What is the processing time for the Kenya e-visa?

Kenya, located in East Africa, is a fascinating travel destination. From national parks teeming with exceptional wildlife to breathtaking tropical beaches, this country offers a variety of memorable experiences for travellers from all over the world. However, before planning your Kenyan adventure, it's essential to understand how long it takes to obtain a Kenya e-visa. This formality is crucial to ensuring your trip goes off without a hitch, which is why we're going to explore the application process in detail, the typical processing time and tips on how to get your e-visa quickly. Don't underestimate the importance of this administrative process in making your stay in Kenya an unforgettable experience.

How long does it take to obtain a visa for Kenya?

• Online application: The ETA for Kenya can only be applied for online via the Kenyan government website or a service provider.
• Processing time : The processing time for ETA applications is 2 to 3 working days from receipt of your documents by email.
• Early application: It is recommended that you apply for your ETA at least 7 days before your departure date for Kenya to ensure that you have enough time to obtain your authorization.
• Availability of the ETA: The ETA can be obtained up to 90 days before your departure date for Kenya.
• Validity of the ETA: The ETA is valid for a maximum stay of 90 days in Kenya from the date of arrival in the country.

Apply for a visa for Kenya!

How long does it take to obtain a Kenya e-visa?

One of the main advantages of an online visa for Kenya is, of course, that you can obtain this precious document more quickly than with a standard application procedure that requires you to go through the Kenyan embassy or consulate in your country.

To obtain an e-visa for Kenya, the online application process is relatively straightforward. You will need to go to the official Kenyan government website or via a service provider, fill in the online application form and provide the required documents. Make sure you have a stable Internet connection, scan your documents in electronic format and have a credit card or online payment method to pay the Kenya visa processing fee. Be meticulous when entering your details, as mistakes can cause delays.

The standard processing time for obtaining a Kenya e-visa generally ranges from 4 to 9 working days from the time you submit your application. You will often receive this document electronically within a few hours.

However, it is crucial to take into account seasonal fluctuations and the volume of requests. Peak tourist periods, such as the summer months and public holidays, can lead to additional delays. It is advisable to submit your application at least a few weeks before your trip to avoid any last-minute stress.

A number of factors can influence the time it takes to obtain a Kenya e-visa. Errors in your application, missing or incorrect documents, and payment problems can cause delays. In addition, peak tourist periods or technical problems on the Kenyan government website can also affect processing time. To minimise potential delays, follow the instructions carefully, prepare your documents in advance and submit your application in good time.

How can you obtain your Kenya visa more quickly in an emergency?

In certain situations, it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival directly at the international airport in Kenya. However, it is essential to note that this option may not be available to all travellers, and may be subject to restrictions. In addition, the visa-on-arrival procedure is generally time-consuming, as you will have to wait in a long queue before you can complete your application with a counter officer.

In general, it is advisable to apply for an e-visa before your trip to avoid any inconvenience. If you have a last-minute trip or special circumstances, find out about the possibility of obtaining a visa on arrival and the associated fees.

If you need your Kenya e-visa urgently, it is advisable to check whether there are any emergency services available. These services are usually offered by certain service providers, such as the one we recommend on our site, at an additional cost, but they can speed up the process of obtaining your visa considerably. These emergency procedures allow you to obtain your e-visa for Kenya in around 4 days.

Of course, even if this procedure speeds up the processing of your online visa application, it is still essential to check the information on the form carefully to avoid any refusals and the need to reapply.

Our practical advice for obtaining an e-visa for Kenya quickly:

The first step to obtaining your Kenya e-visa quickly is to prepare all the necessary documents. Make sure you have the following items to hand:

• Your passport: Make sure it is in order and valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Kenya.
• An identity photo: Generally, a recent photo that meets international standards is required for your online visa application.
• Travel information: You will need to provide information about your arrival and departure flight, including dates and flight numbers.
• Payment card: Have a credit or debit card ready to pay your visa fees online. Make sure your card is valid.

Preparing these documents in advance will save you time when you submit your application online.

Once you have submitted your Kenya e-visa application, it's a good idea to keep a regular check on the status of your application. Most official online visa application sites offer tools for checking the status of your application. By monitoring the status of your visa, you can anticipate any problems or delays and act accordingly.

Finally, plan your trip taking into account how long it will take to obtain your Kenya e-visa. If you need your visa sooner, consider adjusting your travel dates accordingly. This can avoid last-minute problems and allow you to make the most of your stay in Kenya.

We recommend that you apply for your Kenya visa at least a few weeks before your departure date to avoid any disappointment.

How long does it take to obtain other types of visa for Kenya?

So far, we've mainly covered the time it takes to obtain a Kenya e-visa for tourist travellers, which, as you've seen, can be obtained quickly online.

However, Kenya offers several other types of visa for a variety of stays, such as business visas, student visas, work visas and so on.

The time taken to obtain these visas may vary depending on the category. Here is a general overview of the times taken for some of these common visas:

• Business visas: Business travellers can generally obtain their visas more quickly than tourists. The standard turnaround time for a business visa is around 2 to 3 working days. However, fast-track processing can reduce this to 1 working day.
• Student visa : Student visa applications require prior approval from the Kenyan educational institution. Consequently, the time taken to obtain this will depend in part on how quickly approval is obtained. In general, you should expect to wait between 4 and 6 weeks for a student visa.
• Work visa: Work visas require special authorisation from the Kenyan government. The time taken to obtain them will depend on the type of work and the permits required. It is advisable to start the work visa application process several months in advance to take these factors into account.

Each type of visa has specific documentation requirements and application procedures. Applicants for non-tourist visas are strongly advised to find out in detail about the requirements specific to their category and to start the application process early enough to avoid any inconvenience or delays.

How long is the stay authorised with an e-visa for Kenya?

With an e-visa for Kenya, the length of stay authorised depends on the type of visa you have applied for. Here are the details for the most common types of visa:

• Single Entry Tourist e-Visa: This visa allows you to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days. It is designed for tourists and temporary visitors.
• e-Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: Although this type of visa is less common than the single-entry visa, it also allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. The overall validity of the visa can be longer, often up to one year, but each individual stay cannot exceed 90 days.

Renewal and extension

• On-site renewal: If you wish to extend your stay beyond the 90 days initially granted, you can apply to the Kenya Immigration Department for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Extensions are usually granted for additional periods of 90 days, subject to the approval of the authorities.
• Required return: If you do not extend your visa and exceed the required period, you may be subject to fines and future travel restrictions.