Types of Visa

  1. Ordinary Visa

Can be either Single Entry (Single Journey Visa) or Multiple Entry (Multiple Journey Visa)

Eligibility

  • Issued to persons whose nationalities require visas to enter Kenya.
  1. Single Journey Visa (SJV)
  • Issued for a maximum period of three months
  • One can travel to other East African countries and on return to Kenya no new visa is required
  • However, if one travels outside the East African Community, the Visa is invalidated. One has to apply for another Visa.
  1. Multiple Journey Visa (MJV)
  • Issued for a period between 3-12 months
  • Issued only to frequent travelers to Kenya
  • One can re-enter Kenya anytime during the validity of the Visa.
  • On each entry, the period of stay is per the applicant’s request and the Immigration Officer’s determination according to the Law.
  • Possession of a multiple entry visa (MEV) does not confer residency
  1. East African Tourist Visa (EATV)

Eligibility

  • This is a joint tourist visa that entitles holders to travel to and within the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda for the purpose of tourism. 
  • One MUST first enter through the country which issued the visa. 
  • Then you can travel to the remaining two countries back and forth within 90 days with the same visa. 
  • Any travel outside the three states, invalidates the Visa.
  1. Courtesy Visa

Also known as an Official Visa.

Eligibility

  • Issued to persons holding Official or Service passports on Official duty
  •  Also issued to Ordinary passport holders who are not entitled to Diplomatic visa; but where it is considered by the Director to be desirable on the grounds of international courtesy.
  1. Diplomatic Visa

Eligibility

  • Issued to persons holding diplomatic passport on official duty.
  • Diplomatic Note (Note Verbal) or a letter confirming that the holder is travelling on official duty.
  • A valid Diplomatic passport 
  1. Referred visa

Applicable to:

  1. Countries whose nationals are REFFERED to the Director of Immigration Services, Nairobi, for approval (see Visa Regulation)

Stateless persons and holders of refugee travel documents