Author: seif

A China visa for Kenyans is applied for online and then submitted in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Nairobi, not at the embassy. The Chinese Embassy in Kenya states that it does not accept visa applications from ordinary passport holders, who must apply through the visa center. This guide covers the visa types, the documents traders need for a business visa, the official fees, processing times and each step of the application. Every rule below comes from the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Nairobi.

Do Kenyans need a visa to travel to China?

Yes. The Chinese Embassy states that foreign citizens must obtain a Chinese visa before entry into China, except where a visa-free agreement or Chinese regulation applies, and Kenya appears in the visa center’s official fee table for visa applicants.

Check your visa before you fly. The embassy reminds travellers that if the visa has expired or the number of entries has been used, you must apply for a new visa.

Where do I apply for a China visa in Nairobi?

You apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, which the embassy lists at 7th floor, The Chancery, Milimani, Valley Road, Nairobi. It is open Monday to Friday, except public holidays, with submissions from 08:00 to 15:00 and collections from 08:00 to 15:30.

The center’s helpline is +254 790 487 260, open 08:00 to 15:00 on weekdays, and its email is nairobicenter@visaforchina.org. Only holders of diplomatic or official passports can submit directly to the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.

Which China visa type do I need?

Choose the visa that matches why you are travelling: an L visa for tourism, an M visa for business and trade, or an F visa for exchanges and visits. The embassy publishes the full list of Chinese visa types, and the most common ones for travellers from Kenya are below.

Visa	Who it is for
M	Commercial and trade activities, such as buying stock and meeting suppliers
L	Tourism
F	Exchanges, visits, study tours and other non-commercial activities
Q2	Visiting relatives who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents in China, for up to 180 days
S2	Visiting family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, for up to 180 days
X2	Studying in China for up to 180 days
G	Transiting through China

Longer-stay categories exist too, including Z for work and X1 for study of more than 180 days. Consular officers decide the type, number of entries, validity and duration of stay for each visa they issue.

How do I apply for a China visa from Kenya step by step?

Since the embassy launched online visa applications on 31 March 2025, you first apply and upload documents online, then visit the visa center in person with your passport. There are two review stages, and you visit the center twice: once to submit and once to collect.

1. Log on to the official visa center website, fill in the online application form and upload your documents.
2. Wait for the initial review. You can log in to check the status and fix or add documents if asked.
3. When the status changes to “Passport to be submitted”, go to the center in person with your passport and documents.
4. Give your biometric information, such as fingerprints, and pay the visa fees at the center.
5. Your application enters the second review stage.
6. Once approved, return to the center to collect your passport and visa.

When you collect your visa, check every detail on it straight away. The embassy asks applicants to tell the staff immediately if any information is incorrect.

What documents do I need for a China visa?

Every applicant needs an original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and two blank adjacent pages, a photocopy of the passport data page, the signed online application form and its confirmation page, and a recent colour passport photo. Supporting documents then depend on your visa type.

The official photo rule asks for a recently taken colour photo, bare-headed and full-face, against a light background. If you were once a Chinese citizen, or you have had Chinese visas in an old passport, bring copies of the previous passport and visa pages as well.

What documents do traders need for a China business (M) visa?

If you have visited China before, you need an invitation letter from China and a travel itinerary, and a copy of a previous China visa is the best proof of an earlier trip. First-time travellers need an Invitation Letter (TE) or Verification Letter of Invitation obtained by the inviting party in China, plus an itinerary.

The invitation letter must include your name exactly as on your passport, your date of birth and passport number, and the inviting party’s name, phone number and address, with the legal representative’s signature and seal. If a company invites you, attach a copy of its business licence; if an individual trader invites you, attach a copy of the trader’s national ID.

First-time applicants can skip the TE or Verification Letter if they submit an invitation letter from a trading partner in China together with all of the following, according to the official visa center requirements:

• A bank statement covering at least six months, with a balance of not less than 1 million Kenyan shillings, notarised by a Kenyan notary public.
• A police clearance certificate certified by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A tax clearance or tax compliance certificate certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or notarised proof of employment, or notarised membership of a business or industry association.

The consular officer may ask for extra documents or an interview, so keep originals of everything you submit.

How much does a China visa cost in Kenya?

