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Kenya Business Visa

The Kenya Business Visa is processed through the same Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system that covers tourism, family visits, transit, and most other short-term travel purposes. Since 5 January 2024, Kenya replaced its former visa and eVisa categories with this unified online authorisation, applied for at etakenya.go.ke, where “business” is selected as the purpose of travel. The eTA does not itself grant the right to work in Kenya — it covers short business activities such as meetings, negotiations, and site visits, while formal employment requires a separate work permit. As with every Kenya Visa category, the final decision on entry rests solely with Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services.

Eligibility

You may travel to Kenya for business purposes under the eTA system if:

  • You hold a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your planned arrival date, and at least one blank page.
  • You are travelling for business meetings, negotiations, site visits, or similar short-term commercial activities.
  • You are not seeking paid employment with a Kenyan entity, which requires a separate work permit instead.
  • You are not a citizen of an East African Community (EAC) member state, as these citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement.

Government Visa Fees

CategoryFee
Standard eTA (all purposes, including business)USD 30 per traveller
Additional payment processing/bank chargesApproximately USD 1.50–2.00

All eTA fees are non-refundable, whether the application is approved or denied.

Kenya Visa Processing Time

Standard eTA processing typically takes 24 to 72 hours (up to 3 working days), though this can extend during busy periods or where further verification is needed. Since business trips are often tied to fixed meeting dates, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible — up to 3 months before travel — and at least a week ahead where practical. The approved eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, within which the traveller must arrive in Kenya.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport (with at least 6 months' validity beyond the planned arrival date, and at least one blank page)
Recent colour passport photograph (JPEG format, white background)
Confirmed flight booking or travel itinerary
Invitation letter from the hosting company or organisation in Kenya, specifying the purpose and duration of the visit
Letter from the applicant's employer confirming role and purpose of travel
Accommodation proof
Return or onward ticket showing departure from Kenya
Yellow fever vaccination certificate, if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm the Business purpose is appropriate for your trip, and gather any invitation letter from your Kenyan host.
Visit the official portal at etakenya.go.ke and create an account.
Complete the online application form, selecting "business" as your purpose of travel.
Upload the required photograph and supporting documents.
Pay the USD 30 fee online.
Await approval, typically within 24 to 72 hours.
Print or save your approved eTA and present it, along with your passport, at the Kenya port of entry.

Important Notes

The eTA does not authorise paid employment with a Kenyan company — a separate work permit is required for that.
The eTA confirms eligibility to travel; the immigration officer at the port of entry determines your permitted length of stay.
Every traveller, including accompanying family members, needs a separate eTA application.
Airlines may deny boarding to passengers without an approved eTA.
Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival.
Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Kenya Business Visa requires accurate documentation, a genuine business purpose, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Kenyan authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with business visa application forms, passport documentation, business invitation letters, employer or company documents, travel itinerary, hotel reservations, financial documents, travel insurance (where applicable), and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every application to help minimize errors, reduce delays, and ensure your documentation meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Kenya Business Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Kenyan immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Kenya Business Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate "Business Visa" for Kenya?
Not anymore. Business travel to Kenya is now covered under the unified eTA system — you simply select "business" as your purpose of travel when applying at etakenya.go.ke.
How much does the Kenya Business eTA cost?
The eTA costs USD 30 per traveller, plus a small additional payment processing fee, regardless of whether the purpose is business or tourism.
Can I work in Kenya on a Business eTA?
No. The eTA only covers short-term business activities such as meetings and negotiations. Anyone seeking paid employment with a Kenyan entity needs a separate work permit.
How long does the Kenya Business eTA take to process?
Standard processing takes 24 to 72 hours, though applying a few days to a week before travel is recommended, especially for time-sensitive business trips.
What documents does my Kenyan host need to provide?
An invitation letter from the hosting company or organisation, specifying the purpose and duration of your visit, is generally recommended to support your application.

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