Kenya is the place where safari travel originated, and it still holds a good place among the top African countries to visit.
From the wildlife, landscape, culture, and the coastal Indian Ocean, Kenya offers unique safari experiences that millions of people have enjoyed - and continue to. This article is going to look at what you need to get a Kenya visa for your safari travel.
Before you visit Kenya, a visa is required for your entry. However, citizens of some countries do not need a visa to enter Kenya so be sure to look over the table below of Kenya visa-exempt countries.
Kenyan Visa can be applied for at the foreign embassies, on arrival at the ports of entry, and online. The East African Tourist visa can also be used to enter Kenya.
You can visit the official government site http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html and apply for your e-visa.
Requirements
- A valid passport for at least 6 months after the date of your arrival
- Already set arrival and departure dates
- Passport-type photo (with head and shoulders)
- Copy of your passport's Bio-data page
- Confirmation of hotel booking, or
- Letter of invitation from a Kenyan organization/inhabitant or
- Booking confirmation for a return flight
- 50 USD for visa fees or about 51 USD if you apply online (includes bank processing charge)
Visa Exemption
Citizens of all the following 43 countries do not need a visa to enter Kenya for up to 90 days - unless indicated otherwise.
Citizens of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya are allowed to travel freely from their respective countries to others using their National Identification cards. The East African Tourist Visa issued by either Uganda or Rwanda can also be used to enter Kenya.
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Required Visa
Citizens of the following countries must first obtain a visa before travelling to Kenya.
The visa cannot be obtained online and the application has to be referred to the Director of Immigration services for processing and approval.
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This means that no visa can be awarded on arrival and the process could take longer. You should apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel and allow a bit of flexibility with your dates.
Minors
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are travelling with children below the age of 18.
- You will need a valid passport for the child.
- Children are only allowed to travel with their parents or with the formal written permission of their parents/guardians.
- Children below the age of 16 can enter Kenya without paying for a visa.
East African Visa
The East African Visa can be issued by Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda - and allows the tourists to move freely through all the 3 countries for the entire period of their stay. The visa allows for multiple entry.
This is the ideal visa to apply for when you would love to see more of East Africa on one trip. This makes it possible for one to see the gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, do white water rafting on the Nile and Witness the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara, thus ticking off very exciting adventures in one go.
The East African Tourist visa costs 100 USD.
Related article: East African Tourist Visa - all you need to know.
Notes
- The visa fee is a processing cost and thus non-refundable
- Incomplete applications are rejected (and not refunded)
- Possession of the visa is not the final authority for entering Kenya
- Your Visa application should be within 90 days of BOTH your arrival and departure
Final Thoughts
Kenya's modernized visa application process makes it easy for you to get your visa sorted out in time. Getting your visa before your arrival gives you peace of mind and that is a great way to start exciting things.
If you are unable to get your visa online, you shouldn't panic. You can still get it on arrival and the process is straightforward. If a Kenyan embassy of yours is nearby, you can also visit it and apply for your visa.
If you will travel to Kenya and your safari is being handled by a company or tour operator, you can easily ask them and they could help for a small fee or even for free.
