Information date: 21 September 2026. Kenya eTA, eFNS and Immigration fees or procedures may change. Confirm the live official portal invoice and current Immigration instructions before payment, travel, extension or regularization filing.
Quick Answers: Kenya eTA, Visa Application & Visitor Pass Extension
Business & Immigration East Africa assists foreign nationals with Kenya eTA applications, Visitor’s Pass extension, visa extension guidance and overstay regularization. Travellers may still search for “Kenya visa” or “visa agents in Kenya,” but the current inbound process is generally Kenya eTA before travel and Visitor’s Pass procedures after entry.
Quick answer summary
| User question | Direct answer |
|---|---|
| What does BIEA assist with? | Kenya eTA application support, Visitor’s Pass extension, overstay regularization and immigration document review for travellers entering or already in Kenya. |
| How do I apply for a Kenya visa? | Most travellers who require pre-travel authorization now apply for Kenya eTA online through the official eTA platform. |
| How much does Kenya eTA cost? | A standard eTA is currently USD 30; Transit eTA USD 20; One Year Multi-Entry eTA USD 300; and Five Year Multi-Entry eTA for eligible United States nationals USD 185. |
| When does a Kenya eTA expire? | An approved eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from issuance. The period you may remain after entry is determined separately by Immigration at the border. Official guidance. |
| How do I extend my stay in Kenya? | What many visitors call a visa extension is generally a Visitor’s Pass extension through eFNS after entry. |
| How long can a Visitor’s Pass be extended? | The Directorate states that a Visitor’s Pass may be extended up to a maximum of six months, subject to Immigration approval. Official source. |
| How long does Kenya eTA take? | Applications are generally processed within 3 business days / 72 hours, although verification or document queries can take longer. |
| What if my stay has expired? | Treat an expired visitor status as an urgent regularization matter rather than assuming it can be handled as a routine extension. |
Kenya Visa & eTA Application Services
BIEA provides inbound Kenya immigration support for travellers before and after arrival. We can review the correct route, prepare or check supporting documents, identify filing gaps and guide the official eTA or eFNS process. “Visa agents in Kenya” is a common search phrase, but this service specifically concerns entry to and lawful visitor stay in Kenya.
Which route applies?
- Before travel: Kenya eTA application or document pre-check where the traveller is not exempt.
- Already in Kenya and need more time: Visitor’s Pass extension through eFNS, filed before expiry.
- Status already expired: urgent overstay / expired Visitor’s Pass regularization review.
- Business or employment activity: referral to the appropriate Special Pass, Work Permit, Investor Permit, Dependant Pass or Class N route where visitor status is not suitable.
How to Apply for Kenya Visa / eTA Online
How to apply for Kenya visa: most foreign nationals now apply for Kenya eTA online before travelling to Kenya. The traveller confirms eligibility, prepares the passport and supporting documents, completes the online eTA form, pays the official eTA fee and waits for approval before boarding.
Confirm eTA eligibility or exemption
Check nationality, residence status, valid permit/pass status, purpose of visit and whether the traveller is exempt from eTA.
Prepare the documents
Prepare passport, selfie or passport-type photo, contact details, travel itinerary, accommodation or host details and purpose-specific documents.
Submit through the official Kenya eTA platform
Enter the traveller’s details exactly as shown on the passport. Where applying on behalf of the traveller, indicate this correctly in the application.
Pay the official eTA fee
Use the amount shown by the official portal and keep the receipt, application reference and confirmation emails.
Wait for approval before travel
Print or save the approved eTA PDF for airline checks and arrival processing. Do not travel until the eTA has been approved where eTA is required.
Business and family visitors: supporting documents should match the declared purpose of visit. Business visitors usually need an invitation letter and Kenyan company registration copy. Family visitors usually need host details and host identity or immigration status documents.
How to Extend a Visitor Pass in Kenya
What many travellers call “extending a visa in Kenya” is officially handled as a Visitor’s Pass extension through eFNS. Apply before your current stay expires, complete the online eFNS form, print and sign the application, attach the required documents and present the file to Immigration where required.
Maximum period: The Directorate of Immigration Services states that a Visitor’s Pass may be extended up to a maximum of six months, subject to approval. Apply before the existing authorized stay expires. Official source: Directorate of Immigration Services.
Fee and timeline: the Directorate’s 2025 Service Delivery Charter lists the online Visitor’s Pass extension at USD 50 with a stated service timeline of 2 days. However, the Directorate’s current Visitor’s Pass service page also contains contradictory wording stating that the service attracts no charges. Applicants should therefore confirm the amount generated by the live eFNS system or current written Immigration instruction before payment. 2025 Service Delivery Charter.
Create or log into Government Single Sign-On
Use the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On account to access eFNS.
Open eFNS and select Apply Now
Go to the Foreign National tab and choose the Visitor’s Pass extension application route.
Complete the online application
Fill the application accurately, upload or attach the requested documents and generate the application print-out.
Print, sign and attach documents
Attach the signed online application, original and copy of the Visitor’s Pass, and a copy of the valid passport.
