Kenya Visa Extension

International travellers might face the need to extend their stay while travelling. Most travellers intend to plan a short trip to Kenya to explore the country’s culture, wildlife and landscape. The abundant tourist attractions in Kenya often captivate travellers to stay longer. An extension period might also benefit business travellers to negotiate unexpected opportunities or attend a sudden conference. Sometimes, unforeseen flight cancellations and health issues might affect a traveller’s scheduled departure dates.

During such times, an extension period might help travellers to finish their business or handle the current situation and plan the return journey. Knowing the Kenya visa extension process is important because travellers can be aware of the extension process to have a smooth travel experience.

Visa Extension Overview

Kenya visa extension is an additional authorized day offered to travellers to complete their travel plan and leave for their residence. The Kenya visa extension is a legal process that permits travellers to extend their stay beyond their visa or eTA authorized duration of stay. The Kenya online travel authorization eTA provides a stay duration of 90 days and travellers can extend their Kenya eTA. It provides an additional 90 days stay.

The extension period will permit the travellers to legally stay in Kenya to complete their travel plan or continue business activities. The visa extension process is hassle-free and simple. Before proceeding for extension travellers must check their current Kenya visa or eTA category’s eligibility for extension. If the traveller’s current Kenya visa is not eligible for an extension, they cannot apply for an extension. They must leave the country and apply for a new Kenya visa or eTA that suits their intended length of stay in Kenya.

Documents for Kenya Visa Extension Process

Travellers will require travel documents to successfully submit a visa extension application form. Applicants need to fill out a Kenya visa extension form and provide the documents mentioned below.

• A visa extension form that is completely filled out with accurate details.
• A recent photo, recently taken or not older than six months (complying with the photo requirements).
• The original passport and the passport must be valid.
• Travellers current Kenya visa or eTA (it must be valid, only then can travellers apply for Kenya visa extension).
• Accommodation proof to support the travellers extended stay in Kenya.
• A travel itinerary is not mandatory but might be needed to showcase the plans and intentions in Kenya.
• Bank statements to display the financial stability for the extension period.
• A return ticket is not mandatory, but having a confirmed return flight ticket will emphasise the traveller’s intention to leave Kenya.

Travellers might also need to provide an explanation letter that should explain the reason for the extension in detail. Additional documents, such as business documents or sponsorship letters, might be requested, depending on individual circumstances.

Kenya Visa Extension Stay Duration

Travellers applying for a Kenya visa extension can get an additional 90 days of stay. However, the extension stay duration might change depending on the eTA and visa type. The travel purpose and extension reason of the traveller also affect the Kenya visa extension stay duration. Travellers looking for an alternative option can leave Kenya, apply for a new Kenya visa or eTA and then re-enter Kenya with an approved entry permit.

Kenya Visa Extension Application Process

Before beginning the Kenya visa extension application process, every applicant must check their current Kenya eTA or visa category requirements to ensure they can apply for an extension. The Kenya visa extension process mandates a physical visit to the immigration office situated in Kenya.

Please note that applicants must carry all the required documents, so ensure to have all the necessary documents. The below steps explain the Kenya visa extension process in detail.

• Fill out an online Kenya visa extension form.
• Ensure all the details and documents are error-free and accurate.
• Visit the immigration office in Kenya (check the working hours of the embassy before visiting).
• Submit all the documents to the respective officers, they will verify the extension application form and other documents.
• If required, travellers will be asked to complete the biometric process (to confirm the traveller’s identity).
• If needed, there will be a short interview to enquire about the traveller’s reason for the extension and answer the question politely and honestly.
• Upon completing the document verification process, pay the relevant Kenya visa extension fee.

Ensure the Kenya visa extension application form is completely filled out without any errors or empty entry fields. Check the extension duration and other requirements with the officials before leaving the immigration office. Traveller’s passport will be stamped with a Kenya visa extension stamp. It indicates that the traveller is legally permitted to stay for an extended duration in Kenya.

Kenya Visa Extension Processing Time

Travellers can check the fee online or verify it at the immigration office before paying the visa extension fee. After submitting the application, the process might take around 24 to 48 hours. If all the requirements are met and the documents are accurate, the Kenya visa extension will be processed within the standard processing time. Travellers are recommended to submit the visa extension application a week before the expiration date of their current Kenya visa or eTA.

However, there can be a delay in the processing time if the application requires additional security checks or if any discrepancies are found in the submitted document. Travellers are advised to respond promptly if any additional documents are required for the Kenya visa extension process to avoid delays. Travellers will be notified about their extension approval.

Overstaying Consequences in Kenya

Overstaying can lead to legal issues such as deportation and fines. The legal issues also include restrictions on re-entering Kenya and it can also affect traveller’s future travel plans. Travellers can avoid overstaying by applying for Kenya visa extensions and contacting the immigration authorities to avoid legal issues. Travellers must comply with the Kenya visa or eTA regulations. Know the Kenya visa regulations and plan the trip accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is visiting the immigration office mandatory for a Kenya visa extension application?

Travellers must visit the immigration office in Kenya to submit a visa extension application, which is a part of the Kenya visa extension process. Every traveller must provide all the documents and a completely filled-out Kenya visa extension form at the immigration office.

What is the Kenya visa or eTA extension fee?

The cost of a Kenya eTA or visa extension application is approximately 20 to 50 USD. The fee might differ for each Kenya visa type. Travellers are advised to check at the immigration office before paying the extension application fee.

What is the passport requirement for the Kenya visa extension process?

A passport is an important document for the Kenya visa extension process. Travellers must provide their original passports, which must remain valid for the next six months from the date of the submission of the Kenya visa extension application. Most importantly, the passport must have one or two blank pages for the Kenya visa extension stamp.

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.