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United Arab Emirates Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Kenyan citizens can obtain a UAE e-visa online or through an approved airline/agent before travel — a standard 30-day single-entry tourist e-visa costs roughly USD 90-120 including service fees and is typically approved within 3-5 working days.

Guide last updated September 26, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
  • A passport-size photo with a white background, uploaded during the online application
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of hotel booking or a UAE host's Emirates ID details if staying with someone
  • Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statement) if requested
  • No in-person biometric enrolment is required for the e-visa itself, though UAE immigration captures biometrics (fingerprints and photo) automatically on arrival
  • Travel health insurance is recommended and, for some visa categories and airlines, bundled automatically into the visa fee

Visa types

  • 30-Day Single-Entry Tourist e-Visa - non-extendable in some cases, or extendable once for a further 30 days; approximate fee AED 350-450 (USD 95-125)
  • 60-Day Multiple-Entry Tourist e-Visa - popular for longer trips or repeat visits within the region; approximate fee AED 650-750 (USD 175-205)
  • 96-Hour Transit e-Visa - for layovers, often issued free or at a reduced fee by airlines like Emirates or Etihad
  • Business/Employment Entry Permits - arranged by a UAE-based sponsor or employer rather than through the standard tourist e-visa channel

How to apply online

  • Apply directly through the UAE's official visa portal (u.ae) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, or via an approved UAE airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai) if you are flying with them
  • Create an account, complete the application form, and upload your passport bio page and photo
  • Pay the fee online by credit/debit card in AED or the USD equivalent
  • Approval is typically emailed as a PDF e-visa within 3-5 working days; no physical stamp is placed in your passport before travel
  • Print or save the e-visa PDF to present at check-in and on arrival in the UAE

Fees & processing time

  • E-visa fee: approximately AED 350-450 (USD 95-125) for a 30-day single entry; higher for multiple-entry options
  • Service/agent fees if applying through a travel agent or airline instead of the government portal directly: additional USD 20-40
  • Total cost estimate: USD 100-200 depending on visa duration and entry type
  • Standard processing time: 3-5 working days
  • Express processing (24-48 hours) is available from some authorized agents for an additional fee

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply through the official GDRFA/u.ae channel or a well-reviewed licensed agent to avoid inflated third-party fees
  • Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel to allow buffer time in case additional documents are requested
  • Double-check that your passport scan and photo meet the exact specifications, as mismatched file formats are a common cause of delay
  • If flying Emirates or Etihad, check whether the airline can process your e-visa as part of booking, which is often faster
  • Overstaying even briefly incurs daily fines in the UAE, so track your e-visa's exact expiry date and apply for an extension in advance through GDRFA if needed

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.