A simplified eVisa System Guide For Kenya

1. Why the eVisa
Most Governments world over are moving towards digitization of their operations. Online application makes it possible for visitors to get their Visa in advance hence removing the anxiety of whether one will be able will get it or not at the point of entry
2. The Online Application is complicated
The procedure of application has now been modified and simplified to a user friendly mode that takes three simple steps. The E-Visa portal now has its dedicated website: www.evisa.go.ke.
 Visa approval is being done real-time.
3. Do you need to upload a passport photo to process the online application?
The applicant needs to upload a passport size photo and a copy of the passport for the online application to be complete. Photos can either be scanned or taken by a mobile phone. The system is able to resize the photo automatically to fit in the photo size requirement.
4. If your application is refused, is the fee refundable?
Visa fee is non refundable since the application will be processed for approval or non approval
5. Is it only payable in US dollars?
The online payment of visa fee is in US dollars.
6. Will you still be able to get visas on arrival at the port of entry up until 1st September 2015?
The two visa systems are running concurrently up to 1st of September. An applicant will therefore still be able to get a visa at the port of entry up to this date. Visas acquired at Embassies and High Commissions before 1st September are valid and will be honored at the port of entry
7. If you are in transit at JKIA with an onward ticket, for example to Kilimanjaro, would you have to purchase a visa, even if you are only going to pass through immigration then check back in for your connecting flight?
If a passenger is on transit and needs to clear with immigration to enter Kenya, he or she will need a transit visa. The Department has set up a work station where they can apply for the transit visa at the port of entry in case of such unexpected circumstances.
8. What visa types are available via the online system?
The visas available online are those of countries in category two (2) of the Kenya visa regulations. They are listed on the on line visa application form.
9. For those visas you can’t currently purchase online, will visitors still be able to purchase on arrival at JKIA or the High Commissions/Kenyan Embassies abroad?
The procedures of applying for visas which are not available on line remain the same. These are in category three (3) of the visa regulations and the applicants have always applied to the Director of Immigration Services before travelling. However, further consultations are under way before this category can be put on line.
10. The East African Visa
The East Africa Tourist visa is not affected by the new system. It is still available on arrival and covers
 Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. It’s also possible to apply for this manually (in writing) via the High Commissioners Offices/ Kenyan embassy abroad.
11. The procedure is in English only
The system will be modified to accommodate other languages e.g. French, Italian, Germany and Chinese through auto translation.

12. Tour Operators and Travel agent role:
The agents can apply on behalf of the applicant, as long as they provide accurate information by either attaching invitation letters or itinerary/bookings.
Details of hotels and applicants telephone numbers are necessary for security and emergency purposes. The agent will use their own account (does not have to create different accounts) to apply with the details of the applicants. The Visa notification will be in the names and details of the applicant they will have applied for.
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