Do I need a visa to transit Nairobi?

When travelling internationally with a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya, it is essential to understand the visa requirements for your stopover. Nairobi is one of Africa's major transit points, welcoming travellers from all over the world. This page aims to inform you about the different visa requirements for stopovers in Nairobi, with a particular focus on transit visas. It's important to know whether you need a transit visa and, if so, how to go about it, including exploring online visa application options. By understanding these requirements, you can plan your trip with confidence and avoid any unnecessary inconvenience during your stopover in Nairobi.

What are the visa requirements for a transit or stopover in Kenya?

Visa requirements for transit or stopovers in Kenya depend on the length of your stay.

• If your stay does not exceed 72 hours, you do not need a visa. You can simply stay in the airport transit zone.
• If your stay is longer than 72 hours, you must obtain a transit visa. You can apply for a transit visa online or at your nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.

Here are the documents you will need to apply for a transit visa:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining.
• A copy of your departure ticket.
• Proof of your hotel or accommodation reservation.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.

You cannot leave the airport on a transit visa for Kenya. A transit visa only allows you to stay in the transit zone of the airport. If you wish to leave the airport, you must obtain an entry visa.

An entry visa allows you to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days. You can apply for an entry visa online or at your nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.

What is a transit visa for Kenya?

When considering a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya, you may be concerned about the transit visa, particularly if you plan to stay at Nairobi airport during your connecting flight. Here's what you need to know about the transit visa:

The transit visa is designed for stopover travellers, which means you can stay temporarily at Nairobi airport without needing to obtain a full tourist or business visa. It is ideal for those who do not plan to leave the airport during their stopover. This visa is generally valid for a specified period of stay.

The countries whose nationals are eligible for a transit visa may vary. Kenya has bilateral agreements with certain countries which allow their citizens to benefit from the transit visa facility. It is essential to check the list of eligible countries before your trip to ensure that you can benefit from this option.

The transit visa is mainly applicable at Kenya's main international airports, with a particular focus on Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. If you are planning a stopover in Nairobi and your next flight departs from this airport, it is essential to understand the details of this visa.

It is important to note that the validity of the transit visa may vary depending on the length of your stopover. Some transit visas are valid for a day or two, while others may be valid for longer, depending on Kenya's policy and agreements with travellers' countries of origin.

Transit time and conditions for this visa in Kenya

When you are planning a stopover in Nairobi and are considering using a transit visa, it is essential to understand the rules concerning the duration of transit and the conditions associated with this option.

Transit times, i.e. how long a traveller can spend in Nairobi without a visa, can vary depending on a number of factors. The rules often depend on Kenya's immigration policy, the airline you are travelling with, and the destination of your connecting flight. In many cases, transit travellers are allowed to stay at the airport for a specific period, which can range from one day to a few days. It is essential to check these details before you travel to ensure that your stopover in Nairobi complies with the requirements.

The conditions associated with a transit visa are essential to avoid any problems. One of the main conditions is usually to stay at the airport during your stopover. Leaving the airport and entering Kenya may require a full tourist or business visa. It is therefore crucial that you remain in the designated transit zone of the airport for the duration of your stopover. Make sure you respect these conditions to avoid any problems at immigration.

It is important to note that travellers should plan their travel itinerary accordingly according to the transit time allowed. If your stopover is longer than the time allowed by the transit visa, you may need to obtain a tourist or business visa to leave the airport and explore Nairobi.

How do I obtain a transit visa for Kenya online?

If you're planning a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya, and are interested in the ease of managing your transit visa online, here's what you need to know about this option:

Kenya offers the possibility of obtaining a transit visa online as part of its e-visa programme. This simplified process allows travellers to apply for their transit visa before arriving in Nairobi. It is designed to offer a faster and more convenient visa application experience.

One of the main advantages of applying for a transit visa online is the simplicity of the process. Travellers can submit their application from home, avoiding the need to apply in person at the Kenyan embassy or consulate. What's more, online applications are often processed more quickly, which can be essential for stopover travellers with limited time at the airport.

The online transit visa application process generally involves the following steps:

• Go to the official website or a website providing information on applying for a Kenyan visa.
• Complete the online application form, providing personal information, flight details and other required documents.
• Download the necessary documents, such as your passport, a passport photo and a copy of your flight itinerary.
• Pay visa fees online, where applicable, using accepted payment methods.
• Submit your application online.

Once your application has been accepted, you will receive electronic confirmation of your transit visa, which you will need to present to immigration on arrival at Nairobi airport.

The documents required may vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stopover. In general, you will need to provide your valid passport, a recent passport photograph, a flight itinerary, and pay the visa fee, if applicable. Fees also depend on the length of transit and the nationality of the applicant.