Choose between e-visa and visa on arrival at the airport in Kenya

Kenya, with its diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife and rich culture, is a fascinating travel destination. However, before you set off for this magnificent land, there is one crucial aspect to consider: obtaining your visa. There are two options: e-visa and visa on arrival at the airport. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods is essential to ensuring a hassle-free and memorable trip. A visa is a necessary step for many travellers to Kenya, whether on holiday, on business, or to explore the country's natural treasures. This document will accompany you throughout your stay and will have a direct impact on your travel experience. For this reason, it is imperative that you take the time to fully understand the two options available to you: the e-visa, obtained online before your departure, or the visa on arrival, which you can obtain on arrival at the Kenyan airport. This page aims to explain these two options and help you make the decision that best suits your needs and travel style. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of e-visa and visa on arrival, so that you can enjoy your Kenyan adventure with complete peace of mind.

Kenya visa on arrival or online: in brief

• Requirement: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for all visa-exempt foreign travellers.
• Price: Approximately $35 for single entry, $100 for multiple entry (excluding processing fees). Online payment by credit card.
• Processing time: Online application up to 24 hours before departure, recommended as soon as possible. Approval usually within 48 hours.
• Documents: Valid passport (minimum 6 months), digital passport photo, bank card. Travel details (dates, address).
• Recommendation: We strongly recommend applying for an ETA online before departure, as it is quicker and simpler than a visa on arrival.

→ eTA Kenya form before departure ←

Kenya visa on arrival: Procedure, advantages and disadvantages

When you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi or other international airports in Kenya, you can obtain your visa on arrival.

Here's how it works:

• When you arrive at the airport, head for the immigration office or the dedicated visa desk.
• Fill in the visa application form provided to you. You will need to provide basic information, such as your name, nationality, place of residence, length of stay, etc.
• Present the required documents, including your passport (valid for at least six months from the date of entry), a recent passport photo, and a visa fee in cash. Fees vary according to your nationality and the type of visa.
• Once your application has been approved and the fees paid, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with a visa stamp, allowing you to enter Kenya legally.

There are a number of advantages to a visa on arrival in Kenya:

• Speed: Obtaining a visa on arrival is generally a quick process, and you can receive your visa within minutes of arrival.
• Flexibility: If you decide to travel to Kenya spontaneously, the visa on arrival offers you the opportunity to do so without having to plan in advance.
• No online application fee: Unlike the e-visa, there is no online application fee for the visa on arrival.

However, a visa on arrival for Kenya has a number of disadvantages:

• Queues: During peak tourist periods, queues at the airport to obtain a visa on arrival can be long and tedious.
• Payment in cash: Visa fees generally have to be paid in cash, which can be a disadvantage if you don't have the local currency with you.
• Uncertainty: Although obtaining a visa on arrival is generally accessible, there may be exceptions depending on your nationality and the rules in force. It is advisable to check in advance whether this option is available to you.

Kenya E-Visa: Procedure, advantages and disadvantages

The Kenya e-visa is an increasingly popular option for travellers who want to simplify their entry into the country. Here's how the online application process works:

• Go to the official website or to a website that provides online visa applications. There you will find an electronic application form to fill in. All you need is a stable Internet connection, an electronic copy of your passport and a recent passport photo.
• Carefully fill in the form with the required information, such as your personal details, travel details and the type of visa you are applying for (tourist, business, transit, etc.).
• Upload the necessary documents, including a copy of your passport, a passport-size photo and any other specific documents required for your type of visa.
• Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or other accepted electronic payment options.
• Submit your application online. You will receive a reference number for your application, which you should keep to track the status of your application.
• Wait for confirmation that your e-visa has been approved. This may take a few days to a week, depending on the volume of applications.
• Once your e-visa has been approved, you will receive an electronic document that you will need to print out and present to Kenyan immigration on arrival.