For Kenyan citizens, the official fee table lists a single-entry visa fee of 3,000 plus an application service fee of 4,958 for a regular application, with higher fees for more entries and faster service. The figures on the official visa fees page are not labelled with a currency, but the center collects payment locally by M-PESA, Visa and Mastercard, so confirm the amount in shillings before you pay.

The regular visa fees listed for Kenya are 3,000 for a single entry, 4,500 for a double entry, 6,000 for six-month multiple entries and 9,000 for twelve-month multiple entries. The application service fee is charged by the center on top of the visa fee, at 4,958 for a regular application, 6,911 for Express 2 and 8,414 for Express 1. The page explains that visa fees are collected on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, while the application service fee is charged by the center.

How long does a China visa take in Nairobi?

The embassy gives 4 business days for regular service and 3 business days for express service, counted from the day you submit your passport. These are averages, and some applications take longer, in which case the embassy notifies you of the pick-up date.

Add time for the online initial review before you are asked to bring your passport in. If you are travelling for a trade fair or a fixed supplier meeting, start the online application several weeks before your flight.

Can Sky Bridge help with my China visa and trip?

Yes. Our team in Eastleigh helps you complete the online form, checks your invitation letter and supporting documents against the official list, and books your flight to Guangzhou or other Chinese cities once your visa is approved. Many of our customers travel to China to source stock, and we plan their dates around their supplier meetings.

Chat with us on WhatsApp, call +254 720 830 177, or visit us at Al Mukkaram Shopping, Floor 5 Room 7, Eastleigh. See also travel to China with Sky Bridge.

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About this guide: Last checked against official sources on 23 September 2026. Written by the Sky Bridge Travel Agency team in Eastleigh, Nairobi. Requirements, fees and processing times are taken from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya and the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Nairobi. Visa rules and fees can change, so always confirm with the visa center before you apply.

Choosing a travel agency in Nairobi should start with one question: is the agency licensed? Under Kenya’s Tourism Act, 2011, any person carrying out a tourism business or service specified in the Ninth Schedule must get a licence from the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), and travel agencies are one of the businesses TRA licenses. This guide explains what a travel agency in Nairobi should do for you, how to check a licence in two minutes, the warning signs to look out for, and where to complain if something goes wrong.

What does a travel agency in Nairobi do?

A good travel agency books your flights, helps you prepare visa and travel documents, and arranges the extras around your trip, such as hotels, airport transfers and pilgrimage packages. It saves you time, and it should also protect you from mistakes that cost money, like booking a flight before your visa or eTA is approved.

At Sky Bridge Travel Agency in Eastleigh, the services people ask us for most are:

• Flight tickets: international and local flights from JKIA, including routes to Mogadishu, Jeddah, Istanbul, Guangzhou, Europe and the USA.
• Visa and travel documents: help with East African visas, the Kenya eTA for visitors, and visa extensions in Kenya.
• Hajj and Umrah: packages, visas and flights, arranged through Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk platform. See our Umrah from Kenya guide.
• Transport and accommodation: JKIA pickups and drop-offs, and hotels for visitors to Nairobi.

Does a travel agency in Kenya need a licence?

Yes. TRA lists “Travel agency” as a Class C tourism enterprise, and the Tourism Act requires businesses in its Ninth Schedule to be licensed by TRA before they operate.

Operating without a licence carries real penalties. TRA’s licensing page notes that Section 112 of the Act imposes a fine of up to one hundred thousand shillings, imprisonment of up to eighteen months, or both for anyone who contravenes it. TRA also explains that licensing deters unscrupulous businesses and helps ensure customer satisfaction.

How do I check if a travel agency is licensed?

Use TRA’s official Verify a Licence tool, or search TRA’s list of entities licensed by TRA. Ask the agency for its business name and licence number first, then confirm the details match what TRA shows.

A genuine agency will give you this information without hesitation. If an agent avoids the question, changes the subject or only offers a phone number, treat that as a warning sign.

What should a licensed travel agency have?

To be licensed as a travel agency, TRA requires documents including a certificate of registration, a KRA PIN certificate, professional certificates of the person running the business, and a title deed or lease for the office. In other words, a licensed agency should be a registered business with a real office you can visit.

Visiting the office before you pay is one of the simplest checks you can make. You meet the people handling your booking, and you know where to find them if there is a problem later.

What checks should I make before I pay a travel agent?

Check the licence, visit the office, and get a written quote before you pay anything. The table below is a quick checklist you can use with any travel agency in Nairobi, including us.

