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Country guideLast checked October 19, 2026

Visas and immigration in Kenya

5 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Study 1
Work permits 1
Family 1
Asylum & protection 1

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Visiting Kenya

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.

77 passports visa-free
172 passports need an eTA or eVisa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for tourism and visits to Kenya
Kenya has replaced visas for most visitors with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online at etakenya.go.ke or through the official 'Kenya Travel Authorisation' app. All visitors, including infants, need an approved eTA before travel unless exempt under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which exempt East African Community citizens (up to 180 days), nationals of a listed group of mostly African, Caribbean and Pacific states (up to 90 days) and of other listed African states (up to 60 days). The standard single-entry eTA costs USD 30 and is usually processed within 3 working days.
Temporary only
Last checked October 16, 2026
View requirements

Study1 pathway

Student's Pass
Kenya's Student's Pass lets a foreign national study at an academic or training institution that has admitted them. The institution supports the application, which is filed online on the Foreign Nationals Services portal.
Temporary only
Last checked October 19, 2026
View requirements

Work permits1 pathway

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Family1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Asylum & protection1 pathway

Application for refugee status
People seeking protection in Kenya register with the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) and receive an asylum seeker pass while their claim is decided through refugee status determination. The Commissioner for Refugee Affairs issues a recognition or rejection letter; rejected applicants can appeal to the Refugee Status Appeals Committee and then the High Court. Some groups may be declared prima facie refugees.
May lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 16, 2026
View requirements

Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

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