Present the application where required
Present the file at the Immigration counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi or the nearest Immigration office where required.
Track email and portal notifications
Respond promptly to any request and keep copies of the approval, receipt or extension endorsement.
Kenya Visa Extension, Overstay and Expired Visitor Pass Help
If your Kenya visa, eTA stay or visitor pass has expired, treat the matter as urgent immigration regularization, not a normal extension. Immigration may require an explanation, passport and entry records, proof of pending application, payment instructions or attendance before the issue is resolved.
When to seek urgent help
- Your visitor stay has expired or is about to expire.
- Your eFNS extension application says “received” but the expiry date is close.
- You are unsure whether the eTA, entry stamp or visitor pass controls your stay period.
- You need to exit Kenya after an overstay.
- You have a pending permit, pass or regularization matter.
Talk to us before filing: expired-status matters can affect exit, future entry and pending Immigration applications. BIEA can review the documents and advise whether the safer path is extension, exit regularization, status correction, or referral to another permit/pass category.
Kenya eTA Requirements & Documents
Requirements depend on the traveller’s nationality or status, purpose of travel and whether the person is applying before travel, extending lawful stay after entry, or addressing an expired status.
Who needs a Kenya eTA?
Most foreign nationals who are not exempt should obtain the required Kenya eTA before travel. Exemptions can change and depend on nationality, immigration status and current rules, so confirm eligibility on the official Kenya eTA eligibility page before filing.
| Application type | Core documents | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya visa/eTA application | Passport with at least 6 months validity and one blank page, selfie or passport-type photo, email and phone, travel itinerary, accommodation booking or host details, payment method. | Additional documents depend on travel purpose and eTA category. |
| Business traveller eTA | Invitation letter from the Kenyan company and copy of company registration. | The invitation should match travel dates, purpose, host details and meeting/event information. |
| Family visit eTA | Invitation letter from host and host ID, passport, alien card or entry permit. | Host contacts and physical address should be clear. |
| Conference, medical or official travel | Conference invitation, participation letter, medical referral/appointment, official letter or diplomatic/service passport where applicable. | Use the correct purpose category and avoid mixing tourism with business or official purpose. |
| Kenya visa extension / Visitor’s Pass extension | Signed online application print-out, original and copy of Visitor’s Pass, copy of valid passport and any eFNS-generated form where applicable. | Immigration may also require previous visa endorsement, entry stamp and proof of pending permit/pass application where applicable. |
| Expired visa / overstay regularization | Passport bio-data page, entry stamp, visitor pass/eTA record, expiry date, written explanation, travel plan and proof of pending application where applicable. | This should be reviewed urgently before exit, extension or any new filing. |
Kenya eTA & Visitor Pass Processing Time
Timing depends on the application route, portal status, verification requirements and whether Immigration requires in-person presentation or additional documents.
| Service | Expected timeline | Common delay risks |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya visa/eTA application | Generally 3 business days / 72 hours. Applying earlier is safer where travel dates are fixed. | Verification checks, unclear purpose, missing documents, wrong passport details, payment failure or late filing. |
| Expedited Kenya eTA | Immediate processing option may be available at an additional official fee. | Expedited processing does not cure wrong information or missing documents. |
| Kenya visa extension / Visitor’s Pass extension | The Directorate’s 2025 Service Delivery Charter lists 2 days for the online extension service; actual handling may vary where further review, presentation or additional documents are required. | Late filing, missing original visitor pass, incomplete print-out, unsupported extension reason, additional Immigration review or unresolved pending application. |
| Expired visa / overstay regularization | Urgent case review recommended immediately after discovering the overstay. | Long overstay, weak explanation, missing entry record, enforcement issue or attempting to exit without regularization advice. |
| BIEA document pre-check | Usually within 1–2 working days after a complete document pack is received. | Unreadable passport scans, unclear stamps, missing eFNS reference or incomplete travel history. |
Kenya eTA & Visitor Pass Costs
A standard Kenya eTA currently costs USD 30. Transit eTA costs USD 20, One Year Multi-Entry eTA costs USD 300, and Five Year Multi-Entry eTA for eligible United States nationals costs USD 185. Expedited processing may attract an additional USD 100 where available. Official eTA fee source.
For Visitor’s Pass extension, the Directorate’s 2025 Service Delivery Charter lists USD 50, while the current service webpage also contains contradictory wording stating that the service attracts no charges. The live eFNS invoice or current Immigration instruction should therefore be treated as controlling before payment. BIEA professional fees are quoted separately.
