Kenya Visa Extension: How to Apply, Rules, Fees
When you plan a visit to Kenya, you usually enter the country on a Kenya eTA for short stays, and you can submit the Visa extension application form Kenya to extend your stay.
The Kenya eTA or Kenya electronic travel authorization, is an online visa, meaning the entire application process takes place online. Once you receive it you will be able to stay in Kenya for a maximum of 90 days.
Sometimes you might want to extend your stay in Kenya for various reasons like extending your stay with your relatives or friends or have another business meeting to attend or want to continue exploring the wildlife or any other unforeseen reasons. Such visitors can submit the Visa extension application form Kenya to extend their stay.
Initially the maximum stay allowed in Kenya is 90 days, and if you want to stay longer, then you will have to opt for Visa extension Kenya online. Those who want to extend their stay in Kenya will have to apply for the Kenya visa extension before their stay period expires.
Staying in Kenya beyond the validity period without valid documents will lead to fines and deportation and even future ban.
For the convenience of the visitors with the Kenya eTA or Kenya electronic travel authorization, if they want to extend their stay, they can do so by submitting their request for visa extensions via the immigration services of Kenya in Nairobi or through eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) portal or you can let us know in advance we will guide you. You will have to visit the immigration office in Nairobi to submit your request for extension and the supporting documents.
Why Apply for Visa Extension Kenya Online?
Visitors can submit the Visa extension application form Kenya to extend their stay, only if they have a valid reason and documents to submit along with the Visa extension application form Kenya.
The reasons for which you can put forward for your Visa extension application form Kenya are:
- For tourism reasons like itinerary changes, want to continue exploring the wildlife
- Want to stay longer with your relatives or friends
- Have another business meeting, conference, trade fairs to attend
- Educational research or due to cultural engagement.
- Due to sudden emergency
Types of Kenya Entry Visas and their Extendibility
The different types of Kenya entry visas that allow visitors to extend include the Kenya eTA and Visitors Pass.
1. Kenya eVisa / eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
The Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorization) is an online visa, meaning the entire application process takes place online. Once you receive it you will be able to stay in Kenya for a maximum of 90 days. You can apply for the Kenya online visa through our website for a hassle free application process. Visitors are allowed to board the flight to Kenya only if they have the Kenya eTA.
In case you are visiting for tourism and business and want to extend your stay beyond 90 days, you can submit the Visa extension application form Kenya at the immigration services of Kenya in Nairobi or online through eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) portal, which will require you to visit the embassy as well.
The extension will depend entirely on your eligibility and the decision of the immigration officials.
2. Kenya Visitor’s Pass / Temporary Permit
Once you enter Kenya with the eTA, your eTA becomes a Visitors Pass, and you can apply for extension based on your eligibility.
Where to Apply for Kenya Visa Extension?
As mentioned above, visitors with the Kenya eTA or Kenya eVisa are required to submit the Visa extension application form Kenya at the immigration services of Kenya in Nairobi or online through eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) portal, which will require you to visit the embassy as well.
Official Website for Kenya Visa Extension: https://fns.immigration.go.ke/
Visitors can either apply for the:
- Kenya Visa Extension online (filling the application, uploading the documents, and paying the Kenya visa extension fees), which also requires visiting the immigration office
- Or by downloading the form, filling it, attaching the supporting documents and submitting at the immigration services of Kenya in Nairobi.
The Kenya visa extension processing takes time, so you are requested to apply in advance.
Eligibility to Apply for Visa Extension in Kenya Online
To be able to apply for the Visa Extension Kenya online, you will have to fulfill the eligibility requirements which include:
- You have entered Kenya with the Kenya eTA or eVisa or the visitors pass.
- Your Kenya eTA has not yet expired, as you will have to submit the extension application before your eTA stay period is over.
- The passport with which you have entered is valid, and has a validity period beyond your requested extended stay.
- You have genuine reasons to request for extension, and have the supporting documents as well.
- Have not violated any immigration rules or have been involved in any criminal activity.
Required Documents for Visa Extension in Kenya Online
To be eligible to apply for the Visa Extension Kenya online, you must have the following documents which include:
- Valid passport: Clear scanned bio-page of the passport
- Valid eTA or Visitor Pass: A copy of the valid eTA
- Return Ticket: Proof that you are leaving Kenya on-time.
- Stay details: Proof that you have a place to stay, furnish confirmed hotel bookings or invitation letter from the host with whom you are staying.
- Sufficient funds: Proof that you have enough money to support your stay, provide bank statements.