There are of course many advantages to e-visa, and it is undoubtedly preferable to a visa on arrival. Here are the main advantages:

• Convenience: The online e-visa application process is simple and convenient. You can do it from home, without having to go to an embassy or airport.
• Speed: As a general rule, Kenya e-visa approval is fairly quick, reducing the waiting time on arrival.
• Entry guarantee: Once you have obtained an e-visa, you can rest assured that you will be allowed to enter Kenya, provided you comply with the visa conditions.

However, e-visa does have a few limitations, which are detailed below:

• Online application fees: Unlike a visa on arrival, a Kenya e-visa may incur online processing fees. Be sure to factor these costs into your travel budget.
• Planning ahead: You will need to apply for your e-visa in advance, usually before you leave. This requires planning and organisation.
• Internet access: To apply for an e-visa, you need a reliable Internet connection. If you are travelling to remote areas, this can be a challenge.

Comparison: Why opt for an e-visa in Kenya?

Now that we've looked at both options in detail, let's highlight why the e-visa is often the preferred solution, especially for travellers keen to save time and ensure a hassle-free trip. Here are some reasons to choose the Kenya e-visa:

• Speed and efficiency: e-visa allows you to simplify the application process from home. You don't need to queue at the airport, which saves you precious time when you arrive.
• Easy planning: With an e-visa, you can plan your trip with complete peace of mind. You obtain authorisation before you leave, which means you won't encounter any problems on arrival in Kenya.
• Entry guarantee: If you have already obtained an e-visa, you can be sure of entering Kenya without the uncertainties that a visa on arrival can sometimes entail.
• Cost control: Although e-visa involves an online processing fee, it allows you to budget your trip more accurately, with no surprises at the airport.
• Internet access: In an increasingly connected world, the online application can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection. This means you can apply for an e-visa wherever you are.
• Tight deadlines: If your trip is urgent and requires a quick response, e-visa is the most reliable solution for avoiding potentially costly delays.

Ultimately, the Kenya e-visa offers a practical and reliable solution for discerning travellers. Its simplicity and speed make it a preferred choice for many travellers who want to maximise their time and peace of mind when arriving in Kenya. Making the decision to apply for an e-visa is a great way to ensure that your trip runs smoothly, allowing you to concentrate on exploring the wonders of Kenya. Make the most of your trip to this enchanting African country.

How long does it take to obtain an online e-visa or an on arrival visa for Kenya?

Applying for an e-visa online: the peace of mind of a well-prepared trip

Apply for your e-visa online up to 24 hours before your departure and benefit from an approval time of 48 hours.

This saves you precious time at the airport, by avoiding queues at the security checkpoint. This gives you peace of mind, and the certainty of having your travel authorisation before your departure means you can travel with peace of mind.

Applying for a visa on arrival (at the airport): a last resort solution

If you have not applied for an e-visa in advance, you can obtain a visa on arrival at Kenya's international airport. However, we strongly advise against this option.

The time taken to obtain a visa on arrival is variable and can take a long time, leading to long queues. You run the risk of missing your flight and suffering unnecessary stress. In addition, there may be extra charges for applying for a visa at the airport.

What are the risks of waiting until you arrive in Kenya to apply for your visa?

While it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Kenya, it is strongly advised against doing so for several main reasons:

1. Long and uncertain waiting times:

Unlike applying for an e-visa online, which allows you to obtain travel authorisation within generally 48 hours, the process of applying for a visa at the airport is often long and tedious. You risk finding yourself in long queues, especially during rush hour, and wasting precious time that could be spent exploring the country.

2. Potential stress and the risk of missing your flight:

Uncertainty about how long it will take to obtain a visa at the airport can cause unnecessary stress and spoil the start of your trip. What's more, if the process takes longer than expected, you run the risk of missing your flight and having to bear the financial consequences.

3. Additional charges:

There may be additional charges for applying for a visa at the airport, which will add to the cost of your trip.

4. Increased security and checks:

The Kenyan authorities are stepping up security checks for travellers who have not obtained their e-visa online. This may lead to additional delays and stricter procedures.

In short, waiting until you arrive in Kenya to apply for your visa is a risky and unwise choice.

Apply for your e-visa online well in advance of your departure for a stress-free, stress-free and time-saving trip.