Kenya Courtesy Visa Application on eCitizen: Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide

For some foreign nationals travelling to Kenya for official duties, diplomatic engagements or other government-related activities, the standard visa categories may not apply. Kenya offers a Courtesy Visa, also known as an Official Visa, to eligible holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports travelling only on official duty. In some cases, the Director of Immigration may also grant the Courtesy Visa to ordinary passport holders if they consider it appropriate under international courtesy.

The Courtesy Visa differs from an ordinary tourist or business visa because it is intended for specific official or courtesy-related travel. The visa is generally issued free of charge to eligible applicants. Requirements may include a valid travel document, the appropriate diplomatic, official, or service passport, an official letter from the relevant government or organisation, and other supporting travel documents, as required.

If you plan to travel to Kenya under this visa category, it is important to understand who qualifies, the required documents, and how to submit the application online, as this will help you apply for the right category and avoid delays.

In this guide, we will explain:

What Is a Courtesy Visa in Kenya?

According to eVisa, the courtesy Visa in Kenya is for certain foreign travellers visiting the country for official, diplomatic, or other recognised government-related purposes. It differs from an ordinary tourist visa, which is mainly issued to people travelling to Kenya for holidays or to visit friends and family. The Courtesy Visa therefore reflects the traveller’s official duties or status rather than a typical tourism or business visit. For example, a government official from another country travelling to Kenya for an official assignment, meeting, or diplomatic engagement may apply under this visa category if they hold the appropriate official passport. The category may also apply to certain ordinary passport holders when the Director of Immigration Services considers issuing the visa as a matter of international courtesy.

Read Also: How to Apply for a Kenya Alien ID (2026 eFNS Registration Guide)

Who Should Apply for a Courtesy Visa in Kenya?

The Kenya Courtesy Visa is mainly intended for foreign nationals travelling to Kenya for official, diplomatic or government-related purposes who meet the requirements for this visa category. The visa is mainly suitable for the following categories:

1. Diplomatic Travellers – Foreign diplomatic officials travelling to Kenya on official duty may qualify for a Courtesy Visa, particularly where their visit is official but does not involve full diplomatic accreditation in Kenya.
2. Government Officials – Government officials travelling on official assignments and holding diplomatic, official or service passports may apply under this category if they meet the applicable requirements.
3. Delegation Members – Members of official government or intergovernmental delegations travelling to Kenya for government meetings, bilateral engagements, conferences or other state-related assignments may be eligible for a Courtesy Visa.
4. Special-Category Official Travellers – Some travellers may be directed to use the Courtesy Visa category because of the nature of their official visit or their connection with a government or international organisation. In such cases, applicants should follow the instructions of the relevant Kenyan diplomatic mission or immigration authority.

Kenya Courtesy Visa Requirements in 2026

Before applying for a Kenya Courtesy Visa through eCitizen, applicants should prepare the required documents and make sure their passport and supporting information are valid. The main requirements include:

a)     Valid Diplomatic, Official or Service Passport

The applicant should have a valid diplomatic, official or service passport. The passport should generally be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Kenya and should have at least one blank page for immigration purposes.

b)    Clear Passport Biodata Page

Applicants need to provide a clear copy or scan of the passport biodata page. This document also shows important personal details such as the applicant’s full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and photograph. Ensure the copy is clear, and all details are easy to read.

c)     Recent Passport-Size Photograph

A recent colour passport-size photograph should be provided as part of the application. The photograph should have a plain or white background and clearly show the applicant’s face. Avoid submitting an old, blurred or poorly scanned photograph, as this may cause problems when the documents are being reviewed.

d)    Official Letter or Note Verbale

The applicant should provide an official letter or Note Verbale from their government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic mission or relevant international organisation. The document should explain the purpose of the visit and the official nature of the applicant’s duties in Kenya. This helps immigration authorities determine whether the applicant qualifies for the Courtesy Visa category.

e)     Onward Ticket for Transit Cases

If the applicant is travelling through Kenya as part of a transit journey, they may need to provide an onward air ticket or boarding pass showing their next destination. This requirement is particularly relevant when the applicant is entering Kenya for transit rather than for a longer official assignment.

f)       Invitation or Host Letter

Where applicable, applicants should also have an invitation or host letter from a Kenyan government ministry, department or authorised organisation. The letter should provide details about the organisation hosting the applicant and the purpose of the visit. While the supporting documents required may depend on the circumstances of each application, an official host or invitation letter can help demonstrate the reason for the visit and support the application.

