Kenya

Every Kenya visa route, explained

Kenya has a route for every purpose — short visits run on the online Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), required from all visitors since January 2024 (no visa-on-arrival), plus transit, study, work and family routes. Routes with verified guides link straight to them; the rest link to the official etakenya.go.ke portal.

The routes

Visit & tourism

Visit eTA

Short visits for tourism — since January 2024 all visitors apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before they travel. There is no visa-on-arrival.

Tourists and short family/leisure visits

Up to 90 days per visit (single entry)

official page →

Transit

Transit eTA

For travellers transiting Kenya to a third country. Connecting passengers who do not pass immigration may be exempt; those entering Kenya need a transit eTA.

Up to 72 hours

official page →

Study

Student pass

For foreign students enrolled at a recognised school, college or university in Kenya.

Students admitted to a Kenyan institution

official page →

Work & business

Work permit

For foreigners taking up employment, business or investment in Kenya, issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services.

Employees, investors and business operators

official page →

Family & residence

Dependant pass

For spouses and dependants of a Kenyan citizen or of a permit/pass holder resident in Kenya.

Spouses and dependants of citizens / residents

official page →

Other routes

Permanent residence

Long-term residence for those with qualifying ties, investment or lawful stay in Kenya.

official page →