How to Apply for a Kenya Visa from India

Indian travellers heading to Kenya now apply fully online through the country’s official eVisa portal, so you no longer visit the embassy or VFS in person. This guide explains exactly how to apply for a Kenya visa from India: visa types, eligibility, step‑by‑step application, documents, fees, processing time, and common mistakes to avoid.

Last updated: July 2026 (check official links for any recent changes before you apply).

1. Do Indians need a visa for Kenya?

As of the latest update, Indian passport holders require a visa or electronic travel authorisation to enter Kenya, unless they hold a second passport with visa‑free access.

Kenya has moved to an eVisa / electronic system managed by the Government of Kenya. Indian tourists, business visitors, and people visiting family usually apply online before travel and carry a printout or soft copy of the approval.

There is no visa on arrival for Indians at Kenyan airports as per the latest guidance, so apply online in advance and travel only after approval.

> Always confirm the current policy on the official Kenya eCitizen portal or the High Commission of Kenya in New Delhi website before booking non‑refundable tickets.

2. Kenya visa types for Indian citizens

The main short‑stay visa categories relevant for most Indian travellers are:

2.1 Single‑entry tourist visa

Purpose: Tourism, holidays, visiting friends/relatives, short courses, medical treatment.
Entries: Single entry.
Typical stay: Up to 90 days per visit (exact duration is at the discretion of Kenyan immigration on arrival).
Where to apply: Online via eCitizen.

2.2 Business visa

Purpose: Meetings, conferences, negotiations, exploring business opportunities, short work trips.
Usually also single‑entry but category selected as “Business” in the online system.
Invitation letter or conference registration is normally required.

2.3 Multiple‑entry visa

For travellers who need to enter Kenya several times over a period (for example, frequent business travellers or those combining Kenya with neighbouring countries and returning).
Application is also online but has stricter scrutiny and usually requires:
Cover letter explaining the need for multiple entries.
Evidence of previous travel to Kenya or the region.
Processing time can be longer than for a standard single‑entry tourist visa.

For long‑term work, study or residence, different categories are handled directly by Kenya’s immigration authorities and often involve Kenyan sponsors/employers. Those are beyond the scope of this short‑stay guide.

3. Where and how to apply (no VFS / walk‑in)

For most Indian applicants, the process is fully online:

No need to visit VFS Global or the Kenya High Commission, New Delhi.
Applications are submitted on the official eCitizen Kenya website.

Beware of third‑party websites that look official and charge extra “service” fees. Always check that the URL ends with .go.ke.

4. Kenya visa fees for Indians (approximate in INR)

Kenyan visa fees are set in US dollars and paid online. The INR amounts below are approximate and can vary with exchange rates and card/bank charges.

As of the latest update (verify on the eCitizen fees page):

Single‑entry tourist / business visa: commonly around USD 50.
Approx. ₹4,200–₹4,500 at an exchange rate of 1 USD ≈ ₹84–90, plus possible card FX fees.
Multiple‑entry visa: higher fee (often roughly USD 100–120).
Approx. ₹8,400–₹10,800.
Service/processing fees: eCitizen may add a small portal or card processing charge on top.

Because fees can change, always re‑check the exact fee in your eCitizen account before paying.

5. Eligibility basics for Indian applicants

You are generally eligible for a Kenya tourist or business visa if:

You hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months’ validity from date of entry.
You have at least two blank pages in your passport.
You can show proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statements, salary slips, etc.).
You have a return or onward ticket and accommodation bookings or an invitation letter.
You are not blacklisted or otherwise inadmissible under Kenyan immigration rules.

6. Document checklist – Kenya visa from India

The exact documents can differ slightly by visa type, but for a standard tourist visit, Indian applicants usually need:

6.1 Personal and travel documents

Passport (colour scan):
Bio page (with photo and personal details).
If available, scans of previous Kenyan visas or relevant regional visas can help for multiple‑entry applications.
Recent passport‑size photo:
White/light background.
JPEG format, correct size as specified on eCitizen.
Return or onward air ticket:
Confirmed booking or e‑ticket showing entry and exit from Kenya.

6.2 Stay and finance documents

Hotel bookings for your entire stay, or
Invitation letter from a host in Kenya (for visiting friends/relatives), including:
Host’s full name, ID/passport number.
Relationship to you.
Address and contact number in Kenya.
Proof of funds, often:
Last 3–6 months’ bank statements.
Salary slips for salaried travellers.
Travel itinerary (optional but helpful): rough day‑wise plan, especially if you’re combining Kenya with other East African countries.

6.3 Additional for business visa

Invitation letter from Kenyan company / organisation.
Conference registration or event invite, if applicable.
Your Indian company NOC or letter on company letterhead stating:
Your role and purpose of trip.
Who bears trip expenses.

