Kenya Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
The Kenya Visitor Visa for visiting family or friends is processed through Kenya’s unified Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, applied for online at etakenya.go.ke. Since 5 January 2024, Kenya replaced its former visa and eVisa categories with this single pre-travel authorisation, which covers tourism, business, family and social visits, and other short-term purposes. Applicants select the relevant purpose during the online application, and can support their case with details of the host they intend to visit in Kenya. 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 to visit family or friends 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 intend to visit a relative or friend residing in Kenya.
- You can provide accommodation details, such as your host’s address, or a hotel booking if not staying with your host.
- 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
| Category | Fee |
| Standard eTA (all purposes, including family/social visits) | USD 30 per traveller |
| Additional payment processing/bank charges | Approximately USD 1.50–2.00 |
Every traveller, including infants and children, requires a separate eTA application and payment. All 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 required. Applications can be submitted as early as 3 months before travel, and applicants are advised to apply at least a few days to a week before departure. The approved eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, within which the traveller must arrive in Kenya.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Kenya Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) requires accurate documentation, a genuine purpose of visit, 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 visitor visa application forms, passport documentation, invitation letters, proof of relationship or friendship (where applicable), travel itinerary, accommodation details, 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 Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) 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 Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) application with confidence.