Do you need a passport for Kenya? Requirements and validity

Are you currently planning a trip to Kenya and want to know if you can go without a passport or do you need a passport to travel to Kenya? Find out the answer to this question as well as the requirements and validity needed for this visa to successfully complete a trip to Kenya but also the other essential travel documents, including a visa.

Passport requirements for Kenya: key points

• A passport is required for travel to Kenya.
• A passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Kenya.
• Your passport number will also be requested when you apply for a visa for Kenya
• It may take several weeks to obtain a passport for Kenya, depending on your country of residence.

Which passport is required to travel to Kenya?

Of course, as Kenya is not part of the European Union, you will need a passport to travel there as a British traveller. You will not be able to travel there without a passport with just an ID card, but only if you have a valid passport.

There are also a few additional conditions that must be met with regard to your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya.

Minors must also have their own individual passport and not only be included in their parents' passport. This rule applies regardless of the age of the child. It should also be remembered that children travelling without one of their two legal parents must also have an exit permit signed by one of their legal representatives and accompanied by a photocopy of the latter's identity document.

What other documents are required for travel to Kenya?

Of course, another essential document is required if you wish to travel to Kenya. This is a visa of course, which is a legal residence permit allowing you to stay in the country.

If previously it was necessary to go to the Kenyan embassy or consulate in order to obtain this visa, it is possible, since 2021, to make this request directly online. Remember that this visa is required and that you will have to present it when boarding a flight to Kenya.

This online procedure is now compulsory as it is no longer possible to apply for a visa at the embassy or to obtain one on arrival in Kenya.

However, there is an exception for children. While children must of course have their own passport, as mentioned above, they are exempt from visa requirements if they are under 16 years of age. Thus, children under the age of 16 who accompany their parents on a tourist visit to Kenya are not required to present a visa when entering the country. A simple stamp will be placed in their passport.

How to get a passport and visa for Kenya quickly?

If you do not yet have these two essential travel documents for Kenya, you should apply for them as soon as possible and before your stay.

The first document to apply for is of course your passport as you will be asked for its number when applying for your visa online. To apply for a passport, you must make an appointment at a town hall near your home, as you will need to be present in person to take your fingerprints.

However, it is possible to save time by preparing your interview using a form that you can fill in online and print out to take with you to your appointment. To obtain your passport, remember that you must also have your old, expired passport or an identity document with you.

Once you have obtained your passport, you can apply for your visa directly online through the official website or through a partner website like the one we present on this page. You will find a simple online visa application form in English that you will need to fill in carefully and honestly, answering all the questions that are asked.

You will then have to pay the visa application fee directly online, also from a secure area, ideally by credit card. Remember that the payment of these fees is essential to the processing of your application and that your application will not be processed and therefore not validated if you do not pay immediately.

Once your application has been validated and the fees have been paid, you will receive a reply to your visa application within a maximum of 72 hours. You can then travel to Kenya with your passport and visa.

Remember that these two documents must be presented both when you board your flight to Kenya and when you arrive in Kenya. Failure to present one of these two documents may result in your airline crew banning you from boarding. Remember that it is not possible to obtain a visa for Kenya directly on arrival and that Kenya does not accept British travellers with a simple identity card.

Please allow sufficient time to complete all of these procedures before travelling.

Can I apply for a visa to Kenya with a passport that expires in less than 6 months?

Yes, you can apply for a visa to Kenya with a passport that expires in less than 6 months. However, it is strongly recommended that you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your intended arrival in Kenya, as this may be required by the Kenyan authorities on arrival. It is therefore advisable to renew your passport before applying for a visa to Kenya.

To renew your passport in the UK, you need to take the following steps:

• Check the renewal requirements: Make sure you meet the requirements for passport renewal in the UK. You must also have your current passport with you. If your current passport is lost or stolen, you will not be able to apply for a simple traditional passport renewal.
• Gather the necessary documents: You will need to prepare the following documents for your renewal application: a completed passport application form, two recent passport photos, your old passport, a valid ID.
• Apply: Contact the passport office in your country of residence or apply online if possible.
• Pay the fee: You must pay the fee for creating or renewing your passport.
• Receive your new passport: It may take a week or two for a new passport to be issued. If your passport service offers it, you can track the progress of your application online.

Please note that processing times may vary depending on the time of year and the application. It is therefore advisable to apply for a renewal well in advance. Once you have obtained your new passport, you can apply for your Kenya visa online. You will be asked to enter the passport number of this passport, which is different from your previous passport.

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.