Kenya e-Visa from Dubai: How to Apply Online in a Few Simple Steps

Kenya is a very popular place to travel to among the people of Dubai. But before you arrive in the land of fascinating wildlife, you shall have to secure a visa. There's some good news-- you can now apply for a Kenya e-visa from the comfort of your home. The process is therefore much easier now since no longer do you need to visit any embassy and stand in a long queue.  

This blog guides you through the steps involved in securing a Kenya e-visa from Dubai and shares other important details as well.

What is a Kenya e-visa?

Issued by the Kenyan government, a Kenyan e-visa is an electronically generated travel authorisation. With this visa, foreigners can visit Kenya and stay there for short durations of time. The e-visas have replaced the traditional ones and hence, now there's no need to visit any embassy since the entire process of issuing a visa has become online, making it much faster. 

Visitors coming to Kenya for various reasons like tourism, business or short-term transit can get an e-visa. With the process being completely digital, applicants receive their visa on their email address making things much more convenient.

Who Needs a Kenya e-visa?

Before they travel to Kenya, all UAE residents shall need to secure an e-visa. There are some nationalities however that are exempted from having to secure a visa to enter Kenya. So, it's important that you check whether you need one before applying. If your nation is exempted from needing a visa, you won't need to apply for one. Most foreign nationals including those who hold UAE passports and Dubai residents shall need a valid e-visa before they arrive in Kenya.

Types of Kenya e-visas

Depending on the purpose of travel, Kenya issues different types of e-visas. Tourist, business and transit visas are the most commonly issued visas. Here are more details:

Tourist e-visa: ideal for those travelling to Kenya for sightseeing, vacationing or to visit family and friends. 

Business e-visa: for those who need to visit Kenya for attending business meetings, conferences and to explore investment opportunities there.

Transit e-visa: these are for those making a stopover in Kenya on their way to another destination. These visas allow one to stay in Kenya for 72 hours.

Kenya e-visa Requirements for Dubai Residents 

You must have all the required documents ready before you apply for a Kenyan e-visa. While the application process isn't tough at all, your visa may be denied or rejected altogether if any required documents are missing. 

The primary documents needed are:

A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Kenya.

A recently taken passport size photograph.

A confirmed travel itinerary with flight details and details of hotel bookings. 

Applicants must also provide a valid email address the e-visa can be sent on. You'll need a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee. 

A proof of business activities or an invitation letter from the host company may be asked for from business travellers. As proof of their short stay in Kenya, those applying for a transit visa may have to provide details of their onward travel.

How to Apply for a Kenya e-visa 

Applying for a Kenya e-visa is a simple online process involving only a few steps. Here are the details:

Visit the Official Kenya e-visa Website 

Visit the official government portal for Kenyan e-visa so you can avoid scams. Third party websites are risky and hence, best avoided.

Create an Account 

After clicking on the "Create an Account" tab, enter your name, email address and set a password. You'll receive a verification email as confirmation of your registration. 

Fill in the Application Form 

After you log into your account, click on "Apply for a Visa." Depending on the purpose of your visit, choose the appropriate visa type. Apart from your personal information, the form shall need your passport details, travel plans and contact information. Make sure that there's no discrepancy between what you're entering into the form and the supporting documents you're submitting. 

Upload Required Documents 

Attach your passport's scanned copies, recently taken passport size photos and the required supporting documents. Make sure that they are in line with the required format and quality. 

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the visa fee with your credit or debit card. Depending on the type of visa, the cost varies. 

Tourist e-visa: $51

Business e-visa: $51

Transit e-visa: $21

After your payment transaction is completed, you'll receive an email with the payment confirmation. Seek help from professionals offering international visa services if you find the procedure involved in securing the visa complicated. 

Wait for Processing 

It usually takes 2-5 business days to process an e-visa. You can log into your account on the e-visa website and track the current status of your application. 

Download and Print Your e-visa 

After approval, you receive your e-visa on your email address. After downloading it, print a copy so you can present it before the immigration officials after you land in Kenya. Keep a copy of the visa handy since you may need to share it with various officials during your stay in Kenya. 

Kenya e-visa Validity Duration 

The tourist and business e-visas are valid for 90 days from the day they have been issued. With a transit e-visa, you can stay in Kenya for up to 72 hours. 

If a visitor wants an extension of his tourist visa which has an initial validity of 90 days, he shall have to visit the immigration office in Nairobi before the expiry of his original visa.

Conclusion 

It's quite simple to apply for a Kenya e-visa from Dubai. You can obtain your visa smoothly by following the steps outlined above. Ensure that you enter correct details and visit the official government website so you don't get scammed. A leading travel agency in Dubai will be able to guide you better. Make sure that your application is complete and that your passport sized photos are clear since these are among the most frequently occurring reasons for visa rejection. Follow the current guidelines for smooth visa approval and enjoy the charms of mesmerising Kenya.