How Indian passport holders get a visa for Kenya: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: eTA — Electronic Travel Authorisation online
- Government fee: USD 30 + USD 2 service fee = USD 32 (≈ ₹2,700)
- Processing time: Usually within 3 working days
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit, single entry. eTA valid 90 days from issue.
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 80/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 6+ months with 1 blank page
- Recent digital passport photo
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel booking / host details
- Travel itinerary
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
How & where to apply
Since 5 Jan 2024 Kenya abolished visas and uses an eTA system. Apply online at the official eTA Kenya portal before departure. Kenya eTA portal (official)
Transit & connections
Passengers staying airside at JKIA / Mombasa without clearing immigration are exempt from eTA.
How Kenya compares in Africa
With an ease score of 80/100 this is one of the smoother applications for Indians. Kenya requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
| Country | Visa type | Government fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | eTA — Electronic Travel Authorisation online | USD 30 + USD 2 service fee = USD 32 (≈ ₹2,700) | Usually within 3 working days |
| 🇲🇺 Mauritius | Visa-free — 60 days on arrival | No visa fee. MauPass digital declaration is free. | Stamp issued at SSR International Airport on arrival |
| 🇸🇨 Seychelles | Visa-free — Travel Authorisation required online | Standard: €10 (≈ ₹950) processed in 24h. Premium: €30 (≈ ₹2,850) processed in 6h. | Standard 24 hours, Premium 6 hours |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | eVisa — apply online before travel | USD 25 single-entry / USD 60 multiple-entry (≈ ₹2,100 / ₹5,000) | Usually 3–7 working days |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | eVisa — apply online before travel | USD 50 single-entry (90 days) / USD 100 multiple-entry (12 months) — ≈ ₹4,200 / ₹8,400 | Usually 2–5 working days; apply at least 10 days before travel |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | eVisa — apply online before travel | USD 62 (30 days single-entry) / USD 152 (90 days single-entry) — ≈ ₹5,200 / ₹12,800 | Standard 3 working days; same-day option available at higher fee |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | eVisa — apply online (or VFS sticker) | Tourist eVisa: GRATIS (visa fee waived for Indians). VFS service fee around ₹1,990 if applying through VFS. | Usually 5–10 working days |
Fees and processing times are indicative and change with exchange rates and season — always confirm on each country's official source before applying.
Good to know
Kenya no longer issues tourist visas — only eTAs. The only official URL is etakenya.go.ke; many copycat sites charge USD 80–150. Holding a US/UK/Schengen visa does not exempt Indians from the eTA, but supporting documents are minimal — most approvals issue in under 72h. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://immigration.go.ke/eta/
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Kenya?
eTA — Electronic Travel Authorisation online. Kenya no longer issues tourist visas — only eTAs. The only official URL is etakenya.go.ke; many copycat sites charge USD 80–150. Holding a US/UK/Schengen visa does not exempt Indians from the eTA, but supporting documents are minimal — most approvals issue in under 72h.
What documents do Indians need for a Kenya visa?
Passport valid 6+ months with 1 blank page; Recent digital passport photo; Confirmed return ticket; Hotel booking / host details; Travel itinerary; Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
How long does a Kenya visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Usually within 3 working days. Government fee: USD 30 + USD 2 service fee = USD 32 (≈ ₹2,700). Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit, single entry. eTA valid 90 days from issue..
How do Indians apply for a Kenya visa?
Since 5 Jan 2024 Kenya abolished visas and uses an eTA system. Apply online at the official eTA Kenya portal before departure. Official source: https://immigration.go.ke/eta/
Is a Kenya visa hard to get for Indian citizens?
With an ease score of 80/100 this is one of the smoother applications for Indians. No interview is normally required.
Can Indians get a Kenya visa online or on arrival?
Kenya requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
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