Check	What to look for	Why it matters
TRA licence	Licence number confirmed on verify.tra.go.ke	Travel agencies must be licensed by TRA
Physical office	An address you can visit during working hours	You know where to go if something goes wrong
Written quote	The full price, including fees, in writing	Avoids surprise charges later
Official visa channels	eTA on etakenya.go.ke, Umrah through Nusuk	Applications must go through official platforms
Receipt	A receipt with the business name for every payment	Proof of what you paid and to whom
Booking reference	A ticket or booking reference you can check with the airline	Confirms your booking is real

How can I avoid visa and ticket scams in Kenya?

Make sure visa and travel authorisations are applied for only on official government platforms. For visitors to Kenya, the government states that eTA applications must be completed only through the official website or the official mobile application, and an agency is allowed to apply on your behalf through that official portal.

For Umrah, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that all service providers on Nusuk Umrah are officially licensed and approved, and that official Saudi websites end with .sa. If someone promises a visa “outside the system” or asks you to pay into a personal number with no receipt, walk away.

Where can I complain about a travel agency in Kenya?

You can lodge a complaint with TRA through its official complaints portal. TRA officers also have powers to inspect tourism facilities and services where non-compliance is suspected.

Keep your receipts, written quotes and messages with the agent, because they make any complaint much easier to follow up.

Why choose Sky Bridge Travel Agency in Eastleigh?

We are a Nairobi travel agency with an office you can walk into at Al Mukkaram Shopping, Floor 5 Room 7, Eastleigh. We handle flights, visas, Hajj and Umrah, and airport transfers in one place, and we explain every step in plain language before you pay.

Chat with us on WhatsApp, call +254 720 830 177, or email info@skybridgetravelagency.com. You can also browse our services and the destinations we fly to.

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About this guide: Last checked against official sources on 23 September 2026. Written by the Sky Bridge Travel Agency team in Eastleigh, Nairobi. Licensing information is taken from the Tourism Regulatory Authority. Visa channel information is taken from the official Kenya eTA portal and Nusuk Umrah.

A Kenya visa extension is officially called an extension of your visitor’s pass, and you apply for it online through the Directorate of Immigration Services before your current stay runs out. The Directorate states that a foreign national may extend a visitor’s pass to a maximum of six months. This guide explains who can apply, the documents you need, how to apply step by step, where to submit your papers, and what happens if you stay longer. Every rule below comes from Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services and its official portals.

What is a visitor’s pass in Kenya?

A visitor’s pass is the permission to stay that the immigration officer gives you when you arrive, and the Directorate explains that visitor’s passes are issued at the point of entry. It is separate from your eTA, which only gives you permission to travel.

The official eTA portal makes the same point: once you arrive, the duration of your stay is determined at the point of entry. Check the number of days written or stamped on your entry endorsement, because that is the date your extension must be filed before.

Who can apply to extend their stay in Kenya?

Anyone in Kenya on a visitor’s pass who wants to stay longer can apply, because the official information pack says the service applies to persons with a visitor’s pass seeking to extend the duration of stay. This includes eTA holders, such as Somali passport holders visiting family, once they have entered Kenya.

Citizens of the East African partner states listed on the eTA portal have a longer starting allowance, as they are exempt from the eTA for a period not exceeding 180 days. If you plan to work or study rather than visit, look at the Directorate’s work permits and passes instead of a visitor’s pass extension.

How long can I extend my stay?

The maximum is six months, as the Directorate states that a visitor’s pass can be extended to a maximum of 6 months upon application in the prescribed manner. The officer decides how much extra time you actually receive, so do not assume you will get the full amount.

Plan your return flight only after you receive the approved extension, and keep the approval with your passport until you leave Kenya.

What documents do I need for a Kenya visa extension?

You need a completed online application (Form 22), a copy of your passport’s bio-data page, and a copy of your current visitor’s pass or entry endorsement. The Directorate also asks for proof of any pending application, such as a permit or pass, where applicable.

Document	What it is	Official source
Form 22	The online application generated on the eFNS portal, printed and signed	eFNS information pack
Passport	A copy of your valid passport, including the bio-data page	Directorate of Immigration Services
Visitor’s pass	The original and a copy of your current visitor’s pass or entry endorsement	eFNS information pack
Pending application	Proof of any permit or pass application you are waiting on, if you have one	Directorate of Immigration Services

Bring originals as well as copies when you submit. The information pack warns that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

How do I apply for a Kenya visa extension step by step?