Keep all files clear and legible, usually in PDF or JPEG format, and under the size limits shown on eCitizen.

7. Step‑by‑step: Online Kenya visa application from India

Step 1: Create an eCitizen account

Go to www.ecitizen.go.ke.
Register as a foreign citizen using your email address and a strong password.
Verify your email and log in to your dashboard.

Step 2: Start a new visa application

In your dashboard, choose Department of Immigration Services.
Select Visa Application and choose your category (Tourist, Business, Multiple‑Entry etc.).
Read the eligibility notes and checklist displayed for your chosen type.

Step 3: Fill in personal and travel details

You’ll enter:

Full name (as per passport) and passport details.
Date of birth, nationality, contact information.
Expected date of arrival and length of stay.
Purpose of visit and address in Kenya.

Fill everything carefully – details must match your passport and tickets.

Step 4: Upload documents

Upload the scanned copies as requested:

Passport bio page.
Photograph.
Tickets, hotel bookings or invitation letter.
Bank statements and any supporting documents.

Ensure filenames are clear (e.g., Passport_Bio_YourName.pdf) and documents are not cut off or blurry.

Step 5: Review and pay visa fee

Double‑check all information and uploads.
Proceed to payment – typically via card or supported digital methods listed on eCitizen.
Payment is in USD, so your bank will charge in INR with foreign exchange markup.
After successful payment, you should receive a payment confirmation and application reference.

Step 6: Wait for processing

You can track status by logging into your eCitizen account.
Keep your email active; officials may request additional documents or clarifications.

Step 7: Download and carry your visa approval

Once approved:

Log in and download the visa approval letter / eVisa PDF.
Print at least one hard copy and also save a digital copy on your phone.
At check‑in in India and immigration in Kenya, present:

Passport.
Printed eVisa.
Return/onward ticket and accommodation/host details (they may ask).

8. Processing time – how early should Indians apply?

Processing speeds can vary based on season and visa type. As a rough guide (always check official immigration notices):

Many standard tourist visas are processed within a few working days.
Multiple‑entry and complex cases can take longer.

To be safe, Indian travellers should ideally apply 2–3 weeks before their intended travel date, especially during peak periods (summer holidays, Christmas–New Year, major conferences).

9. Common reasons for Kenya visa rejection for Indians

Kenya usually processes straightforward Indian applications smoothly, but rejections do happen. Typical issues include:

Incomplete application

Missing uploads (e.g., no bank statement, no hotel/invitation proof).
Sections left blank or obviously incorrect.

Weak financial proof

Very low bank balances without explanation.
No salary slips for salaried travellers, or statements not matching claimed income.

Suspicious or inconsistent itinerary

Dates on tickets, hotel bookings, and application form don’t match.
Purpose of visit described vaguely or inconsistently (tourism vs business).

Passport validity problems

Less than six months’ validity remaining.
Damaged or heavily worn passports.

Previous immigration violations

Overstays or deportations from Kenya or other countries in the region can lead to refusal.

If your visa is refused, the decision and any brief reason will usually appear in your eCitizen account. You might be able to re‑apply with stronger documentation, but do not book non‑refundable tickets until you have a valid visa.

10. Practical tips for Indian travellers to Kenya

Book flexible tickets/hotels when possible: If you haven’t received visa approval yet, prefer refundable or changeable options. Our guide on smarter bookings, Six Hotel Booking Tips That Save Time and Money, has useful tactics.
Carry originals: Immigration officers can ask to see original bank statements, company letters or invitations, even if you uploaded scans.
Health and insurance: Check current Kenya Ministry of Health advisories, including any vaccine or test requirements, and consider a travel insurance plan covering medical emergencies and safari activities.
Multiple country trips: Many Indians combine Kenya with other countries (for example, a Europe or UK leg before or after – see India T20I Tour of England: A Traveller’s View of a Tough Week for long‑haul planning angles). Ensure your Schengen/UK and Kenya visas are sequenced correctly with your flight route.
At Nairobi and Mombasa airports: Expect standard security and immigration queues similar to other major hubs; tech‑driven passenger flows and biometrics are becoming more common globally (compare with our look at JFK’s next‑gen systems in TCS New Terminal One JFK Deal Will Shape Future Passenger Flows).

11. Key official links for Kenya visa from India

Bookmark these before you start your application:

Kenya eCitizen portal (official applications) – https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/
Kenya Immigration – Visa information and fees – https://immigration.ecitizen.go.ke/
High Commission of Kenya, New Delhi – https://kenyaembassyindia.com/
Kenya Ministry of Health travel advisories – https://www.health.go.ke/

Use this guide as a planning baseline, but always double‑check fees, categories and processing times on the official Kenyan government websites right before you apply, as rules can change with little notice.