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Kenya Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Kenya eVisa for United States citizens — apply online at ecitizen.go.ke; Tourist eVisa: USD 51 (approx KES 7,650) for a single 90-day stay; Business eVisa: USD 101 (approx KES 15,150) for multiple entries up to 1 year; standard processing 2–3 working days, expedited 24 hours if available.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya, with at least 1 blank page for visa purposes.
  • Specific forms: apply online via ecitizen.go.ke; no DS-160 or VAF forms are required for Kenya eVisa.
  • Financial proof: not required to upload as part of the eVisa application, but be prepared to show sufficient funds on arrival if asked (recommended: funds covering your stay; for planning, consider about USD 50–100 per day or local currency equivalent).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: have hotel/address details and a confirmed return or onward ticket; keep copies handy in case immigration asks.
  • Photo spec: recent color passport-style photo, 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), white background, under 1 MB, JPEG/PNG format as per portal requirements.
  • Biometrics: biometrics are collected on arrival at Kenyan ports of entry; no separate on-paper biometrics submission is needed during the online application.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory for visa issuance, but strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel health insurance for the duration of your stay.

Visa types

  • Tourist eVisa (Kenya Tourist Visa): official name Tourist Visa; validity 90 days from date of issue; single-entry; max stay per visit up to 90 days; approximate fee USD 51; local currency approximately KES 7,650.
  • Business eVisa (Kenya Business Visa): official name Business Visa; validity 1 year from date of issue; multiple-entry; max stay per visit up to 180 days; approximate fee USD 101; local currency approximately KES 15,150.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: go to ecitizen.go.ke, create an account, start a new visa application, select Tourist eVisa or Business eVisa, upload required documents (passport bio page, recent photo, travel details), pay the visa fee using a supported payment method, and submit.
  • Steps: 1) Create account; 2) Complete applicant details; 3) Upload documents; 4) Pay visa fee; 5) Receive notification of approval; 6) Print the approved eVisa and carry it to Kenya.
  • Fee (local currency + USD): Tourist eVisa around USD 51 (approx KES 7,650); Business eVisa around USD 101 (approx KES 15,150).
  • Processing time: standard 2–3 working days; expedited/express options may be available for an additional fee (often 24 hours) depending on the portal support at the time of application.
  • How approval arrives: eVisa approval is issued electronically and can be downloaded/printed from the ecitizen portal or sent by email; print and present on arrival.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: Tourist eVisa USD 51 (approx KES 7,650); Business eVisa USD 101 (approx KES 15,150).
  • Local service/portal fees: ecitizen may add small processing charges; check the final screen before payment.
  • Total cost estimate: eVisa fee plus any portal charges; expect roughly USD 51–101 plus minor service fees depending on visa type.
  • Standard processing time: 2–3 working days.
  • Express/priority option: where available, typically around 24 hours; additional fee applies (varies by submission date and portal options).
  • Note: Fees and processing times are set by the Kenyan eVisa system and can change; always verify current amounts on ecitizen.go.ke before paying.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: consider applying at least 1–2 weeks before travel; during peak travel periods processing times may be longer.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: incomplete or mismatched passport data, uploaded photos not meeting requirements, inconsistent travel plans or insufficient supporting details, or payment issues.
  • eVisa vs embassy submission: Kenya uses the online eVisa system at ecitizen.go.ke; there is no routine need to visit a Kenyan embassy for a standard tourist/business visa unless your situation requires a consular service; avoid unauthorised third-party agencies.
  • Travel advisories: check the latest US State Department travel advisory for Kenya and follow any health or safety guidelines issued by Kenyan authorities or your own government.
  • Extension options inside Kenya: visa extensions may be possible through the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi or via the ecitizen portal, but approval is not guaranteed; extensions typically require leaving and re-entering if a longer visa period is needed.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.