In the VisaGuide Passport Index of July 2023, the Kenyan passport holds the 135th position globally. This ranking indicates that individuals with Kenyan citizenship enjoy visa-free access to 44 countries worldwide. Nevertheless, for entry into the remaining nations, holders of Kenyan passports are required to submit a visa application in advance.
Countries that Kenyan Passport holders can visit without Visa
Holders of the Kenyan passport are granted visa-free travel to 44 countries and territories, including places like Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, and more. It's important to note that despite not needing a visa for these destinations, a valid passport with a typical validity of six months beyond the departure date is still required, along with mandatory travel health insurance as stipulated by the destination country.
Countries that offer e-Visa to Kenyan Nationals
A total of 22 countries provide eVisas to holders of Kenyan passports. These countries include Bahrain, Colombia, Djibouti, Gabon, and more. The eVisa application process is similar to that of a conventional visa, but with the convenience of online submission and electronic payment. Once your eVisa application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation of your visa status, accompanied by a printable document that you must carry when crossing borders. While the visa itself will be digitally registered, it's advisable to retain a physical copy as some border officials might require it during travel.
Countries that offer Visa on arrival to Kenyan Nationals
For Kenyan passport holders, visa-on-arrival options are available in 28 countries, including Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cabo Verde, and others. These countries allow Kenyan citizens to obtain their visas upon entering, typically through designated sections at the respective airports where the visa-on-arrival applications can be submitted.
What countries require documents from Kenyan nationals
Kenyan passport holders are required to obtain a valid visa prior to entry for 132 countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, and many more. This list encompasses a range of countries across different continents, each with its own entry requirements for Kenyan citizens.
E-Visa application by Kenyan Citizens
The process for Kenyan citizens applying for a visa involves several steps as discussed below.
- Appointment at Visa Application Centre
The initial step in the e-visa application process for Kenyan citizens involves scheduling an appointment at a local visa application centre in Kenya.
Once your appointment is confirmed, you should begin gathering all the necessary documents required for your visa application. Among the essential documents are a valid passport, a fully completed application form, and health insurance coverage details.
- Certification and Apostille
Depending on the nature of the visa application and the destination country's requirements, certain documents might need to be certified by a foreign office or stamped with an apostille. This step is crucial to authenticate the validity of specific documents and to ensure they meet the necessary standards for international travel.
This stage might involve attending a visa interview, particularly for certain visa types. Additionally, you may be required to provide biometric information as part of the application process, contributing to the security and accuracy of your application.
- Document Translation and Verification
In some cases, documents must be translated into the language required by the destination country. Furthermore, if translation is necessary, it's important to verify these translated documents with an apostille stamp, if required.
During this period, immigration authorities review your application, documents, and any provided information. The duration for a decision to be reached varies but typically takes several weeks. It's important to exercise patience during this waiting period.
- Existing Visa Considerations
For travellers with existing visas that grant entry to multiple countries, it's important to consider whether a new visa application is necessary for the specific destination. Understanding the scope of your current visa's validity can save time and effort in the application process.
Documents Required for Visa Application by Kenyan Citizens
Kenyans intending to travel to countries that necessitate advance visa applications should be aware of the specific document requirements that can vary based on the destination. However, there are certain essential documents that most countries typically demand:
- Valid Kenyan Passport and Photocopy: Your Kenyan passport should be valid for an extended period, often beyond six months from your intended departure date.
- Completed Visa Application Form: You will need to fill out the visa application form accurately and completely.
- Recent Passport Photos: Provide passport-sized photos taken within the last six months.
- Travel Health Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel health insurance covering your entire planned stay.
- Paid Visa Fee Confirmation: Offer proof of payment for the visa processing fee.
- Detailed Travel Itinerary: Present a comprehensive itinerary outlining your intended places of visit.
- Invitation Letter (if applicable): If you have an invitation from a host in the destination country, provide this letter.
- Confirmed Return Ticket: Display evidence of a booked return flight to your home country.
- Accommodation Proof: Offer confirmation of booked accommodation for your stay.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Provide documentation indicating you possess adequate financial resources to cover your travel expenses.
- Civil Status Documents: Depending on the country's requirements, you might need to present documents like marriage certificates or birth certificates.
- Criminal History Check: Keep in mind that a prior criminal history could lead to visa rejection.
FAQS
Which countries can Kenyan passport holders visit without a visa?
Kenyan passport holders can travel visa-free to 44 countries and territories. Some of these include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Botswana, Fiji, Ghana, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and more.
Are there any requirements for visa-free travel?
While visa-free travel doesn't require a visa application, it's important to have a valid Kenyan passport with a typical validity of around six months beyond your departure date. Additionally, some countries may require you to purchase travel health insurance as mandated by their regulations.
Which countries offer eVisas to Kenyan passport holders?
Kenyan citizens have access to eVisas for 22 countries, including Bahrain, Colombia, Georgia, India, Kuwait, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan. The eVisa application process usually involves online submission and electronic payment.
Can Kenyan citizens obtain visas on arrival?
Yes, Kenyan passport holders can acquire visas on arrival for 28 countries. These include Bolivia, Cambodia, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Madagascar, Maldives, Nepal, Nigeria, Samoa, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, and more.
How do I apply for a visa for countries with visa requirements?
The process for applying for a visa varies by country. Generally, you would need to make an appointment at a local visa application centre, gather necessary documents such as a valid passport, completed application form, health insurance, proof of funds, and potentially an invitation letter or travel itinerary. You may also need to submit biometric data and attend a visa interview.