How to Apply for a Kenya Visa in New Orleans

The number of foreign visitors visiting Kenya has grown to more than 1.5 million people each year, with citizens of the United States helping propel that surge.  Some 220,000 Americans visit Kenya each year – more than those from any other country.  Residents of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana visit Kenya for African vacations, to pursue business opportunities, to visit family, or to participate in volunteer activities through non-profits and church groups.

From Indian Ocean beach holidays to inland wildlife safaris, the Republic of Kenya saw tourism surge by more than 80 percent in the post-COVID era. “Kenya is a dream travel destination for its abundant wildlife, spectacular beaches, outdoor adventure, culture, and cuisine,” AFAR magazine reported recently. “The country boasts 22 national parks, as well as 28 national reserves, five national sanctuaries, and dozens of community-run conservancies.”

Some of the world’s first humans emerged in Kenya -- a focal point for African migration and oceanic trade for thousands of years.  Today, more than 51 million people live in Kenya, a former colony of the Portuguese, German, and British empires that gained independence in 1963.  Bordered by South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania, Kenya stretches from the Indian Ocean to the depths of the African jungle, with snow-capped mountains, fertile farmland, arid deserts, and abundant wildlife.  The youthful population of Kenya consists of more than 40 ethnic groups that speak almost 70 languages.

Business opportunities are also plentiful for New Orleans-based businesses. “Kenya has a positive investment climate that has made it attractive to international firms seeking a location for regional or pan-African operations,” according to the U.S. State Department.  The republic “is generally considered the economic, commercial, financial and logistics hub of East Africa,” the U.S. International Trade Administration added. “With the strongest industrial base in East Africa, Kenya has been successful in attracting U.S. exporters and investors.  More U.S. companies are investing in Kenya and setting up local and regional operations to take advantage of Kenya’s strategic location, diversified economy, entrepreneurial workforce, comprehensive air routes, and status as a regional financial center.” (https://www.trade.gov/kenya)

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city and capital Kenya's capital, is the center of the tea and coffee industries.  The city is developing its infrastructure, presenting opportunities for New Orleans companies dealing in construction, engineering design, and industrial equipment to export their products and services to Africa’s seventh largest economy.  The city of Nairobi also contains Nairobi National Park, home to lions, leopards, zebras, baboons, and one of Kenya's most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries.  The oldest and second-largest city is the major port city of Mombasa, centered on an island in the Indian Ocean and the surrounding coast.  Popular tourist sites include the spice markets and ancient buildings of the Old Town district, plus, wildlife parks, villages, and historic ruins. 

Kenya has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Lamu Town, which preserves Swahili architecture and traditions.  The Kenyan coastline is also a great destination for beach lovers and visitors from New Orleans will surely enjoy the seaside resorts of Diani Beach just south of Mombasa.  The country also features several new and renovated hotels and lodges, according to AFAR Magazine.  Those include Angama Amboseli at Kimana Sanctuary, with views of the park’s elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro.  The renovated 100-room Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, in the foothills of Kenya’s highest mountain, offers hiking, horseback riding in locals forests, and animal orphanage visits.

Requirements for Obtaining the Kenya Travel Authorization

In January 2024, Kenya became the first country in Africa to become visa-free.  It replaced the previous electronic visa systems by implementing a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program.  Citizens of the United States and other countries are generally required to obtain an eTA before they can visit Kenya.  There are some exceptions, including holders of Kenya passports, citizens of East African Partner States, and representatives of certain international groups, such as the UN.  A full list of exceptions is at https://kenyaembassydc.org/eta/.

The main requirement to obtain any type of Kenya visa is holding a valid passport that contains at least one blank page.  All travelers are also required to provide:

  • A passport-type photo or selfie
  • Contact information, email address and phone number
  • Details of arrival and departure itinerary
  • Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
  • Credit card, debit card or other means of payment

Travelers originating from certain countries or holding certain types of citizenship may also have to provide bank letters or similar declarations of financial assets.  Other visitor-specific requirements include:

  • Business travelers: invitation letter from company; copy of registration of the company.
  • Travelers visiting family members: invitation letter from family/host; identity card, passport, alien card or entry permit of the family member/host.

Depending on the reason for your visit, you may also need to provide:

  • Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital
  • Conference invitation/participation letter
  • Employment contract
  • Supporting documents for resettlement
  • Vaccination(s) or test results certificates

Children and infants are required to obtain an eTA.  Visitors 18 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when they visit Kenya.

 

Obtaining a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The eTA allows you to enter Kenya one time, so you will need to obtain a new eTA for each entry.  However, there are a few exceptions.  Your eTA will remain valid if:

  • You visit one of the following EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, AND;
  • You don't visit any other country, AND;
  • Your eTA has not expired (90 days from issuance)

The online application form, details about the eTA process, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) are available at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en.  Processing time is typically about three days, but the government recommends applying at least two weeks before your visit.  You can apply up to 90 days before your departure date.  The travel authorization is valid for 90 days from the issue date.

You can fill out the application, attach any required documentation, and pay your fees through the link above.  The eTA fee for U.S. citizens is $33 per visitor (less than the previous $50 visa fee).

The Kenyan government will notify successful applicants by email when their applications are approved.  You will need to print this email or save it on your mobile device so you can show it to immigration officials when you enter the country. 

East African Tourist Visa

Residents of the New Orleans area who plan to visit Kenya, Rwanda, and/or Uganda as tourists also have another option: the East African Tourist Visa.  Visitors can obtain this special visa for $100, allowing you to move freely among all three countries multiple times.  The visa is valid for three months from the issue date.  You can apply online, through an embassy, and at the border.  If you are entering from Kenya with the East African Tourist Visa (EATV), you do not need to obtain an eTA.

All three countries offer portals to apply for the EATV through their respective immigration departments.  You will need to obtain the visa from the first country you will visit on your trip.  So, if your first stop is Kenya, you can find the application form and more information at https://immigration.go.ke/east-african-tourist-visa/.  Once you clear immigrations in Kenya, you can use the EATV to visit Rwanda and Uganda.  Currently only Uganda and Rwanda are offering the East African Tourist Visa through their immigration department websites.  We recommend you call Visa Supply to obtain the latest information regarding travel to East Africa so we can inform you about the best practices regarding travel documents for this region.  

The basic requirements for the Kenya application are:

  • Completed application.
  • Your U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond entry (copy of biodata page if applying online).
  • A passport-type photo.
  • Visa application letter addressed to Kenya immigration.

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Visa Supply can help you complete your application for your travel authorization documents and answer your questions about visiting Kenya.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Kenya.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.

If you live in New Orleans or anywhere in the state of Louisiana and have difficulty applying for a Kenya travel authorization, or require assistance with any part of the process of preparing for your trip, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company through our website.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Kenya visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents. 

We provide the following Kenya visa services for residents of New Orleans:

  • Kenya Travel Authorization
  • Kenya Courtesy / Diplomatic Visa
  • East African Tourist Visa
  • Kenya Hotel Accommodations
  • Kenya Safari Tours