Kenya Visa Requirements for Nigeria Citizens
Are you considering traveling to Kenya from Nigeria? If yes, you need to apply for a Kenya visa to enable you to enter the country. Previously, Nigerians were issued a Kenya visa at the port of entry. But now, you ought to apply for a visa before you can travel from Nigeria to Kenya.
Getting a Kenya visa from Nigeria is very simple and straightforward. You do not need to visit the Kenya embassy. You can easily apply for your Kenya visa online via the portal as long as you meet the requirements. Some of the requirements include a valid passport, photograph, hotel bookings, completed visa application form, travel itinerary, a return ticket, and an invitation letter in some cases.
Kenya’s monumental landscape, cultural and historical attraction, as well as the myriad of wildlife that it harbours make it an interesting place to visit. Travelers from all over the world including Nigerians troop to Kenya for business, study and majorly for ecotourism.
If you are planning to travel to Kenya, it is essential to know the types of visa available to enable you to apply for the appropriate one that suits your purpose of traveling.
Also Read: How to Write a Letter for Visa to Kenya + Samples
Types of Kenya Visa
There are several types of visas available for Nigerian passport holders traveling to Kenya.
Single Entry Visa
This type of visa is used by foreigners who wish to enter Kenya for short-term purposes like business, tourism or conferences. It is usually valid for a period of six months and can only be used to enter Kenya once. This means that if you leave for any reason, you won’t be allowed into Kenya unless you reapply.
Multiple Entry Visa
The multiple entry visa is suitable for individuals who intend to visit Kenya regularly. It can be used for a duration of six months to one year. This type of visa is mostly used by business personnels or tourists who wish to visit Kenya several times, while spending a short time there.
East Africa Tourist Visa
This visa is for foreign nationals who wish to visit simultaneously the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda for tourism. It is valid for a maximum stay of 90 days. Applications for this visa can be lodged in any of the above countries, and the holder is expected to enter from the country that issued the visa and move within the two other countries without applying for another visa or paying another visa fee.
Transit Visa
The transit visa is a single entry visa that allows you to stay in Kenya for a maximum period of 72 hours. It is majorly used by those who are passing through Kenya before getting to their destination. But if your flight halts in Kenya shortly and you won’t be leaving the airport, you do not need a transit visa.
Courtesy Visa
This type of Kenya visa is issued to diplomatic, official and service passport holders coming into the country on official duties, or transiting through Kenya to a third country for official business or duties. It is given to them for free.
Eligibility/Requirements
Some of the general requirements to apply for a Kenya visa includes:
- International Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months. It must also contain three continuous blank pages.
- Photograph: You must present a recent photograph printed in colour. It should also have a clear background.
- Visa Application Form: You must fill the online Kenya visa application form. Ensure that you fill in the correct information to avoid being rejected. Also be careful enough to avoid submitting incomplete applications.
- Hotel Bookings: You must be able to prove that you can cater for your accommodation for the duration of your stay. This can be done by providing details of your hotel reservations.
- A Return Flight Ticket: You need to get a return flight ticket to prove your intention of traveling back to your country after the visit.
- Visa Fees: The visa processing fee is non-refundable and you can make your payments online. Visa fee varies depending on the visa you are applying for.
- Tour itinerary: a tour itinerary is a document that shows the details of your daily activities. It will provide information about the places you intend to visit and the things you will be doing there. It is important to have a tour itinerary to facilitate your Kenya visa application.
There are some documents you need to attach for certain visa types.
Additional requirements For Business Visits
Invitation Letter from company detailing the nature of the business visit.
Copy of company ID card for the signer of the invitation letter
Copy of registration or incorporation certificate of the company
Additional requirements For Family visits
Invitation Letter from family or friends.
Identity card / Passport / Alien card / Entry permit of the host.
Additional requirements for a Multiple Entry Visa
Letter from the company/employer, stating the reason why several visits to Kenya is necessary and also indicating the validity of the visa.
Invitation Letter from the Host or Organization to be visited in Kenya; or recommendation letter from the employer or the school (in the case of students); stating the reasons for the visit.
Letter from the applicant
Proof of applicant’s employment (copy of contract or staff identification card)
Copy of registration or incorporation certificate for the host company/organization
Three recent single journey visas or multiple journey visa.
Online Application Process
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Kenya visa online.
