Visa Types — Kenya
Updated July 20, 2026
Kenya Immigration: Major Visa & Permit Categories
Kenya's immigration system is managed by the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) through the Foreign Nationals Services (FNS) portal (fns.immigration.go.ke) for permits, and the e-Visa portal (evisa.go.ke) for visitor visas. Below are the major categories spanning short-term entry visas and long-term residence/work permits.
*Note: Fees and processing times change periodically. Always confirm current figures on the official DIS/FNS portal before applying.*
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Single-Entry Visa (Visitor's Visa / eVisa)
Who it's for: Tourists, business visitors, conference attendees on short visits.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Application done entirely online via evisa.go.ke
Processing time: 2–5 business days (online); can be expedited at some ports for eligible nationals
Cost:
- KES ~5,300–6,500
- USD 51 (standard fee)
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Transit Visa
Who it's for: Travelers passing through Kenya en route to a third country (layover exceeding a few hours or requiring an overnight stay).
Key eligibility requirements:
- Valid onward ticket and visa (if required) for final destination
- Valid passport
- Transit not exceeding 72 hours typically
Processing time: 1–3 business days (online)
Cost:
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East Africa Tourist Visa
Who it's for: Tourists planning to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single multi-country trip.
Key eligibility requirements:
- First point of entry must be one of the three participating countries
- Valid passport
- Apply through the issuing country's portal (Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda)
- Multiple entries within these three countries during validity (90 days)
Processing time: 3–7 business days
Cost:
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Class A Permit – Prospecting & Mining
Who it's for: Foreign nationals engaged in prospecting for minerals or oil.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Valid prospecting/mining license from relevant Kenyan authority
- Proof of specialized skills/experience
- Company registration in Kenya (if applicable)
Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 10,000 (~USD 75)
- Permit fee: KES 100,000–200,000 depending on duration (~USD 700–1,400)
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Class B Permit – Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
Who it's for: Investors/farmers engaging in agriculture, livestock, or related agribusiness.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Proof of land ownership/lease or agribusiness investment
- Business plan and capital investment evidence
- Registered entity in Kenya
Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 10,000 (~USD 75)
- Permit fee: KES 100,000+ (~USD 700+), varies by duration (1–2 years typical)
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Class D Permit – Specific Employment
Who it's for: Foreign employees with a specific job offer from a Kenyan employer who cannot fill the role locally.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Signed employment contract with Kenyan-registered employer
- Employer must demonstrate unsuccessful local recruitment efforts
- Relevant qualifications/skills for the role
- Employer sponsors and submits the application
Processing time: 4–12 weeks (often delayed; can extend to 3–6 months in practice)
Cost:
- Application/processing fee: KES 10,000 (~USD 75)
- Permit fee: KES 200,000–400,000 for 2 years (~USD 1,400–2,800), depending on role/sector
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Class F Permit – Manufacturing
Who it's for: Foreign nationals involved in manufacturing enterprises in Kenya.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Proof of investment in a manufacturing entity
- Business registration and relevant licenses
- Evidence of capital contribution
Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 10,000 (~USD 75)
- Permit fee: KES 100,000–200,000 (~USD 700–1,400)
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Class G Permit – Investor/Business/Trade
Who it's for: Foreign investors, shareholders, or those engaging in specific trade or business not covered under other classes.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Minimum investment threshold (historically USD 100,000, though amounts have varied and been revised)
- Business registration certificate (Certificate of Incorporation)
- Evidence of capital injection (bank statements, share certificates)
- Tax compliance certificate
Processing time: 6–12 weeks
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 10,000 (~USD 75)
- Permit fee: KES 200,000+ for 2 years (~USD 1,400+)
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Class I Permit – Religious/Charitable/Missionary Work
Who it's for: Missionaries and staff of registered religious or charitable organizations.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Sponsorship letter from a registered religious/charitable organization in Kenya
- Proof of organization's registration with the NGO Board or relevant body
- Statement of duties/role
Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 10,000 (~USD 75)
- Permit fee: KES 50,000–100,000 (~USD 350–700)
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Class K Permit – Ordinarily Resident (Retirees/Pensioners)
Who it's for: Foreign nationals of independent means, retirees, or those with sufficient passive income wishing to reside in Kenya without working.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Proof of steady income/pension (historically minimum USD 24,000/year or equivalent, subject to revision)
- Bank statements or pension documentation
- No intention to engage in paid employment in Kenya
- Age typically 35+ (retirees usually older)
Processing time: 6–12 weeks
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 10,000 (~USD 75)
- Permit fee: KES 100,000 for 2 years (~USD 700)
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Dependent's Pass
Who it's for: Spouses and children (under 18, or dependent students) of permit/visa holders working or residing legally in Kenya.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
- Principal permit holder must have valid Class D, G, K, etc.
