Find our tips on how to choose between a single-entry Kenya visa and a multiple-entry Kenya visa for your trip.
Since 2021, it is now possible to apply for a visa to Kenya directly online. But when you apply, you will have the choice between a single entry visa and a multiple entry visa. Which one you choose will depend on how you want to travel and we will explain the differences between these two visas in more detail on this page.
Single or multiple-entry visas for Kenya: key points
- The default tourist visa for Kenya is a single-entry visa
- It is possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa by paying an additional fee
- The validity of a single-entry visa is the same as that of a multiple-entry visa
- There are other types of visa for Kenya available via e-visa.
By default, when you fill in the online visa application form for Kenya, you will be offered a Classic visa. This visa is the most popular type of tourist visa for Kenya and will allow you to visit Kenya on a one-off basis for tourism, business or family.
As for the duration of the trip possible with this visa, you can stay for a maximum of 90 consecutive days in the country. Please note that your departure date must be within 3 months of the date you obtained your visa. The fees applied to this visa are the standard fees for an online visa application for Kenya.
Of course, this visa for Kenya is a single-entry visa. This means that you will only be able to use your visa to enter the country once and to leave once.
In some cases, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry visa for Kenya. As the name suggests, this visa will allow you to enter and leave Kenya several times.
This visa will therefore be recommended to travellers who either wish to travel several times in the country over a short period of time or to tourists who wish to make excursions to neighbouring countries before returning to Kenya.
The number of times you can enter and leave Kenya on this visa is multiple and indefinite. You can therefore use it to enter and leave Kenya as many times as you wish. The validity period of the Kenyan multiple-entry visa is the same as for the regular visa, i.e. 3 months maximum.
Of course, the fees for this visa will be higher than for the single-entry visa.
In addition to the multiple-entry visa, you can use other types of visas if you wish to make multiple entries and exits from Kenya during your trip.
The East African visa is a three-country agreement that allows travel to Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with a single document. It is therefore also a multiple entry visa for each of these three countries, which can also be obtained online.
The transit visa is also a type of visa for travellers who are only transiting Kenya while waiting for a connecting flight to another destination. This visa will still allow you to exit the Kenyan airport for a maximum of 72 hours. It should be noted that connecting travellers who do not leave the international zone of the airport do not need to apply for this visa.
Since 2021, it is possible to apply for a visa for Kenya, whether it is a single or multiple entry visa directly online with the e-visa procedure.
This is the easiest and fastest way to apply for a visa as you only need to fill in an online application form in a few minutes and pay the visa fee on the dedicated website. The documents you need to have in your possession at the time of application are your passport and your bank card.
Once you have applied, you will receive your visa within 8 working days. You can then take it with you on your trip to Kenya.
The choice between a single-entry and multiple-entry visa for Kenya depends on your needs and the reason for your trip. It is important to think carefully before making your choice to avoid any problems during your stay.
A single-entry visa is an ideal option if you are travelling for tourism or business reasons and do not intend to leave and return to Kenya several times during your stay. This type of visa allows you to stay in the country for a set period of time and only one entry is allowed. It is a simple and affordable option for people who do not plan to leave the country during their stay.
However, if you plan to leave and return to Kenya several times for business or other reasons, a multiple entry visa may be more appropriate. This type of visa allows you to leave and return to Kenya several times during the validity of your visa. It is important to note that multiple-entry visas are usually only available for longer periods of time and may cost more than a single-entry visa. However, they can be more convenient for people who need to leave and return to Kenya several times during their stay.
It is also important to consider the time it takes to obtain a visa. Multiple-entry visas can take longer to be approved and issued than single-entry visas, so it is important to apply for them well in advance to avoid any problems during your trip.
Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.
The multiple entry visa for Kenya does not define a specific number of entries or exits from Kenya. The only rule is that the visa must be used within 3 months of issue, i.e. 90 days. During this period, you will be able to enter and leave Kenya as many times as you wish.
It is strongly recommended that you apply for a multiple-entry visa for Kenya if you wish to make a trip that includes several visits to neighbouring countries, and therefore wish to visit several countries close to Kenya. This type of visa is also recommended if you plan to make several trips to Kenya within a 3-month period, even if you return to your country of origin between each trip.
There are many websites offering online Kenya visa application forms. However, it is advisable to carefully choose the partner through which you are going to apply for a visa, particularly by assessing the speed with which the application is processed, as well as any advice and guidance given to travellers wishing to complete the application correctly and quickly.
