Applying for a Kenya visa? Our complete guide covers the eVisa process, costs, processing times, and common mistakes to avoid. Read before you apply.

Kenya eVisa Guide: Step-by-Step Application Tips | Mara Triangle Safaris

Right then. Let’s talk about the boring stuff.

The stuff nobody wants to deal with when they’re dreaming of lions and sunsets and sundowners in the bush.

Visas.

You’ve booked your flights. You’ve picked your camps. You’ve told your mates back home you’re finally doing it. The Africa trip is happening.

But there’s one last hurdle before you’re on that plane.

The Kenya eVisa.

Don’t stress. It’s actually pretty straightforward. But there are a few traps that catch people out every single day. We’ve seen clients nearly miss flights because of silly mistakes. We’ve had panicked emails from people at the airport whose visas weren’t approved.

Not happening to you. Not on our watch.

Here’s everything you need to know. Step by step. No jargon. Just the good oil.

Quick Summary: Your Kenya Visa Checklist

• ✅ Apply at evisa.go.ke only (not .com sites)
• ✅ Passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival
• ✅ Passport photo with white background
• ✅ Flight itinerary ready
• ✅ First night accommodation details
• ✅ Apply 2-4 weeks before travel
• ✅ Check email (and spam) for approval
• ✅ Print two copies of approval PDF
• ✅ Save screenshot on phone
• ✅ Bring to airport with passport

Updated March 2026

What Actually Is the Kenya eVisa?

Let’s start with the basics.

The Kenya eVisa is an electronic travel authorization. You apply online before you travel. No more queuing at embassies. No more sending your passport off in the mail and hoping it comes back in time.

Do You Need One?

If you’re a citizen of:

• United States 🇺🇸
• United Kingdom 🇬🇧
• Australia 🇦🇺
• Canada 🇨🇦
• Most European countries 🇪🇺
• And about 150 other nations

…then yes, you need a visa.

Who Doesn’t Need One?

Citizens of a few African countries are exempt. But if you’re reading this in English from the US, UK, or Australia, you need to apply.

Some nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Nairobi’s airport. But honestly?

Don’t risk it.

The queue is long, and if there’s any system glitch, you’re stuck.

Apply online before you leave.

Takes ten minutes.

Saves hours of stress.

Where Do You Apply?

Only one official government website.

The Correct Website

The only official Kenya eVisa website is:

www.evisa.go.ke

That’s it. Dot ke, not dot com.

The Scam Warning

Here’s where people get caught out.

If you Google “Kenya eVisa,” the first few results are often third-party websites. They look official. They charge you double or triple the real fee. And they just submit the same form you could have done yourself.

They’re not scams exactly—they do submit your application. But they charge you $100 for a $30 visa and pocket the difference.

Don’t be that person.

Bookmark the real site. Click Here

Kenya eVISA

That’s government of Kenya.

Anything else is a middleman charging you extra for nothing.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Ready to apply? Here’s exactly what to do.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these:

• Your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival)
• A digital passport photo (white background, recent)
• Your flight itinerary (showing entry and exit)
• Accommodation bookings (first night is enough)
• A credit or debit card for payment

The Application Process

Step 1: Go to evisa.go.ke and click “Apply for a Visa.”

Step 2: Create an account. Use an email you check regularly. This is where they’ll send updates.

Step 3: Select visa type. For most tourists, it’s “Single Entry Visa.”

Step 4: Fill in your details. Passport info, personal info, travel dates. Double-check everything. A typo in your passport number means your visa is useless.

Step 5: Upload your photo and passport scan. The photo needs to meet passport standards. White background, no glasses, no hat.

Step 6: Enter your travel details. They’ll ask for your flight number and where you’re staying. If you haven’t booked all your hotels yet, just put the first one.

Step 7: Pay the fee. It’s currently $51 USD for most nationalities. Pay by card.

Step 8: Submit and wait. You’ll get an email confirmation. Then another email when it’s approved.

How Long Does It Take?

Official processing time is up to 7 days.

In reality? Most come through in 24-48 hours. We’ve seen some in 2 hours. We’ve also seen some take the full 7 days.

Don’t leave it until the night before your flight.

Apply at least two weeks before you travel.

Not because it takes that long—it usually doesn’t.

But if there’s a problem, you’ve got time to fix it.

Weekends and Kenyan public holidays don’t count as processing days.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Visas

Here’s where most people stuff it up. Avoid these and you’re golden.

Passport Expiry

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.

If it expires in 5 months? Rejected. Go renew your passport first.

Passport Photo Problems

The photo is the number one reason for delays.

• White background only
• No shadows on your face
• No glasses (even if you wear them daily)
• No hats, no head coverings (except for religious reasons)
• Looking straight ahead, mouth closed
• High resolution—not a phone pic against a wall

Mismatched Details

If your flight booking says “John Smith” and your passport says “Jonathan Smith,” you might have issues. Use exactly what’s on your passport.

Applying Too Early

You can apply up to 3 months before travel. But if you apply 4 months out, the system might reject it. The sweet spot is 2-4 weeks before.