| Item | Official / stated cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transit eTA | USD 20 where required | For eligible transit travellers who require an eTA. Passengers transferring aircraft without leaving the airport precincts are among the categories exempt from eTA under the current official guidance. Check current exemptions. |
| Standard eTA | USD 30 | Allows single entry into Kenya. |
| One Year Multi-Entry eTA | USD 300 | For multiple entries within one year, subject to eligibility and official portal approval. |
| Five Year Multi-Entry eTA | USD 185 | Listed for eligible United States nationals. |
| Expedited eTA processing | Additional USD 100 | For urgent/immediate processing where available. |
| Kenya visa extension / Visitor’s Pass extension | USD 50 in the 2025 Service Delivery Charter; confirm live eFNS invoice | The Directorate service webpage currently contains conflicting fee wording, so treat the live eFNS invoice or current written Immigration instruction as controlling. |
| Expired visa/pass or overstay regularization | Case-specific | Not automatic. Final handling depends on Immigration assessment, overstay facts and documents. |
| BIEA professional assistance | Quoted after review | Depends on urgency, number of travellers, route, document gaps and whether Immigration follow-up is required. |
Last reviewed: 21 September 2026. Primary sources: Kenya eTA, Directorate of Immigration Services and eFNS. Professional review: Edward Omondi, Lawyer – Business Setup and Immigration Expert, Nairobi, Kenya.
Get a free quote for Kenya visa / eTA or visa extension help
Send the passport bio-data page, nationality, intended arrival date or current stay expiry date, purpose of visit, host/accommodation details and any existing eTA, entry stamp, visitor pass, eFNS reference or pending permit/pass proof. We will confirm the correct route and quote the professional assistance fee before filing.
Kenya eTA, Visa Extension & Visitor Pass FAQs
How do I apply for a Kenya visa online?
Most foreign nationals who require pre-travel authorization now apply for Kenya eTA online through the official eTA platform. The application uses passport details, travel information, accommodation or host details, purpose-of-visit evidence and the applicable official fee.
How do I extend my visa in Kenya?
What many visitors call a Kenya visa extension is generally handled as a Visitor’s Pass extension through eFNS after entry. Apply before the current authorized stay expires.
How long can a Visitor’s Pass be extended in Kenya?
The Directorate of Immigration Services states that a Visitor’s Pass may be extended up to a maximum of six months, subject to Immigration approval and the applicant’s circumstances. Official source.
When does a Kenya eTA expire?
An approved Kenya eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from the date of issuance. The eTA is a pre-travel authorization; the permitted period of stay after arrival is determined by Immigration at entry. Official eTA guidance.
Can a Kenya eTA be extended after arrival?
After entry into Kenya, an additional lawful stay is ordinarily handled through the Visitor’s Pass extension process rather than by extending the pre-travel eTA itself.
How much does a Kenya eTA cost?
A standard Kenya eTA is currently listed at USD 30, Transit eTA at USD 20, One Year Multi-Entry eTA at USD 300 and the Five Year Multi-Entry eTA for eligible United States nationals at USD 185. The live official portal controls the amount payable. Official fee schedule.
Who is exempt from Kenya eTA?
Not every traveller requires an eTA. Exemptions depend on nationality, immigration status and current official eligibility rules. Passengers transferring aircraft without leaving the airport precincts are among the exempt categories. Confirm your position using the official Kenya eTA exemption guidance before filing.
What if I overstayed my visa or Visitor’s Pass in Kenya?
An expired visitor status should be treated as an urgent immigration regularization matter rather than a routine extension. Prepare the passport, entry record, expiry date, explanation and any pending application evidence before exit or further filing.
Can I work in Kenya on an eTA or Visitor’s Pass?
No. An eTA or Visitor’s Pass does not itself authorize employment or long-term work in Kenya. Use the correct work permit or pass route where the proposed activity requires authorization.
Does Kenya eTA guarantee entry?
No. Kenya eTA authorizes travel to Kenya for presentation at the border. Final admission and the permitted duration of stay are determined by Immigration at the point of entry.
Official sources
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation — official portal
- Official eTA eligibility and listed eTA costs
- Official eTA FAQs: documents, processing time, cost and applying on behalf
- Official eTA validity, requirements and how-to-apply guidance
- Directorate of Immigration Services — Extension of Visitor’s Pass
- Directorate of Immigration Services — 2025 Service Delivery Charter
- eFNS information pack — Visitor’s Pass Extension
- Directorate of Immigration Services — Travellers obligations
Related BIEA services
- Kenya immigration services — broad immigration service hub.
- Kenya Special Pass — short assignment, consultancy or temporary work authorization.
- Kenya Work Permit — employment and longer-term work authorization.
- Kenya Investor Permit — investor/business owner route.
- Kenya Dependant Pass — family dependant route.
- Kenya Class N Permit — remote worker / digital nomad route.
Need help with a Kenya eTA, Visitor’s Pass extension or expired stay?
Send your nationality, passport bio-data page, travel or entry date, current stay expiry date and purpose of visit. BIEA can review whether the appropriate route is eTA assistance, Visitor’s Pass extension, regularization or a different Immigration permit/pass.
Reviewed by Edward Omondi
Edward Omondi — Lawyer, Business Setup and Immigration Expert, Nairobi, Kenya. This page was reviewed on 21 September 2026 against public guidance from the Kenya eTA service, Directorate of Immigration Services and eFNS. It is general information; live portal requirements, fees and case-specific Immigration instructions should be checked before filing.