Kenya eVisa > eVisa Requirements > US Citizens
Apply for Kenya eVisa from US
Most foreign nationals must obtain a Kenyan visa, including visitors holding a U.S. passport.
Thankfully, the visa process is simple. U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the electronic visa (eVisa) for Kenya entirely online, from anywhere in the world.
Find more information below regarding the application process, the Kenya visa requirements for American citizens, and everything you need to know to secure a Kenyan visa from the U.S.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?
Yes, citizens of the United States of America are required to have a visa before they can legally enter the Republic of Kenya.
Fortunately, Americans can request a Kenyan visa online in just a few minutes.
Kenyan Visa from the United States: Requirements for Americans
There are some requirements travelers must meet to obtain their Kenya visa for American Citizens:
- U.S. passport with 6 months’ validity and at least 1 blank page
- Email account to receive their visa
- Digital photograph in color taken within the last 6 months
- Basic travel itinerary
- Return ticket or proof of onward travel
- Debit card or credit card to pay for the Kenyan visa
Some applicants, such as those visiting a friend or receiving medical treatment, may also be asked to provide an invitation letter.
Applicants must also be traveling for the purposes covered by the eVisa:
- Tourism
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Medical treatment
- Business
Kenya Visa Application for US Passport Holders
Travelers must fill out the Kenya visa application for U.S. citizens with the required information, which includes personal details, passport information, travel plans, and a few security questions.
Afterward, visitors must submit their application and wait approximately 1 to 8 days to receive their approved visa in their email inbox.
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Fill out the Kenyan visa application form for American
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Submit a digital copy of the valid US passport and other relevant documents (if applicable)
See AlsoKenya – KnowYourCountry -
Await eVisa approval and receive your eVisa in your email inbox
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The Kenyan single-entry visa permits a stay of up to 90 days.
If eVisa holders wish to stay longer than 90 days, they must apply for an extension online. The length of time a visa can be extended for depends on the immigration department’s decision.
Travelers are advised to print out a copy of their eVisa in case the immigration officer requires it upon arrival.
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The Kenyan government announced that as of January 1, 2021, all Kenyan visas have become electronic and must be applied for online.
This means that visa on arrival services have been discontinued for U.S. citizens and all other foreign nationals.
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There are no mandatory vaccinations for American citizens. The only case in which U.S. nationals are required to provide proof of vaccination for Kenya is when they have recently visited a yellow fever high-risk area. In this case they should show proof that they were vaccinated at least 10 days before arriving.
In all other cases, American visitors are strongly encouraged to get in touch with their physician 6-10 weeks before traveling to discuss recommended vaccinations for Kenya.
Embassy Registration for U.S. Citizens
U.S. travelers can register with the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) system through their electronic visa application. This program registers the traveler with the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.
Thanks to the Embassy Registration Service, U.S. citizens in Kenya can receive important updates and information from the American embassy or consulate that is closest to them.
Registering with the Embassy Registration comes with the following advantages:
- Staying up to date with the latest safety alerts and security situations in Kenya
- Providing the U.S. embassy in Kenya with your contact information for easy communications and traceability in case of an emergency
- Faster communication with friends and family back home in case of emergency
It is a simple and effective way of leaving with greater peace of mind.
Reviewed by
Ombo Malumbe, Esq.
Co-founding partner of Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP and a member of the Law Society of Kenya’s Cross-Border Practice & Immigration Committee
Ombo Malumbe is a practicing lawyer in Kenya, co-founder of Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP, and a member of the Law Society of Kenya’s Cross-Border Practice & Immigration Committee (2022-’24). His law firm received the Immigration Law Firm of the Year award from GlobalLawExperts in 2022.
