Visit & tourism
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Kenya uses an online eTA for visitors. Some nationalities are exempt. Apply only on the official eTA website.
Official page
Africa · Country guide
Kenya
East Africa's business and tech hub, home to many regional headquarters, with an online Electronic Travel Authorisation system.
- Capital
- Nairobi
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Currency
- Kenyan shilling (KES)
- Pathways covered
- 4
Sample content — pending verification. This page shows the structure of a Visa & Beyond guide. General descriptions are for orientation only; specific rules, fees, costs and deadlines have deliberately not been filled in. Always use the official links on this page for current requirements.
Last reviewed . Immigration rules change often. This is general educational information, not legal or immigration advice, and Visa & Beyond is not affiliated with any government. Confirm everything on the official website before you apply. Disclaimer
Overview
Kenya’s Department of Immigration Services handles visas, passes and permits. Short visits are managed through the official Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system.
Kenya is a member of the East African Community (EAC), whose Common Market Protocol provides for free movement of people between partner states. How this works in practice depends on the country and your purpose.
African mobility: regional agreements can make movement easier for some nationalities. Our guide to opportunities within Africa explains what ECOWAS, the EAC and the African Union free-movement protocol do and do not cover.
Visa pathways
The main routes people research for Kenya. Names are given for orientation; read eligibility, fees and processing information on the official page.
Study
Student pass
For students admitted to a recognised Kenyan institution.
Work
Work permits
Kenya issues several classes of work permit for employment, investment and specialist roles.
Official page Permanent residence
Permanent residence
Available in some circumstances. Check the Department of Immigration Services for criteria.
Work opportunities
Nairobi hosts regional offices of many international organisations and companies, along with a well-known tech start-up scene. Most work permits depend on an employer or a specific investment plan.
Study opportunities
The Commission for University Education regulates universities in Kenya. Confirm that your institution and course are accredited before you apply for a student pass.
Estimated living costs
Living costs vary widely by city, household size and lifestyle. We have not yet published verified figures for this guide. When we do, each estimate will show its source and date. Use this list to plan the categories you will need to budget for.
Rent (shared or one-bedroom)Figure pending verification
Utilities & internetFigure pending verification
GroceriesFigure pending verification
Local transportFigure pending verification
Health insurance / healthcareFigure pending verification
Mobile phone planFigure pending verification
Initial set-up costs (deposit, furniture)Figure pending verification
Important requirements
Commonly requested across many visa types. The official document list for your specific visa always takes priority.
- A valid passport. Many countries require it to remain valid for a minimum period beyond your stay; check the exact rule for your visa.
- A completed application submitted through the official government portal or an authorised visa application centre.
- Evidence of the purpose of your stay, such as an offer letter, letter of admission, invitation or itinerary.
- Proof that you can support yourself financially, usually through bank statements, sponsorship letters or scholarship letters.
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo), medical examinations or police certificates may be requested for some visa types.
- Payment of the official government fee. Fees are published on the official website and can change.
Official government resources
Official sources for Kenya
- Kenya eTA (official)etakenya.go.ke
- Department of Immigration Servicesimmigration.go.ke
- East African Community (EAC)eac.int
Life in Kenya
Nairobi is cosmopolitan, and mobile money is part of everyday life. Newcomers often mention traffic, choosing a neighbourhood near work and arranging health insurance as early priorities.
Keep reading
Guides about Kenya
Opportunities within Africa: moving, working and studying across the continent
Abroad does not have to mean the West. An introduction to African destinations, regional free-movement agreements and where to check the official rules.
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