Ignoring the Approval Email

Some people apply, forget about it, and never check their email. Then they show up at the airport with no visa.

Check your email. Check your spam folder. Print the approval. Have it on your phone.

When your visa is approved, you get a PDF. Print two copies.

Keep one in your carry-on, one in your checked luggage.

Screenshot it on your phone too.

Triple redundancy.

How Much Does It Cost?

Let’s talk money.

The Official Fee

For most nationalities (US, UK, Australia, Canada, EU), the single entry visa is $51 USD.

What About Other Visas?

• Multiple Entry Visa: $101 USD (if you’re leaving and coming back)
• East Africa Tourist Visa: $101 USD (covers Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda for 90 days)

The East Africa Tourist Visa

This one’s worth knowing about.

If you’re visiting Kenya and Uganda and Rwanda on one trip, you can get the East Africa Tourist Visa. One application. One fee. Covers all three countries.

But—and it’s a big but—it doesn’t cover Tanzania. So if you’re doing Kenya and Tanzania, you need separate visas for each.

For most travelers doing Kenya only, or Kenya + Tanzania, the single entry Kenya visa is fine.

If you’re hopping between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, go for the East Africa Tourist Visa.

At the Airport: What Happens Next?

You’ve applied. You’ve been approved. You’ve printed your visa. Now what?

Arrival at JKIA

When you land at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, follow the signs to immigration.

Have ready:

• Your passport
• Your printed eVisa approval
• Your return flight ticket (they sometimes ask)
• Your yellow fever certificate (if required)

The Yellow Fever Question

If you’re coming from a country with yellow fever risk, you need the vaccination certificate. For most travelers coming direct from the US, UK, or Australia? Not required.

But if you’re stopping over in a country with yellow fever, or coming from elsewhere in Africa, have your yellow card ready.

How Long Are You Allowed to Stay?

The standard eVisa gives you 90 days. The immigration officer will stamp you in for that period. Don’t overstay—it causes serious problems for future travel.

The immigration queue can be long.

Don’t stress. That’s normal.

Just have your documents ready, be polite, and you’ll be through in 30-60 minutes.

Your driver from us will be waiting outside with a sign.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Sometimes things go sideways. Here’s what to do.

Your Visa Is Delayed

If it’s been more than 5 working days and you haven’t heard back:

• Check your spam folder
• Log into your evisa.go.ke account and check status
• Use the “contact us” form on the website
• Email immigration directly

Your Visa Is Rejected

This happens, but rarely. Usually it’s a photo issue or passport expiry. You can reapply. Fix the mistake. Pay again.

If you’re stuck, call us. We’ve helped clients sort this out before.

You Made a Mistake on the Application

If you notice a typo after submitting, you can’t edit it. You have to reapply. Yes, you pay again. That’s why double-checking matters.

Save a screenshot of your application before submitting.

If something goes wrong, you have proof of what you entered.

Kenya Visa FAQ: Real Questions Answered

Can I get a visa on arrival in Kenya?

Technically yes for some nationalities. But don’t do it. The queue is long, the process is slower, and if there’s any system issue, you’re stuck. Apply online before you travel.

How early should I apply for a Kenya visa?

Apply 2-4 weeks before travel. Not earlier than 3 months. This gives you buffer time if there are issues.

Do children need a visa?

Yes. Every traveler needs their own visa, including infants. You apply separately for each person.

Is the Kenya visa valid for Tanzania?

No. Kenya and Tanzania are separate countries. You need a Tanzania visa too. We can help with that.

Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. Same visa rules as mainland Tanzania. You’ll need either a Tanzania visa or a multi-entry if you’re hopping around.

Can I extend my visa once I’m in Kenya?

Yes, you can apply for an extension at immigration offices in Nairobi. But it’s easier to just plan your dates right the first time.

What if my passport expires while I’m in Kenya?

Don’t let this happen. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your arrival. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel.

Do I need a visa for a safari if I’m just transiting?

If you’re staying in the airport and not passing through immigration, no. If you leave the airport, yes.

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa worth it?

Only if you’re visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. If you’re doing Kenya and Tanzania, stick with separate visas.

What happens if I arrive without a visa?

You’ll be directed to apply at the airport. It’s possible but stressful. The online system is faster and easier.

Ready to Book Your Safari?

Visa sorted? Good. Now for the fun part.

Here’s what we need from you:

Tell us what you’re dreaming of. Safari only? Safari plus beach? Kenya, Tanzania, or both? Rough dates. Rough budget. Rough wish list.

We’ll take that and build you something incredible.

Because that’s what we do at Mara Triangle Safaris. We’re not just booking agents. We’re locals. We’re guides. We’re the people who will meet you at the airport after immigration, hand you a cold water, and say, “Welcome home. You’re going to love it here.”

Let’s Make It Happen

The easiest way to start? Head over to our contact page.

Drop us an email at info@maratrianglesafaris.co.ke with your questions. Or give the team a call:

+254 705 635 886
+254 768 212 702

We’re here Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm East Africa time. Email works anytime—we’ll get back within 24 hours.

Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll give you straight answers, honest advice, and a safari worth every penny.