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Kenya Visa & ETA Extension: Everything You Need to Know

Last Update: 11-03-2025

Kenya visa extension

Planning to extend your stay in Kenya? Whether you're a tourist exploring its breathtaking landscapes or a business traveler needing more time, understanding the Kenya visa extension process is essential. 


In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Kenya visa extension costs, fees, and whether you can extend a Kenya ETA. Learn about the application process, required documents, and key considerations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free extension of your stay in Kenya.

Table of Contents


  1. Why Extend Your Stay?
  2. Requirements for a Kenya Visa Extension
  3. How to Extend Your Kenya Visa – A Step-by-Step Guide
  4. How Long Can You Extend Your Stay?
  5. Fees for Visa Extensions
  6. FAQs

Why Extend Your Stay?

Kenya is a diverse and beautiful country that offers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re a tourist, digital nomad, or business traveler, you may find yourself needing extra time to explore and experience more of what Kenya has to offer.

A visa extension allows you to:

  • Stay longer to complete your travel plans
  • Continue business engagements or meetings
  • Extend your work, research, or volunteer commitments
  • Avoid penalties for overstaying

The Kenyan Department of Immigration Services provides a streamlined process to extend visas legally, ensuring that visitors comply with the country’s immigration laws.

Requirements for a Kenya Visa Extension

To apply for a visa extension in Kenya, you must provide:

Basic Requirements:

  • Completed Visa Extension Application Form – Available online on Kenya’s immigration portal or at immigration offices.
  • Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay and have blank pages for stamps.
  • Recent Passport-Sized Photos – Two color photographs meeting official specifications.
  • Copy of Current Visa or eTA Approval – Proof of an active visa.
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds – Bank statements, cash reserves, or credit card proof showing financial stability.
  • Return or Onward Ticket – To demonstrate your intention to leave after your extended stay.

Additional Requirements (if applicable):

  • Letter of Explanation – Detailing why you need the extension.
  • Sponsorship Letter (if applicable) – If you’re being hosted in Kenya.
  • Business or Work Documents (if extending for professional reasons).

How to Extend Your Kenya Visa – A Step-by-Step Guide

Extending your stay in Kenya requires a formal application to the Directorate of Immigration Services. While initial visa applications are processed online, extensions necessitate an in-person visit to the immigration offices. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:


1. Gather Necessary Documents: To apply for a visa extension, you need to gather all the required documents. The first step is completing the online application for a Visitor’s Pass extension through the eFNS portal, which will generate Form 22. You must also have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Additionally, you need to provide the original and a copy of your current visa or visitor’s pass. Two recent passport-sized photographs are typically required as part of the application process.

2. Visit the Immigration Office: Once you have collected the necessary documents, you must visit one of the designated immigration offices to submit your application. The primary offices handling visa extensions are in Nairobi (Nyayo House), Mombasa (PC’s Office Building), and Kisumu (New Nyanza Provincial Headquarters). It is advisable to visit during working hours and carry all required documents to avoid delays.

3. Submission Process: At the immigration office, officers will verify your documents to ensure they meet the requirements. During this stage, you may also be asked to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints and photographs, to confirm your identity. Additionally, an immigration officer may conduct a short interview where you will be asked about the purpose of your stay and the reason for requesting an extension. It is important to provide clear and honest responses to avoid any complications.

4. Pay the Extension Fee: Once your documents are verified, you will be required to pay the extension fee. While the fee for extending a visitor’s pass is not explicitly stated as USD 50, the eVisa extension fee is mentioned as USD 22 for a three-month extension. Since the fees are subject to change, it is best to confirm the exact amount at the immigration office before making the payment.

5. Await Processing: After completing the submission and payment, you must wait for your application to be processed. In most cases, visa extensions are processed on the same day if all documents are in order. However, if there are any discrepancies or additional verification is required, the processing time may be longer.

6. Collect Your Extended Visa: Once your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the extended visa stamp. It is important to verify that the extension details are correctly updated in your passport before leaving the immigration office. This marks the completion of the visa extension process, allowing you to continue your stay in Kenya legally.

How Long Can You Extend Your Stay?

The extension duration depends on the type of visa:

  • Tourist eVisa/Visitor's Pass: Can be extended once for an additional 90 days (total stay: 180 days).
  • Business Visa: Extensions granted based on case review by the immigration department.
  • Student and Work Visas: Require separate applications for renewal or transition to a long-term pass.

Important Note:

 Overstaying beyond the approved extension period may result in penalties or deportation.

Fees for Visa Extensions

The visa extension fee depends on the type of visa and duration. As of the latest information:

  • Tourist Visa Extension Fee: Approx. $20–$50 USD
  • Business Visa Extension Fee: Varies, check with the Department of Immigration
  • Late Application Penalty: Additional fines for overdue extension applications

Source of Inform

All the above information has been sourced directly from the Kenya Immigration Services portal.

Conclusion

Extending your visa in Kenya is a straightforward process if you plan ahead and follow the correct steps. Whether you need extra time to explore Kenya’s rich landscapes or extend your business stay, knowing the requirements, fees, and processing steps ensures a hassle-free extension.

FAQs

Can I extend my Kenya eVisa/eTA?

Yes, eVisas/eTAs can be extended for up to 90 more days. You must apply before your current visa expires.

How early should I apply for an extension?

Apply at least two weeks before your visa expires to avoid delays.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Kenya?

Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a future entry ban. It’s best to apply for an extension in time.

Can I leave Kenya and reapply for a new eVisa?

Yes, another option is exiting Kenya and applying for a new eVisa from abroad. However, this may not always be practical or guaranteed.

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