Types of Visa in Kenya

Kenya offers several types of visas and travel authorisations, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. As of 2024, most short-term travel is handled under the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system — but other visa and permit categories remain available for specific purposes such as work, residence, and study.

Below is a complete overview of the types of visas and entry permits in Kenya, grouped by category and purpose:

🛬 A. Short-Stay Entry Categories

1. Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) (Replaced Tourist, Business & Transit Visas in 2024)

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, conferences, family visits, short medical trips, and transits.
  • Eligibility: Required for all foreign nationals (except those exempt under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025).
  • Validity: 90 days (single entry, extendable once).
  • Application: Online at www.etakenya.go.ke.
  • Fee: USD 30.

The eTA has replaced traditional single-entry and multiple-entry short-term visas for most travelers.

🧳 B. Standard Visa Categories (For Reference and Special Cases)

(These categories were common before the eTA transition and may still apply for special or official purposes.)

1. Single Entry Visa

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, or medical visits to Kenya.
  • Validity: 90 days, single entry.
  • Application: Replaced by eTA but still issued under specific diplomatic or legacy circumstances.

2. Multiple Entry Visa

  • Purpose: Frequent business or official travelers requiring several entries.
  • Validity: Up to 12 months.
  • Requirement: Justification letter and proof of frequent travel.
  • Application: Through the Directorate of Immigration Services.

3. Transit Visa

  • Purpose: For travelers passing through Kenya for less than 72 hours en route to another destination.
  • Status: Now covered under the Kenya eTA (apply if leaving the airport).

4. Courtesy / Diplomatic Visa

  • Purpose: For holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports, and officials traveling on invitation by the Government of Kenya.
  • Validity: As per mission or assignment.
  • Fee: Free of charge (reciprocal).

🧑‍💼 C. Long-Term Entry Permits and Passes

These are not eTAs — they are residence or work permits for foreigners intending to live or work in Kenya beyond 90 days. They require approval by the Directorate of Immigration Services in Nairobi.

1. Class A – Prospecting and Mining

For persons entering Kenya to engage in mining or natural resource prospecting.

2. Class B – Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

For persons entering Kenya to farm on their own land.

3. Class C – Prescribed Profession

For professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc., licensed to practice in Kenya.

4. Class D – Employment

For expatriates with job offers from specific Kenyan employers or NGOs.

5. Class F – Manufacturing

For persons investing in or managing manufacturing industries.

6. Class G – Investment

For investors or business owners engaging in trade, consultancy, or investment in Kenya.

7. Class I – Missionaries or Volunteers

For members of religious or charitable organizations.

8. Class K – Retiree / Person of Independent Means

For retirees or individuals with guaranteed income from outside Kenya.

9. Class M – Refugees

For recognized refugees or asylum seekers legally residing in Kenya.

🎓 D. Special Passes and Permits

1. Student Pass

  • Purpose: For foreign students admitted to educational institutions in Kenya.
  • Duration: Valid for the course period, renewable annually.

2. Special Pass

  • Purpose: For foreigners engaging in temporary assignments (less than 3 months) such as consultancy, training, or technical work.
  • Duration: 3 months, extendable once.

3. Dependant Pass

  • Purpose: For family members (spouse, children) of permit holders.
  • Duration: Matches the validity of the main permit holder’s stay.

4. Re-entry Pass

  • Purpose: For foreigners legally residing in Kenya who wish to re-enter without reapplying for entry authorization.

🌍 E. East Africa Tourist Visa (Regional)

  • Purpose: Allows travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa.
  • Validity: 90 days, multiple entries between the three countries.
  • Issued by: The first country of entry.
  • Fee: USD 100.

Note: The East Africa Tourist Visa is separate from the Kenya eTA, and travelers entering Kenya under this visa are not required to apply for an eTA.

🛡️ F. Residence and Permanent Status

1. Permanent Residence

Granted under special categories:

  • Persons married to Kenyan citizens for at least 7 years.
  • Children of Kenyan citizens born abroad.
  • Investors who have resided legally for over 7 years.

2. Certificate of Exemption

For persons recognized as exempt from work or residence permits under bilateral or diplomatic agreements.

✅ Summary: Which One Do You Need?

Purpose of TravelVisa / Authorisation TypeApplication Method
Tourism / Short VisitElectronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)Online via etakenya.go.ke
Business (short-term)eTAOnline
Transit (leaving airport)eTAOnline
Long-term work or residenceWork/Investment PermitDirectorate of Immigration
StudyStudent PassDirectorate of Immigration
Family of permit holderDependant PassDirectorate of Immigration
Diplomatic / UN / AUCourtesy Visa or ExemptionMinistry of Foreign Affairs
Regional East Africa travelEast Africa Tourist VisaEmbassy or online via first country of entry

✈️ Final Advice for JKIA Travellers

  • Apply for your eTA early — at least 2 weeks before your flight.
  • Always use the official portal https://www.etakenya.go.ke.
  • Carry printed copies of your eTA approval and supporting documents.
  • If you hold a work permit, residence pass, or East Africa Tourist Visa, you may be exempt — confirm before travel.
  • Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers at JKIA or other ports of entry.
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