Visa in Kenya for South African Citizens | Requirements & Fees

Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?

South African citizens generally do not need a traditional visa for Kenya, but they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling, which replaced visa requirements for most nationalities in early 2024. This eTA allows for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business, requires an online application, and serves as a mandatory entry document, though it is free for South Africans.

Types of Kenya Visas for South African Citizens

South African citizens can apply for different Kenyan visa types depending on the purpose of travel:

• Kenya tourist visa for leisure, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends. It is usually issued as a single-entry visa.

• Kenya business visa for meetings, conferences, or short-term commercial activities. It requires an invitation letter from a Kenyan host or company.

• A Kenyan work visa/permit is required for employment in Kenya. This visa type is issued under specific permit classes depending on the job role.

• A Kenyan student visa is issued to South Africans studying in Kenyan institutions. It requires proof of admission and financial support.

• Kenya transit visa is for travellers passing through Kenya to another destination. It is required if leaving the airport during transit.

Kenya Visa Requirements for South African Citizens

To apply for a Kenya visa, South African applicants must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility Criteria

• Valid South African passport

• Clear travel purpose

• Sufficient financial means

Required Documents

Commonly required documents include:

• Passport valid for at least six months

• Completed Kenya visa application form

• Recent passport-size photograph

• Travel itinerary or flight booking

• Proof of accommodation in Kenya

Kenya Visa Fees for South African Citizens

South African citizens generally do not pay visa fees for Kenya, as Kenya waived visa requirements and entry fees for South Africans in early 2024, though they still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which is usually free. You must apply for the ETA online via Kenya's eCitizen portal before your trip, as it's mandatory for entry and valid for 90 days.

Certified Translation Requirements for Kenya Visa Applications

All supporting documents not in English must be translated and certified before submission.

Translayte provides:

• Certified passport translations

• Certified identity document translations

• Immigration-compliant translations accepted by Kenyan authorities

How to Apply for a Kenya Visa from South Africa

Follow these steps to apply for a Kenya visa:

• Choose the appropriate visa Type: Select the visa based on your travel purpose.

• Gather required documents: Ensure all documents are accurate and complete.

• Translate non-english documents: Use certified translation services to meet Kenyan immigration standards.

• Submit the online application: Complete the Kenya ETA application, upload documents, and pay the visa fee if required.

• Receive your visa approval: Processing times vary, but most eVisas are issued within a few working days.

Certified Document Translation for Kenya Visa Applications

Accurate and certified translations are essential for visa approval. Translayte delivers certified translations that comply with Kenya immigration requirements, helping prevent delays or refusals.

Tips for a Successful Kenya Visa Application for South African Citizens

• Apply at least two weeks before travel

• Double-check document accuracy before submission

• Use certified translations for non-English documents

• Keep copies of your approved ETA for entry