Kenya's e-visa system is designed to be simple and efficient — and for most travelers, it is. But after helping hundreds of clients navigate the process, we've seen every possible pitfall. This guide covers what the official portal won't tell you, from photo specifications that actually work to what to do when your application mysteriously stalls.
Before You Start: What You'll Need
The Kenya e-visa portal requires specific documents and information. Gather these before you begin:
- Valid passport — Must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry, with at least two blank pages
- Passport bio-data page scan — Clear, color scan showing your photo and personal details
- Recent passport photo — Digital file, white background, specific dimensions (more on this below)
- Return flight ticket — Proof of onward travel (booking confirmation is usually sufficient)
- Accommodation details — Hotel booking or invitation letter if staying with friends/family
- Payment method — Visa/Mastercard credit or debit card (some banks block international transactions, so check ahead)
Step-by-Step: Navigating the Kenya e-Visa Portal
Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit the official Kenya e-visa portal at evisa.go.ke. Click "Apply for eVisa" and create an account using a valid email address. You'll receive a verification email — check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive within a few minutes.
Common Pitfall #1: Email Verification
The verification email sometimes takes up to 30 minutes to arrive. Don't create multiple accounts while waiting — this can flag your application as suspicious and cause delays.
Step 2: Select Your Visa Type
Most tourists need a Single Entry Tourist Visa (valid for 90 days, costs $50 USD). If you're planning to visit neighboring countries and return to Kenya, select the East Africa Tourist Visa (valid for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, costs $100 USD).
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
The form is straightforward but requires precision. Key fields include:
- Personal details (must match your passport exactly)
- Passport information (number, issue date, expiry date)
- Travel details (arrival date, port of entry, accommodation address)
- Emergency contact information
Pro tip: Save your progress frequently. The portal times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you'll lose unsaved data.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
This is where most applications fail. The portal is extremely strict about file specifications:
Passport Photo Requirements
- Format: JPEG only (not PNG, not PDF)
- Dimensions: 300 x 300 pixels minimum, 1000 x 1000 pixels maximum
- File size: Between 10 KB and 300 KB
- Background: Plain white (no shadows, no patterns)
- Face position: Centered, looking directly at camera, neutral expression
- Clothing: No hats, no sunglasses, no uniforms
Common Pitfall #2: Photo Rejection
Even if your photo looks perfect, the portal's automated system may reject it for "incorrect dimensions" or "file size too large." Use a free online tool like iLoveIMG or Passport Photo Online to resize and compress your photo to exactly 500 x 500 pixels and under 100 KB. This almost always works.
Passport Scan Requirements
- Format: JPEG or PDF
- File size: Under 300 KB
- Quality: All text must be clearly readable
- Content: Full bio-data page (the page with your photo and personal details)
Step 5: Make Your Payment
The portal accepts Visa and Mastercard. Enter your card details and complete the payment. You'll receive a payment confirmation email immediately.
Common Pitfall #3: Payment Failures
Many international cards are declined due to fraud protection settings. If your payment fails:
- Call your bank and authorize international transactions to Kenya
- Try a different card (Visa tends to work more reliably than Mastercard)
- Use a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges
If payment fails multiple times, your application may be locked for 24 hours. Contact the e-visa support team immediately.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Official processing time is 2-7 business days. In reality, most applications are approved within 48 hours. You'll receive an email when your visa is ready.
What to Do If Your Application Stalls
If your application status shows "Pending" for more than 7 days, or if you receive a "Query" notification, don't panic. Here's what to do:
1. Check Your Email (Including Spam)
The immigration department may have sent a query requesting additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly with the requested information.
2. Contact the e-Visa Support Team
Email: evisa@immigration.go.ke
Phone: +254 20 2222022 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm EAT)
Include your application reference number and a clear description of the issue. Response times vary, but most queries are resolved within 2-3 business days.
3. Reapply If Necessary
If your application is rejected (rare, but it happens), you can reapply immediately. Common rejection reasons include:
- Passport validity less than six months
- Incomplete or incorrect information
- Unreadable document scans
- Previous immigration violations
How Next Chapter Tours and Travel Can Help
While the Kenya e-visa process is designed for self-service, we understand that not everyone has the time, patience, or technical know-how to navigate it smoothly. That's why we offer visa application assistance as part of our service package.
Our Visa Support Services Include:
- Document review — We check your passport scan and photo before you submit, ensuring they meet all technical requirements
- Application guidance — We walk you through each step of the form, helping you avoid common errors
- Payment troubleshooting — If your card is declined, we can advise on alternative payment methods
- Follow-up support — If your application stalls or receives a query, we liaise with the immigration department on your behalf
- Full application service — For busy travelers, we can complete the entire application for you (you just provide the documents and payment)
Need Help with Your Kenya Visa?
Whether you're stuck on the photo requirements, dealing with a payment issue, or just want someone to handle the entire process for you, Next Chapter Tours and Travel is here to help.
Phone: +254 727 960 859
Email: info@nextchaptertours.co.ke
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Processing Times: What to Expect
Based on our experience assisting clients, here's a realistic timeline:
- Standard processing: 2-4 business days (most common)
- Peak season (July-August, December-January): 5-7 business days
- Applications with queries: 7-14 business days
- Urgent processing: Not officially available, but contacting the support team can sometimes expedite
Our recommendation: Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date. This gives you a buffer for any unexpected delays or document issues.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
Before clicking "Submit," double-check:
- ✓ All personal details match your passport exactly (including middle names and spelling)
- ✓ Passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date
- ✓ Photo is 500 x 500 pixels, JPEG format, under 100 KB, white background
- ✓ Passport scan is clear and readable
- ✓ Travel dates and accommodation details are accurate
- ✓ You've saved a copy of your application reference number
- ✓ Your payment card is authorized for international transactions
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your e-visa attached as a PDF. Print two copies — one for immigration at the airport, and one as a backup. The visa is electronically linked to your passport, but having a printed copy speeds up the entry process.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (or any other Kenyan port of entry), proceed to the "e-Visa" lane at immigration. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport, and you're in!
Client Success Story
"I was stuck on the photo upload for hours — the portal kept rejecting my file. I called Next Chapter Tours and Travel, and they resized my photo in minutes and walked me through the rest of the application. My visa was approved in 3 days. Couldn't have done it without them!"
Final Thoughts
The Kenya e-visa system works well — once you know the tricks. Photo specifications, payment issues, and processing delays are the most common hurdles, but they're all manageable with the right preparation. And if you'd rather skip the hassle entirely, Next Chapter Tours and Travel is here to handle it for you.
Safe travels, and karibu Kenya! (Welcome to Kenya!)