How to successfully apply for Kenya E-Visa from Nigeria

Prior to 1st September 2015, visitors to Kenya could get visa on arrival at the port of entry.

What this means is that you could board a plane with only your ticket, evidence of accommodation reservation and only $50 dollars for visa at the border. The only comma to this is that you can be refused entry if the border officer is not convinced that you will not end up a liability to the Republic.

The Kenyan Department of Immigration Services launched www.evisa.go.ke which effective from 1 September 2015 allows visitors to Kenya apply for visa online prior to arrival without having to visit a Kenyan High Commission/Embassy, or obtain the visa on arrival.

Visitors are still allowed to apply for visas via the Kenyan High Commission/embassy and on arrival. The application process is pretty much straight forward.

How to apply

• Visit www.evisa.go.ke;
• Click on Create an account;
• Create account as EVisa visitor;
• Fill registration form with required information.;
• Upon submission, check your email to "Activate your eCitizen Account";
• Click on activation link in email to activate your account;
• Once Logged in, Select Department of Immigration services "Get service now";
• Select Make application;
• Select Kenyan Visa;
• Select the type of visa (Single Entry Visa) and read the instructions carefully;
• Complete the application form - please note that incomplete applications will be rejected and you will lose your processing fees;

1. You will need a scan of your passport data page (with your name, date of birth and other information).
2. You will need to re-upload your passport photo.
3. Your flight itinerary. 

• Pay the sum of $51 ($50 for Visa and $1 for service charge) using Mastercard, Visa card, and other debit/credit cards.

What next

• Processing turnaround time is a minimum of  2 business days (my visa was issued on the 3rd day which was a Saturday).
• Await approval via email (I never got one, check your eCitizen account instead)
• When your approval status changes to "issued", it means you have a visa.
• Download and print the eVisa from your eCitizen account.
• Present your printed eVisa to the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Points to note

• Visa processing fee is non-refundable.
• A visa to Kenya once approved and issued is valid for travel within 3 months.
• Approval and issuance of the visa does not guarantee entry into Kenya
• Engaging in any form of business or employment without a requisite permit or pass is an offence.
• Details of hotels and applicants telephone numbers are necessary for security and emergency purposes.
• You don't have to complete your application at once, the system allows visitors to save his/her application and continue with process at own time.

In need of further information please go to E-visa FAQs.

Until my next post.
♥Lara