- Letter Explaining the Reason for Extension: You will have to clearly mention the reason of extension, you should be able to justify
- Passport size photo
- Documents related to the reason for extension
- Application Form 22: This Visa extension application form Kenya is generated online, should be filled, printed, and signed and submitted at the immigration office in Nairobi.
How to Apply for Visa Extension in Kenya Online? Stepwise Procedure
Here is a stepwise guide to know how to apply for Visa Extension in Kenya online, check these steps before you request for visa extension.
Step 1: Visit the Kenya eFNS portal
- When you visit the Kenya eFNS portal, you will have to Create an Account and Log In
- Once you visit the site, you will be able to see the extension form, click on it to start the application.
Step 2: Start the Kenya Visa Extension Application
- Click on the Visa extension application form Kenya to start the application.
- Once you land on the application form page choose the visa category (Kenya eTA) for extension.
Step 3: Fill in your details
- In the Kenya Visa Extension Application form page, you will have to fill in certain details like your full name, passport number, eTA details, reason for extension and so on.
- When you are done filing the form, you will have to upload your scanned passport, eTA, and other supporting documents.
Step 4: Pay Kenya Visa Extension Fees
When you have completed filling the Visa extension application form Kenya, you will have to pay the Kenya Visa Extension Fees which varies depending on certain reasons like:
- eTA type
- Status and Nationality
- Number of days extended
Mode of Payment: It is online and you will have to usually make it through the portal using your credit/debit card.
Step 5: Print and Sign Application Form (Form 22)
- After submitting the Visa extension application form Kenya online, print the generated Form 22.
- Sign the printed form and then you will have to submit it at the immigration office in Nairobi.
Step 6: Present Documents In-Person
Applicants will have to visit the Immigration Headquarters (Nyayo House, Nairobi) to submit the printed form 22 in person along with your passport, and documents supporting your visa type.
Step 7: Biometrics / Interview (if requested)
The applicant will have to provide their fingerprints and even attend a brief interview at the Immigration Headquarters.
Step 8: Receive Decision
Once the Immigration officials verify, you will receive the decision via email. The extension entirely depends on the decision of the Immigration officials. If extended you will receive the eTA with a new expiry date.
Kenya Visa Extension Validity & Duration
Validity of the Kenya online visa varies:
- Single Entry Visa: 90 days validity
- Multiple Entry Visa: Usually one year and five-years.
- Transit Visa: Must Transit within 72 hours.
Stay Allowed:
- Visitors will be able to stay in Kenya for a maximum of 90 days, and sometimes less depending on situations.
- Even with one-year and five year validity, every time you enter Kenya you will be allowed to stay for 90 days.
Kenya Visa Extension Fees and Costs
The Kenya visa extension fees varies, it depends on certain factors like:
- Extension requested on which type of visa
- Nationality
- Number of days extended
- Currency fluctuations
- Government processing fee
- Service/platform charges depending on the platform used for payment.
How long does it take for visa extension to be approved?
- If you have a valid reason for extension, and have genuine documents in support of the extension, it may be completed in a few days.
- Sometimes if the work load is more and the application has document issues, it may take up to a week or more.
NOTE: To receive the extension on-time, it is suggested that you apply before the expiry date of your current eTA, at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This helps to avoid any rush and any fines or penalties.
Penalties, Overstay, and Legal Implications
Visitors visiting Kenya with the eTA will have to leave the country, before the validity period offered for stay. If you overstay with the Kenya eTA, you will have to make face certain legal charges like:
- Pay fines: Calculated on per day basis, from the day of overstaying
- Detention and deportation: In case of serious issues
- Ban on future entry into Kenya
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- To avoid any fines and penalties, apply for the extension in advance.
- Clearly check the documents uploaded, lack of incomplete and genuine documents could lead to delays and rejections.
- Provide valid reason for extension, be honest.
- Keep the emails and receipts for further follow up
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I extend my Kenya visa?
Visitors with the Kenya visa / eTA are required to submit the Visa extension application form Kenya at the immigration services of Kenya in Nairobi or online through eFNS.
What are the Kenya Visa Extension Requirements?
The Kenya visa extension requirements are Valid passport, Valid eTA or Visitor Pass, Return Ticket, booked stays, funds, reason for extension letter, passport photo, Application Form 22, etc.
If you have any plans to enter Kenya for tourism, business or to transit, simply go for this hassle-free visa application process. But before that Check your eligibility for Kenya eTA and apply for Online Kenya Visa 4 days in advance of your flight.