You apply online on the eFNS portal using an eCitizen single sign-on account, print the Form 22 it generates, and then present it with your documents at an immigration office. Progress updates come to you by email.

The steps, as set out in the official eFNS information pack:

1. Create an account on the Government of Kenya single sign-on portal (eCitizen).
2. Log in with that account to open the eFNS portal.
3. Select “Apply now”, open the “Submit Applications” tab and choose the Foreign National tab.
4. Complete the visitor’s pass extension application and upload your documents. The system generates Form 22.
5. Print and sign the form.
6. Present the printed application and all requirements at the immigration counter.
7. Watch your email for automatic notifications on the progress of your application.

Where do I submit my extension application?

The information pack names the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi, and also allows application print-outs to be presented at the immigration headquarters or the nearest immigration office. For most of our customers in Eastleigh, Nyayo House in the city centre is the closest option.

Go early in the day with all originals and copies in one folder, as the counter will not accept an incomplete file.

How much does a Kenya visa extension cost?

The official page is not consistent on this point. The Directorate’s extension page lists an application and processing fee of USD 50, but the same page also says the service attracts no charges.

Confirm the amount shown on the eFNS portal before you pay, and keep your payment receipt with your application. If you use Sky Bridge, we check the current fee for you before you submit.

Do I need to register as a foreign national if I stay longer than three months?

You may. The eFNS information pack says the law requires all foreigners resident in Kenya for more than 90 days to be registered, and it exempts visitors who stay for a continuous period of no more than three months with a valid visitor’s pass.

If your extension takes your total stay beyond three months, ask the immigration officer whether you also need a Foreign National Certificate (alien card). Sorting this out at the same visit saves you a second trip.

What happens if I overstay my visitor’s pass?

Overstaying is an offence, so apply for your extension before your current pass expires. The information pack warns that any person who contravenes an order issued to a foreign national commits an offence and is liable to a fine, imprisonment or both.

It also states that giving false or misleading information is an offence punishable by law, so make sure every detail on Form 22 matches your passport.

Can Sky Bridge help me extend my stay in Kenya?

Yes. Our team in Eastleigh prepares your eFNS application and Form 22, checks your documents against the official list, and tells you exactly what to bring to Nyayo House. We can also book your onward or return flight once your extension is approved.

Chat with us on WhatsApp, call +254 720 830 177, or visit us at Al Mukkaram Shopping, Floor 5 Room 7, Eastleigh. See also our visa renewal service and our Kenya eTA guide.

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About this guide: Last checked against official sources on 23 September 2026. Written by the Sky Bridge Travel Agency team in Eastleigh, Nairobi. All requirements are taken from the Directorate of Immigration Services, its eFNS information pack and the official eTA portal. Immigration rules can change, so always confirm on the official portal before you apply.

An Umrah package from Kenya is now booked through Nusuk, the official Umrah platform that operates under the supervision of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This guide explains the package types, which visa you need, the new one-year Umrah visa, the Nusuk permit you must book before you enter the Haram, and how to avoid unlicensed sellers. Every rule below comes from the Ministry’s Nusuk platform or official Ministry announcements published by the Saudi Press Agency.

Can pilgrims from Kenya book Umrah through the official platform?

Yes. Kenya is one of the countries of residence listed on Nusuk Umrah, so pilgrims living in Kenya can search and book packages from the Ministry’s approved service providers. Registering on the platform is the first step, after which the available packages for your country are shown to you.

The platform explains that after registration, your details are verified and packages are made available based on the Ministry’s regulations for your country. What you see can therefore change during the season, which is why it helps to register early.

What is Nusuk, and why does it matter for Umrah?

Nusuk Umrah is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official platform for pilgrims from abroad, covering everything from visa issuance to package booking. It matters because the Ministry states that all service providers on Nusuk Umrah are officially licensed and approved by the Ministry.

In simple terms, if a package is on Nusuk, the company behind it has been approved by the Saudi government. You can check the list of approved companies yourself on the official Nusuk service providers page.

What does an Umrah package from Kenya include?

A comprehensive Nusuk package includes visa issuance, flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, meals, intercity transport and guidance. Nusuk also offers packages without a visa for people who already hold one, and custom packages you design yourself.

