A few years ago, citizens of New Zealand had to make an appointment with the nearest Embassy or consulate to obtain a Kenyan visa. That process took a long time and required many documents from each applicant.
Because processing time could take up to a month, it was critical for each applicant to apply well in advance of their departure.
Given the number of tourists and business visitors who cross the Kenyan border each year, applying for a regular visa is now inconvenient.
All the necessary documents are almost certainly already in your possession. You are not required to provide physical copies of the required documents in person. All of them can be attached to the online form.
The application process has been simplified to the greatest extent possible in order to make the applicant's overall experience more manageable. Kenya's Government has developed a method for issuing electronic travel authorizations in 03 working days.
If the processing time is extended, this does not imply that your application will be rejected. It is determined by how quickly the Government is currently working and how many forms are received.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, Directorate of Immigration Services has developed and is operating the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). With effect from January 2024, all travelers to Kenya will be required to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
All visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before the start of their journey.
Are you planning a vacation to Kenya from New Zealand? Have you verified the Kenya visa requirements for New Zealand? You'll be relieved to learn that a Kenya visa is not required for entry into New Zealand. Simply apply for a Kenya ETA to enter and remain in the country. Kenyan ETAs may be applied for and acquired online.
In this article, we'll walk you through the Kenya visa application procedure, costs, and criteria to make sure your trip runs successfully.
Kenya eTA for New Zealand citizens - How to get a Kenya eTA from New Zealand?
Kenya eTA for New Zealand Citizens: Latest update
Citizens of New Zealand planning a trip to Kenya must have a valid visa. Getting one is quick and simple thanks to the Kenyan electronic visa (e-visa) platform.
The Kenya Visa for the citizens of New Zealand is an online visa system. This allows you to apply from the comfort of your own home, rather than traveling to an embassy as you would with a traditional visa.
The Kenyan Authorities have recently changed their entry requirements. Previously, you would have been required to apply for an e-visa before arrival. They have now replaced this with an ETA, which still needs to be applied for before you arrive in the country.
Citizens of New Zealand who want to visit Kenya for tourism, business, or medical reasons, or to visit friends or relatives, can apply for a Kenya ETA
It is widely regarded as the most convenient way for New Zealand citizens to obtain a Kenya electronic travel authorization (ETA). Simply fill out a brief online form with your information, and you will receive your visa via email in as little as three business days.
The Kenya electronic travel authorization (ETA) (previously the eVisa) is a single-entry visa and can be used for travel from New Zealand at any time within 3 months from the date of issue.
New Zealand passport holders visiting Kenya for an extended period of time must apply in person at a Kenyan embassy in New Zealand for the appropriate type of eTA.
Type of Kenya eTA:
We offer four levels of e-Visa: Transit e-Visa, Tourist e-Visa, business e-visa, and East Africa e-Visa. Keep reading to find the perfect option for you.
- Kenya tourist e-visa: Do you need a longer stay? The Tourist e-Visa is an excellent option for you. In Kenya, you'll have plenty of time to relax, sightsee, and visit family. After entering, you'll have 90 days to explore everything Kenya has to offer. Get your Tourist e-Visa here, using our safe and simple online application. The procedure is always quick and easy.
- The Kenya transit e-Visa is an excellent option for citizens of New Zealand who are in Kenya for a particularly long layover and want to leave the airport, as well as for globetrotters who only want up to 03 days in total to explore Kenya. It is a single-entry visa and is valid for 90 days from the issued date.
- Kenya business e-visa: In the case of business visits, citizens of New Zealand passport holders can choose the Kenya business e-Visa, which has a longer maximum stay — up to 90 days — and is a single-entry visa as well.
- East African e-visa: The East African visa allows you to visit Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda with the same multiple-entry visa. It is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Check Kenya eTA / Evisa Requirements For New Zealand Citizens
Before submitting an application for a Kenyan online visa, New Zealanders should ensure they meet a number of key requirements.
The following items must be provided to process a Kenya e-visa request from New Zealand:
- The applicant's New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date in Kenya.
- You must have at least two blank pages in your New Zealand passport. This is done so that the Immigration Officers can add stamps to their passports as they enter and exit the country.
- The applicant's most recent passport photograph. This must be a recent color photograph taken against a white background with a neutral expression.
- A scan of the passport’s biographical page
- A return flight ticket
- Business-related documents: To obtain a Kenya business e-visa, you need to provide the invitation letter from your business partner in Kenya, COI provided by your company, and your business/Staff card.
- An email address where the approved Kenya e-visa can be sent.
- Payment method — We accept the following payment methods: They also must provide truthful, accurate answers throughout the application process.
Let’s check Kenya eTA requirements for New Zealand citizens
How To Apply A Kenya visa waiver For New Zealand Citizens Online
The Kenyan eTA application process is as simple as filling out and submitting a brief electronic application form.
