Exploring Kenya: Your Comprehensive Visa Guide

Travelling is indeed a food for thought. When exploring different landscapes and regions, the sky is the limit for the globetrotters. If you are a wildlife enthusiast seeking a cherished experience of an ultimate safari, Kenya is the best place for you.

Undoubtedly, the magnificent East African nation of Kenya is a safari destination you must visit once in your life. A trip to Kenya will expose you to a thrilling adventure of experiences like phenomenal game viewing, untainted landscapes, and rich biodiversity in the immensity of magical Southern African bushveld. Here, you can find some of the most eerie trees, such as the baobab tree, and other beautiful beaches and experiences worth living.

Do We Require a Visa to Travel To Kenya?

No, travellers from all over the world who intend to visit the Republic of Kenya are now not required to hold a Kenya Visa. The Government of Kenya has removed the compulsion for a Kenya Visa on visitors worldwide from 1 January 2024 to boost the country’s tourism economy.

However, you need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before starting your journey. This article will guide you through the details, such as how to get an eTA for Kenya and other compulsory requirements.

Why is Kenya an Attractive Destination?

Indeed, Kenya is a paradise for a nature lover! From awe-inspiring landscapes and lush greenery to vivid regional cultures, Kenya has everything you need to make a memorable recreational trip.

While in Kenya, you can explore the flora & fauna at the world’s most diversified national parks and wildlife reserves. Besides, the aroma of street foods like Sukuma (assorted green stew) and Nyama Choma (spicy BBQ meat) at the colourful corner markets will awaken the hidden gastronome inside you.

Kenya's peppy and enlivened streets depict its busy daily life. Amid industrialisation, Kenyans are renowned for preserving their flora & fauna, thanks to the conservation drives by their government.

However, if you are keen to visit this appealing natural paradise, you must consider a few mandatory requirements.

Mandatory Requirements For Travelling to Kenya

Before you embark on your trip to Kenya, you must fulfil all your mandatory formalities listed below–

Requirement of eTA: You must have a preapproved eTA before travelling to Kenya. Besides, you could be refused entry if you do not hold a return/onward ticket. Without an eTA, you will not be accepted into Kenya, and your airline will be responsible for your return journey. In addition, you may be liable to pay a surcharge as per the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act.

Other mandatory requirements:

Besides Kenya tourist visas for Indian citizens, several other requirements must be fulfilled. We have listed them below–

Yellow Fever vaccination: Since Kenya is one of the countries endemic to Yellow Fever, you must get vaccinated against this disease. You must carry a valid yellow-coloured YF vaccination certificate mentioning “INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE FOR VACCINATION OF PROPHYLAXIS” in bold with the name of the disease— Yellow Fever. Such a certificate is issued by all authorised and designated healthcare centres in India.

Proof of Financial Stability: You must carry valid proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kenya. It is advisable to bring at least US $500.

What if I fail to get the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate?

If you do not possess a valid YF vaccination certificate or have a defective certificate, you must immediately report the same to the immigration authorities upon arrival. You must undergo quarantine for six days or until your YF certificate becomes “valid,” whichever is earlier. Your quarantine period will be calculated from your last possible exposure to the infection.

When Should I get the YF Vaccination certificate?

Visitors who are nine months or older and are travelling between India and Kenya must fetch their vaccination certificate for YF and poliovirus at least four weeks before they begin the journey.

Is the YF certificate always mandatory when visiting Kenya?

No, there is an exception for the issuance of a YF certificate. You do not require the YF certificate if you are travelling to the following regions in Kenya:

• North Eastern Province
• Kilifi
• Kwale
• Lamu
• Malindi
• Tana River in Coastal Province, and
• Cities of Nairobi and Mombasa

How much is the validity of the YF certificate?

The YF vaccination certificate is valid for ten years, starting ten days from the date of vaccination.

What are the Documents Required to get an eTA from Kenya?

Below is the list of documents required for obtaining Kenya tourist visa for Indian travellers:

• Passport, which is valid for at least six months from your planned date of arrival in Kenya.
• Passport-size photo
• Complete Contact information– Your email and phone number
• Details of your arrival and departure
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
• Credit/debit card and/or other means of payment

What is the procedure for applying for Kenya's eTA?

Given below is the complete procedure to apply for Kenya e-Visa online:

1. Visit the Kenya eTA Official website.
2. Press the “Apply Now” button given on the home page.
3. On the successive window, click the green-coloured Tourists & Visitors Tab.
4. The window will show instructions on how to apply for the eTA. Carefully read them and click the Continue button.
5. Next, you’ll see a Declaration of Consent of your personal information. Carefully read it, check the agree checkbox, and press the continue button.
6. On the next window, select the Individual Application Tab and then select your Nationality as Indian.
7. The next screen will ask you to enter or upload all the necessary Passport Information. On this window, upload the first page of your passport and press the continue button.
8. Similarly, upload all your passport information below and press the continue button every time—

• Selfie or Photo
• Contact Information
• Trip Information
• Traveller Information
• Customs Declaration
• Required Documents

   9. Finally, press the Confirm and Proceed button. Your application for Kenya eTA will be filed.

After the Department of Immigration of Kenya accepts all your documents, the Immigration Officer will email you an electronic travel authorisation. The Document containing your eTA will be attached to the email.

How much is the validity of the Kenya eTA for Indians?

The eTA for Kenya is valid for 90 days. You must travel to Kenya only during the validity period. However, if the validity expires during your stay in Kenya, you need not re-apply for another eTA.

What is the Kenya Visa Fee?

Below is the table explaining the eTA application fee for Kenya tourist visa for Indian citizens:

With that, you are set to embark on a thrilling journey towards nature’s treasure, Kenya.

Hold on! You are missing out on a very important travel requirement

Also Read: What are The Documents Required for Spouse Visa Canada

Travel Insurance for Medical Coverage in the African Region

Just now, you know that Kenya is endemic to Yellow Fever. Even though vaccination can safeguard you against this disease, you need a financial shield against such a medical emergency. You must get international travel insurance specially designed for the African region, such as Explore Africa by Care Health Insurance. With this plan, you can get coverage against any medical emergencies arising during your stay in Kenya without any age bar. Besides, you can also get family coverage in case of a single trip.

However, the amount and extent of coverage are subject to the underwriter’s sole discretion.

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting may vary. Please carefully refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and terms and conditions.