Package type	What it includes	Best for
Comprehensive (visa included)	Visa, flights, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, meals, transport, guidance, Rawdah booking	Most pilgrims travelling from Kenya
Package without visa	Hotels, transport, meals and Rawdah booking, but no visa	People who already hold a valid Saudi visa of any type
Custom or special package	You choose the cities, number of nights and services, with an optional visa	Families and groups with specific plans

Package details are taken from the Nusuk Umrah package listings. Always read the inclusions of the exact package you pick, because providers set their own details within these categories.

Which visa do I need for Umrah?

Most pilgrims from Kenya get their visa as part of a comprehensive Nusuk package. You can also perform Umrah on other Saudi visas, because the Ministry confirmed that holders of all types of visas may perform Umrah while in the Kingdom.

According to the Ministry’s announcement, this includes personal and family visit visas, electronic tourist visas, transit visas and work visas. Whichever visa you use, you still need a Nusuk permit for the Umrah itself, as explained below.

What is the new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa?

In July 2026 the Ministry launched a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, with a total stay of up to 90 days across all visits. It suits people who want to perform Umrah more than once in a year, for example in Ramadan and again later.

The Ministry set these conditions for the multiple-entry visa:

• Each visit needs a service package bought from an approved provider on Nusuk, and the package cannot be longer than the days you have left on the visa.
• You must issue an Umrah permit in the Nusuk app before you arrive.
• The visa switches off each time you leave and switches back on when you meet the requirements for your next visit.
• It is not activated during the Hajj season, from 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah.

Do I need an Umrah permit as well as a visa?

Yes. The visa lets you enter Saudi Arabia, but you also need an Umrah permit from the Nusuk app, and the Ministry states that entry is contingent on issuing an Umrah permit via the Nusuk application prior to arrival for multiple-entry visa holders.

The Ministry describes Nusuk as the place where pilgrims obtain Umrah permits electronically and choose timings flexibly. Book your permit time as soon as your travel dates are fixed, and keep a screenshot on your phone in case the network is slow near the Haram.

How long is my Umrah visa valid?

It depends on the type of visa, so follow the exact dates printed on the visa you receive. For the new multiple-entry visa, the Ministry has confirmed 365 days of validity with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days.

For single-entry Umrah visas, the entry window has been changed by the Ministry more than once in recent seasons, and published figures do not all agree. Rather than rely on an old rule, apply close to your travel date, check the “enter before” date on your visa as soon as it is issued, and book your flight inside that window. If you book through Sky Bridge, we check these dates for you before we issue your ticket.

How much does an Umrah package from Kenya cost?

The price depends on the package, the hotels and the season, and Nusuk shows every package priced per person with VAT so you can compare options openly. Packages closer to the Haram and trips during Ramadan usually cost more than off-peak trips.

At Sky Bridge, the price of your Umrah package depends on when you travel and how close your hotel is to the Haram. Travel dates in busy seasons, such as Ramadan, and hotels nearest the Haram cost more, while off-peak dates and hotels a little further away cost less. For the latest prices, message us on WhatsApp, call +254 720 830 177, follow our social media pages for package updates, send us an inbox message, or visit our office at Al Mukkaram Shopping, Floor 5 Room 7, Eastleigh.

When should I book Umrah from Kenya?

Book as early as your dates allow, and plan around the Hajj season, when the multiple-entry Umrah visa is not active between 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah and 13 Dhu al-Hijjah. Ramadan is the busiest period for Umrah, so we advise families to reserve their package several weeks before the month begins.

Registering on Nusuk early also gives time for the platform to verify your details and show you the packages available for Kenya.

How do I avoid Umrah scams?

Only book packages that appear on Nusuk or through a company listed on the official Nusuk service providers page. Nusuk itself reminds visitors that all official Saudi website links end with .sa, so treat any “official Umrah visa” website with a different ending as a warning sign.

Before you pay anyone, ask which Nusuk package you are being booked on and check that it matches what you see on the platform. A real booking will show on Nusuk under your own account.

What health preparations should I make?

Check the latest health requirements before you travel, because they are set by the Saudi health authorities and can change between seasons. Nusuk links pilgrims to the Saudi Public Health Authority’s official health guidance from its guidelines page.

Speak to your doctor in Nairobi about any vaccinations or medicines you need well before your flight, and carry prescriptions for any medicine you take with you.

Where can I get official help with Nusuk?

Nusuk Umrah offers live chat, email support and a call centre on +966 9200 31201. You can also raise a support ticket for packages, flights or technical problems from the same page.