This form will ask the applicant to provide some basic information about themselves, such as:
- Full name, gender, nationality
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Date of arrival and departure in Kenya
Citizens of New Zealand can apply for a Kenya eTA online today in just 3 steps:
- The first step: Fill out all your details in the Kenya eTA application form, then choose a processing time that suits your travel needs.
- The second step: Check that all of the information you entered is correct. Following verification, you can pay the fees online with a debit or credit card, eTA, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, or wire transfer to the bank of Cyprus.
- The last step: Click on the "submit" button. After that, you should download and print out the Kenya eTA once you receive your eTA.
Applicants can expect to receive their Kenya eTA within 72 hours (3 days) of applying.
It is important to remember that delays may occur due to high demand, national holidays, and application form errors.
If a New Zealand citizen's application for a Kenya eTA is approved, their travel document will be digitally linked to the NZ passport used to apply.
Furthermore, the approved eTA for Kenya will be emailed to the applicant in PDF format. As a result, applicants must provide a valid email address when submitting their Kenyan online eTA application.
Apply a Kenya eTA for New Zealand citizens online
Everything About Kenya eTA / Visa Fees And Services For New Zealand Citizens
The Kenya eTA fee for citizens of New Zealand depends on the processing speed option you choose. In all 03 cases, the eTA cost remains the same, but the service fee increases with processing speed.
Kenya immigration services provide 03 processing speed options, allowing you to choose the one that is most convenient for you:
- Normal: The majority of applicants choose this option because it is the least expensive. Your Kenya eTA will be ready in 03 business days.
- Urgent– If you go for this option, your application is processed within 01 Business Day
- Super urgent – being the fastest option means that it is also the priciest. Your application is processed within just 05 business hours
In addition, Kenya Immigration Services also provide other package services to assist New Zealand citizens while traveling to Kenya such as Kenya travel insurance, Kenya eSim, and Car Pick-up service in Kenya
Lean about Kenya eTA fees for New Zealand citizens
Kenya Visa Requirements for New Zealand Citizens FAQs
Can I travel without a passport to Kenya?
No, you cannot travel within Kenya without a passport. All foreign travel, including domestic travel inside Kenya are requested to apply for a Kenya e-visa.
You may be eligible to travel throughout Kenya using a national ID card if you are a Kenyan citizen. However, you should clarify the criteria with the Kenyan Immigration Department.
You must have a passport to travel within Kenya as a foreign national. Depending on your nationality, you may additionally require a visa.
If you are detected traveling within Kenya without a passport, you may be fined or deported.
Here are some of the reasons why a passport is required for domestic travel in Kenya:
- To identify yourself: A legitimate form of identification that may be used to identify you is your passport. This is crucial for both security and travel considerations.
- To prove your citizenship: Your passport proves that you are a Kenyan citizen. This is important if you need to access government services or if you need to travel to other countries.
- To comply with the law: The Kenyan government requires all international travelers to have a passport. If you are caught traveling without a passport, you may be fined or deported.
If you are planning to travel within Kenya, make sure you have your passport with you. This will help you to avoid any problems and ensure that you have a smooth journey.
Do Danish citizens need a visa for Kenya?
No. Danish citizens don't need a visa to travel to Kenya and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya and is currently in effect.
Kenya's ETA for Danish citizens is valid for up to 90 days and may be used to enter the nation by any land, air, or sea border.
Danish visitors traveling through Kenya can apply for a transit visa if their stay is shorter than 72 hours. Kenya's transit eVisa is also totally digital.
The Kenyan eVisa takes about 3 business days to process on average. It may take longer in exceptional situations, especially if there is considerable demand or if there are public holidays.
The approved Kenya visa for Danish residents will be delivered to the email address specified on the application.
What happens if you overstay your Kenya visa by one day?
If you overstay your Kenya visa by one day, you may be fined. Overstaying your visa is a serious offense in Kenya, according to the Immigration Department. If you are detected overstaying your visa, you will be held and fined before being permitted to depart Kenya.
You may be deported if you are unable to pay the fine. Deportation is a severe problem that might jeopardize your future travel plans.
Here are some tips to avoid overstaying your visa in Kenya:
- Make sure you know the expiry date of your visa: The expiry date of your visa will be stamped in your passport.
- Keep track of your travel dates: Make sure you know when you are supposed to leave Kenya.
- Check with the Kenyan Immigration Department if you need to extend your visa: If you need to extend your visa, you should do so before your visa expires.
If you have any questions concerning your visa status, please contact the Kenya Immigration Services. They will be able to assist you in understanding the rules and regulations and avoiding any issues.
How long is the single entry visa for Kenya?
There are many types of visas available. It depends on your goal for visiting Kenya and how long you want to stay. Kenya's single entry visa is valid for three months from the issued date. This implies you may only enter Kenya once within three months of receiving your visa. If you want to stay in Kenya for more than three months, you must apply for a multiple-entry visa.
