Kenya Immigration Replaces manual Visas from January 2021 with NewElectronic Visa.
Kenya’s electronic visa (E-Visa) has become a compulsory
entry requirement for all travelers who
require a visa starting from January 2021.
This system has been operational since 2015 and is currently available to nationals of around 140 different countries.
A) Why the e-Visa
The aim is to moove towards digitization and making
operations such as visa issuance more efficient.
Online application makes it easier for global travelers acquire their Visa
in advance therefore omit the anxiety of whether one will be able
will get it or not at the point of entry, which means better travel
planning.
B) Online Application is Very Easy
The process of application has been modified, simplified to a user
friendly manner that takes three simple steps.
A dedicated website E-visa website is now available: www.evisa.go.ke.
Approvals for the Visas are being done real-time.
C) Is it mandatory to upload a passport photo to process application?The applicant needs to upload a passport size photo plus a copy of the
passport for the online application to be complete.
Scanned photos of even those taken via mobile phone are accepted by the
system, which will automatically fit in the correct photo size
requirement.
D) If your application is rejected, is the fee refundable?
Unfortunately Visa fee is non refundable since the application will be processed
for approval or non approval.
E) Which currency is accepted by the new E-visa system online?
The online payment of visa fee is in US dollars only.
F) Will you still be able to get visas on arrival at the port of entry
if you do not have an E-Visa?
Yes an applicant will still be able to get a visa at the port of entry on
arrival. Visas acquired at Kenyan Embassies and High Commissions are
also valid and will be honored at the port of entry. Citizens of the
following countries require a visa that cannot be obtained online or
on arrival at the airport but instead this must be done in advance
through a Kenyan Embassy: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cameroon,
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Iraq, Kosovo,
Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan.
G) If you are in transit at JKIA with an onward ticket, for example to Kilimanjaro, would you have to purchase a visa, even if you are only going to pass through immigration then check back in for your connecting flight?
If a passenger is on transit and needs to clear with immigration to
enter Kenya, they will need a transit visa only if they will need to
exit arrival terminal then re check into transiting terminal.
However,immigration Department has set up a work station where they can apply for the transit visa at the port of entry in case of such unexpected
circumstances.
H) What kind of visas are available via the online system?Only those of countries in category two (2) of the Kenya visa regulations
and these are listed on the on line visa application form
I) What about the East African Visa?
East Africa Tourist visa is not affected by the new system.
Itis still issued on arrival and covers Kenya, Uganda-Rwanda
This can also be applied for manually (in writing) via the High
Commissioners Offices/ Kenyan embassy abroad.
J)The procedure is in English only
For now the system is only in English but with time it shall be modified
to accommodate other languages e.g. French, Italian, Germany and
Chinese through auto translation.
K) Tour Operators and Travel agent role:
The agents can apply on behalf of the applicant, as long as they provide
accurate information by either attaching invitation letters or
itinerary/bookings. Details of hotels and applicants telephone
numbers are necessary for security and emergency purposes. The agent
will use their own account (does not have to create different
accounts) to apply with the details of the applicants. The Visa
notification will be in the names and details of the applicant they
will have applied for.
L)Details required are too much
Visitors details key for a country to manage issues related to foreigners’
and keeping track of their activities during their stay.
Contacts and details requested in the system are very important and should be
filled in accurately.
M)How will I know if the Visa has been approved or Rejected
Applicants will be notified through the registered email.
The system directs an application to the nearest Embassy or High Commission to the place/country of application and initiates immediate response
N) Is multi-entry visa still available
No its no longer available On-line.This can only be issued by immigration offices in Nairobi headquarters.
Therefore, an applicant will apply for single entry on the e-visa
portal, upon confirmation and arrival in the country then go to
Immigration offices head office Nyayo house to apply for multi-entry
visa.