Travellers that hold an e-visa Kenya can extend the maximum length of stay of the visa a single time by 90 days. An extension therefore allows you to spend up to 180 days in Kenya. This page explains how you can submit an application for an extension of the length of stay of the e-visa Kenya, and what other options you have to spend more time in the African country.

Validity of the Kenya visa

The visa for Kenya is only available electronically. There are different variants of these e-visas. The most popular variant is the single-entry visa, as it is suitable for most tourists and business travellers travelling to Kenya. This visa has a validity duration 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 the 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 travel to Kenya from the date your visa is issued (listed as date of issue on your visa). The expected arrival date can influence when exactly your visa will be processed. More information about this can be found on the page about the validity of the Kenya visa. It is not possible to extend the validity duration. This means you must travel to Kenya within 90 days after the date of issue. Are you unable to travel to Kenya within the validity duration of your visa? Then you must submit a completely new application. It is possible to extend the permitted length of stay of 90 days.

Option 1: Travel to Kenya multiple times

The e-visa for Kenya allows you to enter the country a single time. Once you leave the country, the validity of your visa instantly expires. It does not matter how many days you spent in Kenya, or how many days you spend in a different country. Do you want to travel to Kenya a second or third time? Then you can submit a new application for the e-visa. Once this new application is approved, you can travel to Kenya again and stay in the country for a fresh 90 days.

In theory, this can be repeated as often as you like, as long as you meet the requirements for the e-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 the Kenya visa (again)

Option 2: Extend your visa

You may arrive in Kenya at any moment during the validity duration 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 duration. Do you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days? It is possible to extend the permitted travel duration 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 make an account and apply for an extension of the permitted length of stay.

After completing the application, the printed application documents along with a copy of your passport and visa must be brought 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 is processed. Take 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 for a longer stay. For example, you can apply for a work permit or a visa for a longer stay at the embassy. These visa types do come with quite a bit more requirements compared to the e-visa Kenya meant for tourist and business trips.