Kenya

🇰🇪

Phone Code

+254

Capital

Nairobi

Population

54 Million

Native Name

Kenya

Region

Africa

Eastern Africa

Timezone

East Africa Time

UTC+03:00

Kenya is an East African country renowned for wildlife safaris, the Great Migration, Maasai culture, stunning landscapes, and Indian Ocean beaches. Nairobi, the capital, is East Africa's economic hub and home to Nairobi National Park (the only national park within a capital city). Kenya is the quintessential African safari destination and birthplace of the modern safari concept. Visitors are drawn to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Great Migration, Big Five), Amboseli National Park (elephants, Mount Kilimanjaro views), Tsavo National Parks, Lake Nakuru flamingos, Samburu Reserve, Diani Beach and coastal resorts, Lamu Island UNESCO site, Mount Kenya climbing, Great Rift Valley, Maasai cultural experiences, and Nairobi's culture and Giraffe Centre. Kenya offers world-class wildlife viewing, diverse cultures, and adventure tourism with well-established safari infrastructure.

Visa Requirements for Kenya

Kenya requires e-visas for most international visitors, applied for online before travel at www.ecitizen.go.ke. The visa on arrival program was discontinued - all visitors must obtain e-visas in advance. E-visas cost $50 USD for single entry tourist visas, with processing typically 2-7 business days. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan) can enter visa-free for up to 6 months. Kenya also offers an East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) valid for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days - excellent value for multi-country East African safaris. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. Kenya's e-visa system is mandatory and relatively straightforward, though processing times can vary.

Common Visa Types

E-Visa (Single Entry Tourist)

90 days single entry; costs $50 USD; apply at www.ecitizen.go.ke; processing 2-7 business days (sometimes longer); requires passport scan, photo, yellow fever certificate (if from endemic area), return flight booking; print e-visa approval; no visa on arrival available.

For tourism for all nationalities except EAC citizens, applied for online before travel.

East Africa Tourist Visa

90 days multiple entry within Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda; costs $100 USD; excellent value for multi-country East Africa safari; apply through Kenya e-visa portal; can enter through any of the three countries; must stay within Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda region.

For tourists visiting multiple East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) in single trip.

EAC Visa-Free Entry

Up to 6 months; no visa required; passport must be valid; freedom of movement within EAC region; can work with proper permits; part of regional integration initiative.

For citizens of East African Community member states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan) for any purpose.

E-Visa Extension

Extensions possible but difficult; apply through Immigration Department in Nairobi before current visa expires; requires compelling reason, fees, proof of funds; not guaranteed; easier to exit and re-enter on new visa.

For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 90 days.

Important Travel Information

E-visa mandatory: Kenya discontinued visa on arrival. ALL visitors must obtain e-visa online at www.ecitizen.go.ke before travel. Processing 2-7 days but can be longer - apply at least 2 weeks before departure. Print approval to present at immigration.

Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries (most African and some South American countries). Not required if arriving directly from US, Europe, Asia, etc. Bring physical certificate - strictly checked.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with at least 2 blank pages for stamps.