According to the revised Kenya visa guidelines, all foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, will obtain a visa before travelling to Kenya. The government of Kenya has introduced a new, fast-paced, fully online electronic visa application system. The U.S. nationals are eligible to apply for a Kenya electronic visa (e-Visa).

How Can U.S. Citizens Apply for a Kenya Online Visa?

The process of an e-Visa application is very simple and straightforward. The applicant can complete the process within 5-10 min, from just about anywhere in the world. The visa application includes basic personal, passport-related, and travel-related questions. Applicants need to refer to their passports to fill out the Keyna visa application form to avoid any information mismatches, upload the required documents, and pay the visa fees using a debit or credit card. After the visa is approved, it is sent to the applicant’s email address. It is essential to take several printed copies of the approved visa and save its digital copy on the handheld device to show border control officials upon your arrival in Kenya.

What are Kenya e-Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens?

All U.S. passport holders should fulfil certain eligibility criteria before applying for a Kenya visa. Here is a list of Kenya visa requirements:

• A valid U.S. passport with a minimum of 6 months left in its expiry starting from the date of arrival in Kenya and one blank page.

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• A valid and active email address to receive the e-visa.

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• A recent, coloured, passport-sized digital photograph taken against a white background. The picture must present the applicant’s current appearance and should not be more than three months old.

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• An overview of travel itinerary, including proof of hotel accommodation and any other reservations.

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• An onward (in case of transit from Kenya) or return ticket to the applicant’s home country.

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• A valid debit/credit card to pay the visa fees.

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Front Cover of USA Passport:

Purpose of Travel:

U.S. citizens can apply for a Kenya online visa if their travel purpose is related to tourism, medical treatment, visiting relatives/friends, or business/investment.

Do American Citizens Need Any Vaccinations for Kenya?

There aren’t any mandatory vaccinations for U.S. citizens to visit Kenya. However, if the traveller has recently visited a yellow fever high-risk region, they must present proof of vaccination. They can present the Yellow Fever Certificate when they arrive in Kenya.

As a general rule, all U.S. citizens must possess a Travellers Health Surveillance Form before arriving in Kenya. Moreover, they should get in touch with their physician at least 6 to 10 weeks before their intended date of travel to Kenya to discuss necessary vaccinations depending on their medical history and current situation.

Kenya Visa Application Processing Time:

The Kenya e-Visa application processing does not take too long. If there aren’t any issues identified in their visa application, they can expect to receive an approved visa within 2 to 3 business days. The visa will arrive in their email inbox.

Kenya e-Visa Validity?

The Kenya e-Visa is a single-entry travel permit with a maximum validity of three months. Visa holders can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days. If they require a visa extension, they need to apply in person by visiting the Immigration Headquarters in Nairobi while staying in Kenya. It is important to note that travellers should apply for visa extension before their e-visa expires. The maximum time for which a Kenya e-Visa can be extended is up to 90 days.

Can U.S. Citizens Obtain a Visa on Arrival?

The Kenyan government discontinued the visa on arrival facility from January 1, 2021. Now all foreigners must apply for a eVisa before arriving in Kenya.

Embassy Registration for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens travelling to Kenya can register with the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) system using their e-Visa application and receive important updates and information from an American consulate or embassy closest to their residence in Kenya.

Kenya Embassy and Consulate in United States of America