- Visit the Official Website: To start your Kenya visa application, visit the official website (https://evisa.go.ke/).
- Create an Account: Once the site has loaded, scroll down and click on “Create an account”. This will lead you to a page where you will be required to type in some basic information about yourself. Enter your nationality, first name, last name, other name, gender, your date of birth and clock on submit. Next, you will also need to enter your contact information, chose your password and then upload a photograph. When you are done with all these, click on submit to successfully create an account.
- Fill in the Application Form: Once Logged in, Select ‘Department of Immigration services’. Select ‘submit Application’. Select Kenyan Visa. Select the type of visa you want and read the instructions carefully. Fill in the application form accurately. Do not be in a hurry to avoid submitting incorrect or incomplete information.
- Upload Documents: You will be required to upload certain documents like your tour itinerary, hotel bookings, return ticket, passport, and letter of invitation. It all depends on the type of visa you are applying for. You can simply upload each document by clicking on ‘upload’, choosing the respective document in your files and then uploading it.
- Pay Visa Fees: You can make payment for your Kenya visa using a visa card, mastercard and other debit cards. The table below shows the respective visa types and their fees.
| S/N | Visa Type | Visa Application Fee |
| 1. | Single entry visa | $55.20 |
| 2. | Multiple entry visa | $112 |
| 3. | East Africa Tourist Visa | $109.32 |
| 4. | Transit visa | $22.73 |
| 5. | Courtesy visa | Free |
6. Submit Application: Finally, submit your completed applications by clicking on ‘submit’. But before submitting, you need to verify that all the required documents have been uploaded in their designated sections.
Kenya Visa Processing Time
The visa processing time will vary depending on the visa you applied for. There is no guaranteed time for anyone. So you should endeavor to apply early and also exercise patience while awaiting an approval.
Generally, the Kenya evisa processing time for single entry visas is within 48 hours. Processing time is usually 2-3 working days for courtesy or transit visa. Multiple entry visas might take between 3-5 working days to get an approval while the East Africa visa may take up to 6 business days.
Visa Approval and Notification
After successfully completing your application online, you will need to wait for a period of time to enable them to make a decision regarding your visa application.
Once a decision has been made, an approval will be sent to you via the email address you provided. Then download and print the evisa from your account.
Present your printed eVisa to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Start Early: Visa application processes can be time-consuming, and may sometimes not go according to your expected timeline. So it is crucial to start early. Note the processing times for your specific visa type and apply as early as possible. This will help you avoid last-minute anxiety and help to prevent hitches in your visa application.
- Check for Updates: Visa requirements and regulations may change frequently, so you need to regularly check the official website for any updates or changes in the visa application process.
- Prioritize Accuracy: When it comes to your visa application, you need to double-check all the information you provided and ensure that it corresponds with your supporting documents. Any discrepancy in the information you supplied may lead to delay or further scrutiny of your application which may lead to rejection.
- Contact Support: Should you have any query or issue with your application, you need to reach out to the relevant authorities.
As a Nigerian passport holder, you need a Kenya evisa to enter into Kenya. The process of applying for a Kenya visa is easy and can be done online on the portal. As long as you meet the requirements, fill the application form correctly and you are able to upload supporting documents, you will most certainly get your visa.
Additional Resources
Link to official website: https://evisa.go.ke/
Contact information for the Kenyan embassy in Nigeria
Kenyan High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria
Address: No. 357, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, P.M.B.5160, Wuse Head Office, Abuja, Nigeria.
Telephone: (+234) 902 346 0720
Email: abuja@mfa.go.ke
Disclaimer
Visa requirements and processes are subject to change. Please ensure you check the official sources for the latest information about your Kenya visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
- Can I travel to Kenya from Nigeria without a passport?
No. You need a passport to travel from Nigeria to Kenya. It is a basic requirement that you must have before applying for a Kenya visa.
- How much is a flight from Nigeria to Kenya in Naira?
A to and fro flight ticket from Nigeria to Kenya would cost you approximately #1,150,000.
- What documents do I need to travel to Kenya from Nigeria?
You would need a passport, tour itinerary, photograph, hotel booking, return ticket and an invitation letter.
- How many hours is it from Lagos to Kenya?
A flight from Lagos Nigeria to Kenya is about 5 hours, 20 minutes.
- What’s the Kenyan currency?
The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling.
- What is the capital of Kenya?
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and also the largest city in Kenya.
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