How can Sky Bridge help with my Umrah from Kenya?

Our team in Eastleigh, Nairobi helps you choose a package, handle the visa and Nusuk registration, book your flights from JKIA, and understand each step before you travel. We also arrange airport transfers in Nairobi for your departure and return.

Ask about Umrah on WhatsApp, call +254 720 830 177, or visit us at Al Mukkaram Shopping, Floor 5 Room 7, Eastleigh. You can also read about our Hajj and Umrah service and travel to Saudi Arabia.

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About this guide: Last checked against official Saudi sources on 23 September 2026. Written by the Sky Bridge Travel Agency team in Eastleigh, Nairobi. Rules and package details are taken from Nusuk Umrah, the official platform of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and from Ministry announcements published by the Saudi Press Agency. Umrah rules can change between seasons, so always confirm on Nusuk before you travel.

The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is the online permission most foreign visitors need before they fly to Kenya. According to the official portal, it replaces traditional visa requirements for most travellers, and you apply for it online before your trip. This guide explains who needs one, who is exempt, what it costs, which documents to prepare, and how to extend your stay once you are in Kenya. Every rule below comes from Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services and its official eTA portal.

What is the Kenya eTA?

The Kenya eTA is an online travel authorisation run by the Directorate of Immigration Services under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. It gives you permission to travel to Kenya, but it is not the final authority to enter: admissibility is determined at the point of entry.

In practice, this means the eTA lets you board your flight, and the immigration officer at the airport or border makes the final decision when you arrive. Keep your supporting documents with you in case the officer asks to see them.

Who needs a Kenya eTA?

The Directorate of Immigration Services states that all visitors, including infants and children, must have an approved eTA before they start their journey, unless they fall under an official exemption. Each traveller needs their own eTA, even when a family or group applies together.

The portal is clear on this point: an eTA is required for each passenger when travelling as a group. You can use the “Apply as a Group” option to submit everyone in one session, but every person still receives their own authorisation.

Who is exempt from the Kenya eTA?

Citizens of the East African partner states listed by the Directorate, namely Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, are exempt for stays of up to 180 days. Many other nationalities are exempt for up to 90 or 60 days under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025.

The official exemption list includes:

• Up to 180 days: citizens of Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
• Up to 90 days: nationals of countries including Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Malaysia, Singapore and several Caribbean and Pacific states.
• Up to 60 days: nationals of countries including Djibouti, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia and Madagascar.
• Residents: holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid work permits and passes, and people whose passports carry a valid Kenya re-entry pass.
• Transit passengers who stay inside the airport and connect to another flight without leaving the airport precincts.

The full list, including exemptions for crew and holders of certain official laissez-passers, is on the official eTA general information page. Check your own passport against it before you book, because the list has changed since the eTA was introduced.

Do Somali passport holders need a Kenya eTA?

Yes. Somalia does not appear on the official eTA exemption list, so Somali passport holders must apply for an eTA before travelling to Kenya, including for short family visits.

This surprises many travellers, because neighbouring Ethiopia and Djibouti are on the exemption list. If you are visiting relatives in Kenya, the portal says you may also need an invitation letter from your host and a copy of your host’s ID card, passport, alien card or entry permit. Prepare these before you start the application so you do not have to stop halfway.

How much does a Kenya eTA cost?

The Kenya eTA costs $30 for most travellers, which is the official fee for a standard single-entry eTA on the official eTA eligibility page. Only a few travellers pay a different amount: people in transit, people who need multiple entries, and anyone who pays extra for immediate expedited processing.

For those less common cases, these are the official fees:

eTA type	What it is for	Official fee
Standard eTA	A single entry into Kenya (most travellers)	$30
Transit eTA	Travellers on a transit flight through Kenya	$20
One Year Multi-Entry eTA	Multiple entries over one year	$300
Five Year Multi-Entry eTA	American nationals visiting many times over five years	$185
Expedited processing	Immediate processing instead of up to 72 hours	+$100

Fees and categories are set by the Government of Kenya and can change, so confirm the amount on the eligibility page before you pay. The portal also lists an East African Tourist eTA as “coming soon”.

What documents do I need for a Kenya eTA?

Every applicant needs a passport valid for at least six months after arrival with at least one blank page, a selfie or passport-type photo, an email address and phone number, arrival and departure details, and an accommodation booking. You also need a credit card, debit card or other means of payment.

