- Kenya travel itinerary*
Kenya transit visa requirements
The following are the additional documents for a transit visa
- Visa copy of the third country you are transiting via Kenya
- Confirmed round-trip tickets
Note: At Blinkvisa we offer assistance in planning your travel itinerary and also in drafting a cover letter in your stead.*
[su_button url=”https://blinkvisa.com/blog/custom-travel-itinerary/” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#F49122″ color=”#ffffff” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”5″ icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#ffffff” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px #fffffff”]Click to Get Kenya Travel Plan[/su_button]
Kenya e-visa photo specifications
- The photo must have 80% face coverage
- Photo dimensions – 35 x 45 mm
- Click the picture against a white background
- Pose a neutral expression in the photograph
- Avoid wearing spectacles
- In the case of religious headgear, if unavoidable, make sure at least 80% of your face is visible
Note: It is essential to submit a recent photograph only
For the complete list of requirements for the different types of visa requirements to Kenya, read End-to-end Guide on Kenya Visa Requirements
Kenya Consular Visa or Offline Visa Application
Although applying for a visa online is quite convenient, the facility is available for select countries. Nevertheless, others must apply for a Consular entry permit or advance visa, which is processed and approved by the Consulate.
Refer Visa Policy Map (source)
List of Consulate visa required countries
Kenya Consulate Visa Application Process
1. A Cover Letter/Request letter duly signed by the applicant.
2. Employment letter issued by the applicant’s employer.
3. Copy of the bio-data page of the travel document or passport.
Important:
a) Original Travel Document or Certificate of Identity or Passport must also be attached to the application.
b) The validity of the travel document/passport must be at least six months from the time of entry to Kenya.
4. Duly filled Application Form.
5. Passport-size photos
Note: Computer generated pictures or scanned copies are not accepted.
6. Copy of the applicant’s Permanent Resident Card
7. Copy of duly signed Letter of Invitation issued the host
8. Two Money Orders or Certified Cheques, which are payable to Kenya High Commission
a) Non-refundable processing fee of USD 30
b) Non-refundable visa processing fee of USD 65 for the Single-entry Visa
9. Colour photocopy of the host’s Identification
a) For Kenyan hosts, attach the following;
– Colour photocopy of National Identity (I.D) Card or the Bio-data Page of Kenyan passport
– When invited by the spouse, three copies of the Marriage Certificate
b) For non-Kenyan hosts, attach the following;
– Colour photocopy of Alien Certificate Card or Work Permit.
– Colour photocopy of Bio-data page of the host’s own Passport/Travel document.
– When invited by the spouse, three copies of the Marriage Certificate
10. Pre-paid self-addressed return courier envelope from Xpresspost with a tracking number. When using other courier services such as FedEx, UPS or DHL, attach computer-generated labels.
Note: All the photocopies, application forms, and letters must be attached and submitted in triplicates.
Kenya application online FAQs
1. What is a referred visa?
It is also known as Kenya Consulate visa as it is referred to by the Director of the Immigration Service, Kenya.
2. Is my Kenya e-visa fee refundable?
At Blinkvisa, we process your Kenya e-visa after the initial payment of INR 500 only. Thus, you need not pay the complete visa fee unless your visa is approved.
As soon as you pay INR 500, we credit the complete visa fee (INR 4580 and INR 2580 for a tourist visa and transit visa respectively) as cashback into your wallet.
However, to download the e-visa, you must pay the remaining visa fee post-approval.
3. How does cashback work?
For the complete information on how the cashback works, read How to Save on Your Kenya Visa Fees?
4. What is the processing time for Kenya referred visa or Consulate visa?
It takes at least two months for processing a Kenya referred visa.
5. What is the type of entry for a Kenya consulate visa?
It is a single-entry visa.
