Courtesy Visa Kenya
Kenya offers various visa and eTA types that cater to the different needs of travellers. Most travellers require an entry permit for Kenya, but a few are exempt from this requirement. Travellers can select a Kenya travel permit that fits their travel purpose, trip duration and other requirements. The courtesy visa is a Kenya visa type issued for Official, Diplomatic or Service passport holders who are visiting or transiting through Kenya for official duties.
The visa is issued free of charge to foreign officials and dignitaries. The courtesy visa facilitates easy entry and travel experience for foreign officials travelling to Kenya.
Travellers can also look into the other entry permits for which they are eligible. Kenya also offers online travel permits. Travellers can check out the Kenya eTA, it is a hassle-free process. Service, official and diplomatic passport holders are exempt from paying the Kenya eTA fee.
Eligibility Criteria
Only travellers who have service, official or diplomatic passports can apply for the courtesy visa. This implies that the Kenya courtesy visa is issued only for travellers who represent their government or international organization. Such travellers can only engage in official duties. Travellers who are using Kenya airport to reach a third country for official duties are also eligible to apply for a Kenya courtesy visa.
Documents Required to Apply for Courtesy Visa Kenya
The following documents are required to apply for a Kenya courtesy visa.
- The applicants must have a service, diplomatic or official passport (from the date of arrival, the passport must be valid for the next six months).
- The passport should have blank pages (at least one or two)
- An official letter from the applicant’s country or organization is mandatory and the letter must state the traveller’s purpose for visiting and the nature of their official duty.
- An onward ticket (or boarding pass) is required for transit travellers applying for a Kenya courtesy visa.
- A clear and recent colour photo taken within six months (with a plain and white background).
- A clear copy of the bio-data page of the applicant’s passport.
Other documents, such as travel itinerary, accommodation proof, etc., might be required. The application process required the travellers to attach or upload their passport copies and photographs. The travel and supporting documents must be in English only. The documents must be attached only in JPG or PDF. Please note that the Kenya courtesy visa is free of charge.
Photo Requirements
A traveller’s recent colour photo must be uploaded to apply for a Kenya courtesy visa. The photo must be clear with a plain white background and it should match the traveller’s current appearance. The applicant’s face must be clearly visible without any objects like a hat or headgear covering the traveller’s head or face. Consider all the above-mentioned photo instructions for a successful application, and all the requirements must be met.
Application Process of Courtesy Visa Kenya
After checking the eligibility criteria, gather all the required documents and ensure that they are valid. The application process for courtesy visa Kenya includes filling out an application form which can be done online by accessing the respective portal or website. After getting the form, choose the visa category carefully and fill out the application form. Then, upload the copies of the documents and check if all the details are accurate and submit the documents. Travellers do not have to pay the application fee because the courtesy visa is issued free of charge.
The processing time for a Kenya courtesy visa is two to three days. Submit the application three to four days before the planned travel date because sometimes the application process might take longer than the standard timeframe. After receiving an approved visa, ensure to take a printout.
Key Information
The courtesy visa holders are not authorized to work (paid or unpaid) or related activities in Kenya. Please note that getting an approved Kenya courtesy visa does not guarantee travellers entry to Kenya. The immigration officers at the entry port have the authority to deny an individual’s entry despite having a proper entry permit. Upon arriving in Kenya, travellers must follow the entry process and immigration requirements.
READ MORE:
Kenya offers a one-year multiple-entry eTA for frequent travelers, allowing multiple visits for tourism or business, with a 90-day stay permitted per visit. Learn more at Kenya One Year Multiple-Entry eTA.