How to Apply for a Kenya Courtesy Visa Online

Applying for a Kenya Courtesy Visa is simple if you have the right documents and meet the eligibility requirements. You complete the process online through Kenya’s official eTA portal, where you submit your details and supporting documents, track your application, and receive approval before travelling. Follow the procedure below to apply for the courtesy Visa.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Prepare Documents

• You must hold a Diplomatic, Official or Service passport and be travelling to Kenya on official duty.
• Prepare the required documents that we have discussed above, i.e., your passport biodata page. A recent passport-style photograph with a plain background, an official letter from your government, etc

Must Read:  Fully accredited diplomats already based in Kenya may be exempt from some requirements. Confirm the applicable requirements with your diplomatic mission.

Step 2: Go to the Official Portal

• Visit the official website: eTA Kenya official portal
• Click “Apply Now.”
• Create an account or log in if you already have one. Use a valid email address that you can access.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

• Select the appropriate purpose of visit, such as “Diplomat on official visit,” “Foreign delegation,” or the closest available option for official or service passport holders.

Step 4: Entering Details and Uploading Supporting Documents

• Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.
• Upload the required documents, including your passport biodata page, photograph, official letter and travel itinerary.
• Review all the information carefully before submitting the application to make sure it is accurate.

Step 5: Submit and Payment

• Review all the information you have entered and confirm that the details are correct.
• Check that all the required supporting documents have been uploaded correctly.
• Submit the completed application through the eTA portal.
• You will receive a confirmation email containing your application reference number. Save your application details or reference number so you can track the application status online.

Step 6: Processing and Approval

• Wait for your ETA to be processed; the standard processing time is approximately three working days, although some applications may be processed sooner.
• You can track your application status through the same portal using your reference number.
• Once the application is approved, you will receive an email. Download and print the approved eTA

Read Also: How to Renew or Replace a Lost Foreigner Certificate (Alien Card) in Kenya

Cost of Applying for a Kenya Courtesy Visa

The Kenya Courtesy Visa is issued free of charge (gratis) to eligible applicants travelling to Kenya for genuine official purposes as per Kenya e-Visa. Under Kenya’s current system, which uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for eligible foreign travellers, holders of Diplomatic, Official or Service passports travelling on official duty may be exempt from the standard eTA processing fee as a matter of international courtesy. Applicants should use the official Kenya eTA portal and provide the required passport and supporting documents.

Processing Time

The Kenya Courtesy Visa is normally processed within two to three working days, but applicants are advised to apply at least three to four days before their planned travel date to allow extra time in case of delays. Approval is not guaranteed, and even with an approved visa or travel authorisation, immigration officers at the port of entry may verify your entry into Kenya. Travellers should therefore ensure they meet all entry requirements and print a copy of the approved visa or travel authorisation to present upon arrival, if required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Kenya Courtesy Visa

1. Who is Eligible for a Kenya Courtesy Visa?

The Kenya Courtesy Visa is mainly intended for holders of Diplomatic, Official or Service passports travelling to Kenya on official duty. Holders of ordinary passports may qualify only in certain cases where the Director of Immigration considers issuing the authorisation appropriate on the grounds of international courtesy.

2. Is the Kenya Courtesy Visa Free of Charge?

Yes. Eligible holders of Diplomatic, Official or Service passports travelling on official duty are exempt from paying the standard eTA fee. The authorisation is issued gratis, meaning no fee is charged.

3. How Long Does It Take to Process a Kenya Courtesy Visa?

The standard processing time is approximately three working days (72 hours).

4. Can I Apply for a Kenya Courtesy Visa Online?

Yes. You submit applications online through the official Kenya eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke. In most cases, applicants do not need to visit an embassy to submit the application.

5. Does an Approved Courtesy Visa Guarantee Entry Into Kenya?

No. An approved eTA does not automatically guarantee entry into Kenya. The final decision is made by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry, who may refuse admission if the traveller does not meet the applicable immigration or entry requirements.

6. Can Spouses or Children of Diplomatic Passport Holders Get a Courtesy Visa?

Generally, no. Spouses and dependent children travelling on ordinary passports do not automatically qualify for a Courtesy Visa simply because they are accompanying a diplomatic passport holder. Their eligibility depends on their individual circumstances and the applicable immigration requirements.

7. Family Members and Dependents: Do They Qualify for a Courtesy Visa?

No. Accompanying a diplomatic, official, or service passport holder does not automatically qualify a spouse or dependent child for a Courtesy Visa. Family members travelling on ordinary passports must meet the applicable Kenyan entry requirements and may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling. Eligibility depends on their passport type, nationality, and applicable immigration exemptions.

Read Also: How to Apply for a Special Pass in Kenya via eFNS (2026 Fees & Process)

Conclusion

The Kenya Courtesy Visa is now issued free of charge, providing a simple, free entry option for holders of Diplomatic, Official, or Service passports travelling to Kenya on official duty. To apply, ensure you have all required documents, then log in to the eTA portal and submit your application. The application will be processed in approximately 3 days, after which you will receive your courtesy visa. After you receive your courtesy visa, remember that final entry into Kenya remains subject to verification by immigration officers at the port of entry.