Depending on why you are travelling, the portal says you may also need:

• Family visit: an invitation letter from your host and a copy of the host’s ID, passport, alien card or entry permit.
• Business: an invitation letter from the company and a copy of its registration.
• Medical treatment: a letter or appointment letter from the referring doctor or hospital.
• Conference: an invitation or participation letter.
• Work or resettlement: an employment contract or supporting resettlement documents.
• Health: vaccination or test result certificates, where applicable.

How do I apply for a Kenya eTA step by step?

You apply on etakenya.go.ke or the official “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app, which are the only official channels. You fill in each traveller’s details, pay online, and receive email updates until an immigration officer approves or refuses the application.

The steps, as listed by the portal:

1. Go to etakenya.go.ke and click “Apply Now”.
2. Choose a single application or “Apply as a Group” if several people are travelling together.
3. Enter the traveller’s details and upload the documents, checking everything carefully.
4. Submit the application and pay. You receive an email confirming receipt and another confirming payment.
5. Wait for the immigration officer’s decision, which arrives by email.
6. Track progress at any time with the “Check Status” button and the reference number from your email.

Someone else can apply for you, such as a relative or a travel agent. The portal says this is allowed as long as the traveller’s information is provided and you indicate you are applying on their behalf.

How long does a Kenya eTA take to process?

The Directorate says eTA applications are processed within three working days, and expedited applications are processed immediately. Even so, the portal recommends applying at least two weeks before travel to allow for delays during verification.

Applying early matters most around Eid, school holidays and the end of the year, when many families travel at once. If your trip is less than three working days away, the expedited option is the safer choice.

How long is a Kenya eTA valid, and how long can I stay?

An approved eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from the date of issuance. How long you may stay in Kenya is decided by the immigration officer at the point of entry, not by the eTA itself.

Book your flight so that you arrive within that 90-day window. If your plans move beyond it, you will need a new eTA.

What happens after my Kenya eTA is approved or refused?

If your eTA is approved, print the PDF attached to the approval email, or save it on your phone or in the official app, because you must show it at departure and on arrival. If it is refused, you cannot travel to Kenya for the moment, and you should contact the eTA team for details.

Do not try to travel without an approved eTA. The official portal warns that failure to submit your information before departure may lead to being denied boarding or a penalty fee on arrival.

Can I extend my stay in Kenya?

Yes. A visitor’s pass issued at the point of entry can be extended to a maximum of six months by applying online at fns.immigration.go.ke, which generates Form 22.

The Directorate lists these requirements for an extension:

• An online application on fns.immigration.go.ke, which generates Form 22.
• A copy of the bio-data page of your passport.
• A copy of your previous visa or entry endorsement.
• Proof of any pending application, such as a permit or pass, where applicable.

On fees, the official page is not consistent. It shows an application and processing fee of USD 50 but also states that the service attracts no charges, so confirm the amount on the portal before you pay. Apply before your current pass expires. Our visa renewal service can help you prepare the documents.

How do I avoid Kenya eTA scams?

Apply only through etakenya.go.ke or the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” app, because the government states that eTA applications must be completed only through the official website or the official mobile application. If a website’s address does not end in etakenya.go.ke, it is not the government portal.

Some websites look official but charge extra fees on top of the government price. If someone offers to apply for you, ask them to show you that the application is being submitted on the official portal, and check the fee against the table above.

Where can I get official help with my Kenya eTA?

The eTA team can be reached on WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064 or by phone at +254 717 436 070. The Directorate of Immigration Services also lists +254 110 922 062, +254 110 922 063 and the email etakenya@immigration.go.ke.

Have your application reference number ready when you contact them. It is in the first email you receive after submitting.

Can Sky Bridge Travel Agency help with my Kenya eTA?

Yes. Our team in Eastleigh, Nairobi can check your documents and submit your application on your behalf through the official portal, which the eTA rules allow. We can also book your flight to Nairobi and arrange a pickup from JKIA when you land.

Chat with us on WhatsApp, call +254 720 830 177, or visit us at Al Mukkaram Shopping, Floor 5 Room 7, Eastleigh. You can also see what we offer for travel in Kenya.

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About this guide: Last checked against official sources on 23 September 2026. Written by the Sky Bridge Travel Agency team in Eastleigh, Nairobi. All rules, fees and requirements are taken from the official Kenya eTA portal and the Directorate of Immigration Services. Immigration rules can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official portal before you travel.