Irrespective of whether you're visiting Kenya for business, tourism or meeting your family, you'll need a visa to do so. It's quite a simple process, but nevertheless, there are specific guidelines you need to follow for hassle-free approval of your visa application. This blog contains tips for smooth Kenya visa approval from Dubai.
Advice for Smooth Kenya Visa Approval from Dubai
Though the process is simple, you've got to be smart when you apply for a Kenya visa from Dubai. Here are some effective tips that help you apply for your Kenya visa efficiently.
Choose the Right Visa Type
Determine which type of a visa you need before you apply. There are various types of visas issued by Kenya including:
Tourist Visa: these are meant for those visiting Kenya as tourists or for leisure.
Business Visa: these are meant for those visiting Kenya on business trips, to attend meetings or conferences.
Transit Visa: these are for those who are passing through Kenya on their way to some other destination.
East African Tourist Visa: for those who plan to travel to Rwanda and Uganda as well on their trip to Kenya.
To avoid the rejection of your visa application, ensure that the visa type you apply for aligns with why you're visiting Kenya.
Apply Online for an eVisa
The online eVisa platform has helped Kenya streamline its visa application process. The easiest and most convenient way to acquire a Kenyan visa is to apply for an eVisa. Here are the steps:
Go to the official eVisa website of Kenya
Fill up the online application form
Upload the required documents as instructed including your passport, flight details and photo.
Choose a secure payment system for paying the visa fee online.
Your Kenya visa from Dubai is sent to your email after approval. Depending on the type you've applied for, your visa may allow single or multiple entries.
Ensure that Your Passport is Valid
Submitting an invalid passport is one of the most common reasons for visa rejections. Make sure that your passport meets the following requirements:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to land in Kenya.
Must contain at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
Ensure there's been no damage to your passport and that it hasn't been altered either.
For your visa application to be successfully approved, having a valid passport is a must.
Prepare the Required Documents
For smooth approval of your visa, you'll need to arrange the required documents. These typically include:
Valid Passport: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in Kenya.
Passport-sized Photographs: make sure that the photographs you submit meet the requirements laid down by the Kenyan authorities. They must have a white background and they must be clear with no shadows.
Flight Itinerary: the flight itinerary acts as proof of your return from Kenya or onward journey from there.
Hotel Booking: proof of you having booked an accommodation in Kenya where you'll stay for as long as you're there.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: especially if you're travelling to Kenya from a region where there has been yellow fever, you'll need to submit a vaccination proof.
Financial Proof: some applicants may also need to submit proof that they can fund their stay in Kenya. Such proof may be in the form of bank statements or payslips.
You may need to submit some additional documents for certain visa types. Please confirm what they are from the official website. The documents required are more or less the same for any international visit visa. So, just follow all the guidelines carefully and move forward to get positive results.
Submit Your Application Early
You're strongly advised to apply for your visa well before you have planned to set off for Kenya. While eVisas are usually processed within just 2-3 business days, some applications need more time to be approved. If you apply early, you have enough time in hand so you can address any unforeseen issues like documents gone missing or any additional requirements put forth by the Kenyan authorities.
Double Check Your Application Details
There may be delays in your visa application or even outright rejection if your visa application has errors. Review every detail carefully before you submit your application. Confirm that you have:
entered correct personal details like your name, date of birth, passport number, etc.
provided accurate travel dates with details of your destination
uploaded all necessary documents properly
Ensure that everythings in order since any discrepancies can cause complications.
Be Aware of the Current Visa Fees
Depending on your visa type and your nationality, the visa fees can vary. Youll likely need to submit the regular fee as a resident of Dubai. If you apply for an eVisa, you can make the payment online. Youll find the current visa fees on the official Kenya immigration website.
Conclusion
As long as you follow the correct steps, its pretty simple getting your Kenya visa approved from Dubai. The process starts with choosing the right visa type and gathering all the documents required. Applying online is wise. You must check your application thoroughly and see to it that there are no mistakes. Consult a reputable travel agency in Dubai for more guidance.
