Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What is a visitor pass in Kenya?

What is a visitor pass in Kenya?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has become the legitimate entry document that enables the entry of a foreign national into Kenya and stay there for a brief duration. Since the 1st January 2024, The eTA has replaced short-term visas and the eVisa system since January 2024, but the traditional Visitor’s Pass—issued upon arrival or extended in-country—still exists for certain situations.

It is a provisional entry permission which will not enable the beneficiary to access employment or permanent stay.

Purpose and Eligibility

The major aim behind the ETA is to facilitate short-term stay whether it is in the form of tourism, conference attendance, business trips, family or friends visit and medical issues. Almost all the foreigners traveling to Kenya are now required to obtain ETA with the exception of the exempted ones.

Very few categories now require a more traditional visa (including students, workers or residents). In certain nations, such as the members of the East African Community (EAC), the citizens are exempted from obtaining ETA and therefore are free to enter their country without submitting an application, although they are no longer issued a Visitor’s Pass at the border as was the case before.

Application Process

You can apply for the ETA online. The traveler must apply through the official Kenya ETA portal before their trip. The passport must be valid, the travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and and, in some cases, the return ticket or invitation letter are required.

This differs from the former Visitor’s Pass system, under which travelers could arrive at airports or land borders and be issued a pass by immigration officers and obtain online approval before traveling. Once the ETA is approved, it can be printed or stored digitally on a device (e.g., a phone) and presented at immigration control.

Duration and Extensions

Visitor’s Pass is granted for up to six months. If you need to stay longer, you may apply for an extension via the immigration eFNS portal, but this is separate from the eTA process. Extensions do not happen automatically and might necessitate the need of supporting documents e.g. reasons as to why the extension is needed or financial stability.

Restrictions and Conditions

It should be mentioned that an ETA does not grant an individual the right to engage in employment, education, or in any other activity that would not be in connection with the purpose that the ETA was granted. Violation can be fined, deported or a permanent ban of entries.

Further, ETA tourists must be committed to following Kenyan laws and immigration rules to the latter. Remaining longer than the validity of the ETA without the granted extension could be punished in terms of the fine or deportation.

Conclusion

Kenya has thoroughly abandoned the old Visitors Pass and the short term visa as the common document used to enter the country has switched to ETA as the standard entry document. It suits the needs of the tourists, business travelers, or those visiting relatives and friends. Although it does not provide the rights of employment and permanent residence, it guarantees facilitation and a quicker procedure of temporary stays.

Make your ETA online application, ensure you comply with the regulations and stay up to 90 days without any trouble in Kenya.

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