Kenya visa requirements for school trips
Everything you need to know about visas, entry requirements, and travel documents for school groups visiting Kenya.
eVisa System
Kenya uses an electronic visa (eVisa) system for most international visitors. Here's what you need to know:
Application website: evisa.go.ke
Cost: $51 USD per person
Processing time: 2-3 business days (apply at least 4 weeks before travel to allow for any delays)
Validity: Single entry, valid for 90 days from date of issue
Stay duration: Up to 90 days
The eVisa replaced the previous visa-on-arrival system in 2024. All visitors must have an approved eVisa before arriving in Kenya. Do not plan to obtain a visa at the airport.
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. We provide step-by-step guidance for every school group.
Requirements by Nationality
Here's a quick overview of visa requirements by common nationalities for school trips:
United Kingdom — eVisa required. Apply at evisa.go.ke. $51 USD. British passport holders have a straightforward application process.
United States — eVisa required. Apply at evisa.go.ke. $51 USD. US passport holders follow the standard application process.
United Arab Emirates — eVisa required for most nationalities. Some UAE passport holders may qualify for visa-free entry. Check current regulations based on nationality, not residency.
Australia — eVisa required. Apply at evisa.go.ke. $51 USD. Standard application process.
Canada — eVisa required. Apply at evisa.go.ke. $51 USD. Standard application process.
EU countries — eVisa required for all EU nationalities. Apply at evisa.go.ke. $51 USD.
For international schools with students of multiple nationalities, we provide nationality-specific guidance for each student.
Group Application Tips
Managing visas for a school group takes coordination. Here's how to make it efficient:
Designate one coordinator — one teacher or administrator should manage the entire group's visa applications. This ensures consistency and avoids duplicate applications.
Collect all passport scans early — at least 8 weeks before travel, collect clear scans of every passport's data page. Check validity dates immediately.
Apply as a batch — submit all applications in a 2-3 day window so they process together. This makes it easier to track and follow up.
Keep confirmation PDFs backed up — save all eVisa confirmations in multiple locations: email, cloud storage, and a USB drive.
Carry printed copies — every traveller should carry a printed copy of their eVisa approval, even though it's linked electronically to their passport. Immigration officers occasionally ask for the printed confirmation.
Set calendar reminders — set reminders for the application deadline (4 weeks before travel) and for the follow-up check (1 week after submission).
Passport Requirements
Every participant's passport must meet these requirements:
Validity — passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel dates. If a student's passport expires within 6 months of the trip, they need to renew before applying for the eVisa.
Blank pages — at least 2 blank pages are required for entry stamps.
Machine-readable — the passport must be machine-readable (the vast majority of current passports are, but check older passports).
Important: check all passports early. Passport renewals can take 4-10 weeks depending on the country. A last-minute passport renewal can derail the entire group's travel plans.
Student-Specific Requirements
Travelling with minors requires additional documentation:
Parent/guardian consent letter — every student under 18 must carry a signed consent letter from their parent or legal guardian authorising international travel. This should be notarised where possible.
School letter — a letter on school letterhead confirming the trip purpose, dates, and the responsible teacher's details. This should list all participating students.
Emergency contacts — each student must have documented emergency contacts accessible to trip leaders at all times.
Medical information — carry copies of any relevant medical information, prescriptions, and allergy documentation for each student.
We provide templates for all of these documents as part of our pre-trip preparation package.
What Kapes Handles
We don't process visas on your behalf, but we make the process as smooth as possible:
Step-by-step visa guides — we provide detailed, nationality-specific guides with screenshots and instructions for the eVisa application.
Reminder timeline — we build visa application deadlines into your trip preparation timeline so nothing gets missed.
Template letters — we provide templates for parent consent letters, school letters, and all supporting documentation required for minors.
Support throughout the process — if anyone in your group encounters issues with their application, our team is available to help troubleshoot.
Multi-nationality support — for international schools with students from many countries, we provide individual guidance for each nationality's specific requirements.
Ready to start planning your trip?
Schedule a call to discuss logistics, timelines, and preparation for your school group's trip to Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
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