The maximum length of stay of the Kenya eTA or e-visa can be extended a single time by 90 days. An extension therefore allows you to spend up to 180 days in Kenya. This page explains how to apply for an extension and what other options are available to spend more time in this African country.

Validity of the Kenya visa

The visa for Kenya is now only available in its electronic variant: the eTA. This visa has a validity of 90 days from the date of issue. The permitted length of stay with this visa is also 90 days. This means that you are allowed to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days from your date of arrival. Do you want to stay in Kenya for more than 90 days? These are your options.

Changing your arrival date in Kenya
You have 90 days to enter Kenya from the date your visa is issued. The expected arrival date may affect the processing time of your application. More information about this can be found on our page about the validity of the Kenya visa. It is not possible to extend the validity duration of the visa. This means that you are only allowed to travel to Kenya within 90 days after the date of issue of your eTA. Are you unable to travel to Kenya within the validity period of your visa? Then you must submit a completely new application. It is possible to extend the permitted length of stay of 90 days. Keep reading to find out more.

Option 1: Travel to Kenya multiple times

The eTA for Kenya allows you to enter the country a single time. The validity of your visa instantly expires once you leave the country, regardless of how many days you spent in Kenya. One exception is made for trips to another East African country. You can read more about that on our visa validity page. Do you want to travel to Kenya a second or third time? Then you can submit a new eTA application. Once this new application is approved, you can travel to Kenya again and stay in the country for another 90 days.

In theory, this can be repeated as often as you like, as long as you meet the requirements of the visa for Kenya. However, the immigration department might become suspicious if you enter and leave Kenya multiple times within a short period. If you are unable to convince the immigration department that you meet all the requirements, you may be denied entry.
Apply for a (new) Kenya visa

Option 2: Extend the permitted length of stay your visa

You may arrive in Kenya at any moment during the validity period of your visa. You may stay in the country for 90 days, even if you arrive on the last day of the 90 day validity period. If you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you can extend the permitted length of stay once by 90 days. This is done by submitting an application for a visa extension via the website of the Kenyan immigration department. On that website, you can create an account and apply for an extension of the permitted length of stay.

After completing the application, you must print the accompanying documents and submit them along with a copy of your passport and visa to an office of the immigration department. The immigration department has an office in Nairobi (in the Nyayo House) and a second office in Mombasa. Once these documents have been submitted, your extension application will be processed. Please note: there is no guarantee that your extension application will be approved. The immigration department in Kenya always has the right to reject applications.

The Kenya visa can be extended in Nairobi

Option 3: Applying for a different visa type

Do you want to stay in Kenya for more than 90 days? Then you can enquire at the Embassy of Kenya if you are eligible for a different visa type that allows to stay in Kenya for longer. For example, you can apply for a work permit or a visa for a longer stay at the embassy. However, these visa types come with more requirements compared to the Kenya eTA for tourist and business trips.