Types of visas and their fees in Kenya 2024

A visa is a conditional authorization granted by a country to a foreigner, allowing them to enter, remain within, or to leave that country. Visas typically include limits on the duration of the foreigner’s stay, territory within the country they may enter, the dates they may enter, the number of permitted visits or an individual’s right to work in the country in question. A visa most commonly takes the form of a sticker endorsed in the applicant’s passport or other travel document.

The possession of a visa for Kenya is not the final authority to enter Kenya. The Immigration Officer at the port of entry may refuse such a person permission to enter if he/she is satisfied that such a visitor is unable to fulfil the immigration requirements and that the entry and presence of such a visitor, in Kenya would be contrary to national interests even though such a person may be in possession of a valid visa for Kenya.

Types of visas

1. Ordinary Visa: Issued for single or multiple entries to persons whose nationalities require visas to enter Kenya.
2. Transit Visa: Issued for periods not exceeding three days to persons whose nationalities require visas to enter Kenya and who intend to transit through Kenya to a different destination.
3. East Africa Tourist Visa: This is a joint tourist visa that entitles holders to travel to and within the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda for the purpose of tourism.
4. Diplomatic Visa: Issued for single or multiple entries to holders of diplomatic passports who are on official duty.
5. Courtesy/Official Visa: Issued to persons holding official or service passports on official duty and to ordinary passport holders who are not entitled to diplomatic visa; but where it is considered by the Director to be desirable on the grounds of international courtesy.

Fees