You must fulfill the entrance criteria to apply for a single entrance visa for Kenya. The entrance criteria are fairly simple. Here are the requirements for a single entry visa for Kenya:
- Passport - You will be unable to apply for a Kenya visa unless you have a passport. Furthermore, Kenya's visa regulation requires that the document be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry in Kenya.
- A scan of your passport's bio page, which you must provide to Kenya Immigration Services throughout the application process.
- Digital passport photo - keep in mind that the photo must be recent. There are a few more rules that the photo must meet.
- Return flight ticket - This condition is intended to reassure immigration agents that you intend to return to your home country before your visa expires.
- Proof of lodging - This might be a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a friend or family member.
- E-mail address - Once your application has been processed, e-visa will give you the travel document in PDF format through e-mail. Remember to print at least one hard copy before leaving.
- Payment methods - Kenya Immigration Services is flexible regarding paying for services. You can pay with a credit or debit card, but PayPal is also acceptable.
Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Yes, all New Zealand visitors (those with New Zealand citizenship) must apply for a Kenya visa before entering the country.
Fortunately, Kenya's tourist authority has established a speedier and easier way to get a visa. The Kenya electronic visa (commonly known as an eVisa) is available to New Zealand nationals. The most excellent aspect about this new visa is that you can apply online: it just takes one hour to apply, and you don't have to gather paperwork, stand in line at the embassy, or interview a visa officer.
Kenya eVisa is suitable for a single journey of up to three months. The Kenya tourist visa can be extended once for an extra three months. To do so, New Zealand passport holders must renew their Kenya eVisa in person at the Nairobi Immigration Headquarters.
New Zealand citizens must wait 2 to 3 days for the e-Visa to be processed after submitting their application. It is suggested that applicants allow more time than this, as unforeseen delays might occur, especially during busy seasons such as vacations.
Can New Zealand citizens travel to Kenya now?
Yes, New Zealanders can now go to Kenya. Kenya has opened its borders to foreign travel. However, New Zealand nationals must satisfy specific standards to enter Kenya. The Kenyan government is now implementing a visa-free regime.
Travelers to Kenya must get a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the Republic of Kenya.
eVisa holders from New Zealand should print a physical copy of their travel document and retain it with their passports before traveling to Kenya. Other crucial documents that New Zealand people visiting Kenya should bring are:
- Evidence of sufficient cash for the duration of their visit
- Return tickets to New Zealand (or further travel from Kenya) in the form of train, airline, or boat tickets, etc.
- Accommodation confirmation in Kenya, such as hotel or hostel reservations.
There are several options for getting to Kenya from New Zealand. Flying is the most prevalent method. Qatar Airways and Emirates provide direct flights from Auckland to Nairobi. The flight is around 26 hours long.
A connecting flight is another option for getting to Kenya from New Zealand. Many connecting flights are available, including layovers in locations like Doha, Dubai, and London. Depending on the connecting locations, the total flight time will vary.
Kenya may also be reached by water. This is a significantly lengthier route, and it is less popular. The boat trip from New Zealand to Kenya takes around three weeks.
Whatever mode of transportation you pick, booking your flights and accommodations in advance is essential, especially during peak season (July-September).
Can I use my New Zealand visa to Kenya more than once?
Yes, citizens of New Zealand may apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which enables multiple entries into Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda throughout the visa's validity term. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a unique visa scheme that allows visitors to visit all three member nations with just one visa.
The East Africa Tourist Visa usually permits multiple entrances and a stay of up to 90 days inside the three countries. This implies that you can enter and depart Kenya many times throughout the validity term of the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Please keep in mind that visa restrictions and policies are subject to change, so it's essential to confirm the most recent visa alternatives and criteria with the Kenyan embassy or consulate or the official government websites before your trip. Furthermore, the East Africa Tourist Visa program may have specific qualifying conditions and application procedures for New Zealand individuals, so be sure to check the most latest information.
Is it safe to travel to Mombasa?
Traveling to Mombasa is usually safe, but you should be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft. Mugging, pickpocketing, and carjacking are all scenarios that might occur. It is vital to be aware of this threat and take precautions.
Here are some tips for staying safe in Mombasa:
- Keep an eye on your surroundings. Do not stroll about with your head bowed or your phone in your hand. Keep an eye out for those who seem to be following you or who appear suspicious.
- Carry no valuables with you. If you must bring valuables, keep them concealed.
- Do not flaunt your money. If you must use cash, keep it in a safe place.
- When utilizing ATMs, use caution. Use ATMs only in well-lit and safe places.
- Don't leave anything unattended. If you must leave your items, make sure they are in a secure location.
- Travel as part of a group. This is a beautiful approach to discouraging crime and having someone there to assist you if you need it.
You can hire a security guard or tour guide if you are concerned about your safety. You can also stay in a hotel with security measures such as a front-door security guard and CCTV cameras.
Overall, Mombasa is a safe destination to visit, but you should be aware of the dangers and take precautions to keep yourself safe. Following these recommendations may help ensure a safe and enjoyable travel.