- Sponsor's permit must cover the dependency period
Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 5,000–10,000 (~USD 35–75)
- Pass fee: KES 50,000–100,000 depending on duration (~USD 350–700)
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Student Pass
Who it's for: Foreign nationals admitted to study at a recognized Kenyan educational institution.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Admission letter from a registered Kenyan institution
- Proof of financial capability to support studies
- Valid passport with sufficient validity
- Medical/health certificate (in some cases)
Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 5,000 (~USD 35)
- Pass fee: KES 5,000–15,000 per year (~USD 35–105)
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Special Pass
Who it's for: Individuals needing short-term authorization to remain in Kenya for a specific purpose while a longer-term permit application is processed (e.g., new employees awaiting Class D approval).
Key eligibility requirements:
- Valid reason for short-term stay (pending permit, short assignment, etc.)
- Sponsoring employer or organization (if applicable)
- Valid up to 3 months typically, renewable
Processing time: 1–2 weeks
Cost:
- KES 2,000–10,000 (~USD 15–70), depending on duration and purpose
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Permanent Residence Permit
Who it's for: Long-term foreign nationals who have lawfully and continuously resided in Kenya for a qualifying period (typically 7+ years on a work/dependent permit), spouses of Kenyan citizens, or persons of Kenyan origin residing abroad wishing to resettle permanently.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Continuous lawful residence in Kenya (usually minimum 7 years under Class D, G, or other work permits)
- Spouses married to Kenyan citizens for 3+ years (with proof of subsisting marriage)
- Persons of Kenyan origin who have lost citizenship, seeking to resettle
- Clean criminal record (police clearance from Kenya and country of origin)
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency or continued investment/employment
- Tax compliance certificate
- Recommendation letters (employer, community, or religious leaders in some cases)
Processing time: 6–12 months (can extend longer due to vetting/security clearance processes)
Cost:
- Application fee: KES 10,000 (~USD 75)
- Permit fee: KES 100,000 (one-time, since PR does not require renewal) (~USD 700)
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Diplomatic/Official Visa
Who it's for: Diplomats, government officials, and staff of international organizations on official assignment to Kenya.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Note verbale from sending government or international organization
- Diplomatic or official passport
- Accreditation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kenya)
Processing time: 1–3 weeks
Cost:
- Typically fee-exempt under reciprocal diplomatic arrangements (varies by bilateral agreement)
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Refugee/Asylum Status (Class M – Recognized Refugee)
Who it's for: Individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, or violence in their home country, seeking protection in Kenya.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Registration with the Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS) or UNHCR
- Credible fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
- Interview and refugee status determination (RSD) process
- Typically requires residence in designated refugee camps (Dadaab, Kakuma) unless granted alternative settlement
Processing time: Several months to years, depending on backlog and case complexity
Cost:
- Free (no government fee for refugee registration/status determination)
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Summary Table
| Visa/Permit | Purpose | Processing Time | Cost (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry/eVisa | Tourism/Business | 2–5 days | $51 |
| Transit Visa | Layover | 1–3 days | $20 |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | Regional tourism | 3–7 days | $100 |
| Class A | Mining/Prospecting | 4–8 weeks | $775–1,475 |
| Class B | Agriculture | 4–8 weeks | $775+ |
| Class D | Specific Employment | 4–12 weeks | $1,475–2,875 |
| Class F | Manufacturing | 4–8 weeks | $775–1,475 |
| Class G | Investor/Trade | 6–12 weeks | $1,475+ |
| Class I | Religious/Charitable | 4–8 weeks | $425–775 |
| Class K | Ordinarily Resident | 6–12 weeks | $775 |
| Dependent's Pass | Family of permit holder | 4–8 weeks | $385–775 |
| Student Pass | Education | 4–8 weeks | $70–140/yr |
| Special Pass | Bridging/short-term | 1–2 weeks | $15–70 |
| Permanent Residence | Long-term settlement | 6–12 months | $775 |
| Diplomatic Visa | Official/diplomatic | 1–3 weeks | Exempt (reciprocal) |
| Refugee Status | Protection/asylum | Months–years | Free |
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Important Notes
- Exemptions: Citizens of several East African Community (EAC) partner states and some other nations enjoy visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival privileges — check the current reciprocal list.
- Work permit sponsorship: Most employment-related classes (D, G, etc.) require a Kenyan-registered employer or entity to sponsor the application; self-sponsored applications are generally not accepted for Class D.
- Renewal: Most permits (except PR) are issued for 1–2 years and must be renewed before expiry to avoid penalties or deportation proceedings.
- Biometric registration: All foreign nationals residing in Kenya beyond 90 days are generally required to register for a Foreign Nationals ID/Alien Card through the FNS portal.
- Currency fluctuation: USD conversions are approximate and based on prevailing KES/USD exchange rates (~130–150 KES/USD range in recent years) — actual amounts may shift with currency movements and periodic government fee revisions.
Recommendation: Always verify current fees, timelines, and requirements directly through the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services (immigration.go.ke), the FNS portal (fns.immigration.go.ke), or a licensed Kenyan immigration attorney, as policies and costs are subject to change.
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More about immigrating to Kenya
Immigration laws, costs, and policies change frequently. This guide is AI-researched for information only and is not legal advice. Always verify with official government sources and licensed immigration professionals before making decisions.