A visa to UAE from Kenya is available for Kenyans who plan to visit the Middle Eastern kingdoms to enjoy the amazing sights and sounds the UAE offers. However, before you travel to the UAE, you must make proper plans so your trip will be smooth and stress-free. Below we review the visa application process for Kenyans and the documents they need to complete their application.
Do Kenyans Need A Visa To Enter The UAE?
Kenyans cannot enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa. Visas are legal permits that allow foreign nationals into the country. Unfortunately, Kenyans are not citizens of GCC countries, so they are not eligible for visa waivers or visas on arrival. So they must secure a visa before boarding a flight to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
What Is A UAE Tourist Visa?
The tourist visa is a short-term visa issued to Kenyans and foreign nationals that allows them to visit and enjoy their holidays within the borders of the UAE. The tourist visa is valid for 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days depending on the one you apply for. There are also single-entry visas and multiple entry visas.
Besides tourism purposes, this visa can also serve as a visit visa for Kenyans who wish to visit their Family and friends in the UAE or those who wish to attend business meetings.
Before applying for the visa, you ought to know your main purpose for coming and how long your engagement will take. For example, if you plan to visit just once in a long time, you may go for the single entry visa, but for several visits, the multiple entry visa will suffice, so you don’t have to apply for a new visa each time you what to visit.
Are Kenyans Eligible For Visa On Arrival?
This is one question Kenyans ask since citizens of some other countries are eligible for visas on arrival once they land at the airport. Unfortunately, Kenyans are not eligible for a visa on arrival, so any citizen of Kenya that arrives in the UAE without a visa will be deported.
Visa Processing Time
After submitting your application for a visa, it will take about 3-4 working days for your application to be approved. Kindly note that processing times vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Some visas, especially long-stay visas, take more time to process, but there are other factors though.
Suppose you submit invalid documents or wrong information, your application may even be rejected. Furthermore, during peak periods when the immigration office is dealing with millions of applications at the same time, you may need to be patient as your visa may take a longer time to be released. This is why it is best to apply for yours at least 2 weeks before your planned trip.
How To Apply For Visa To UAE From Kenya?
You can use VisaHQ to apply for a UAE visa from Kenya by doing the following.
Visit VisaHQ
Choose the UAE as your destination
Choose Kenya as your country of citizenship
Select “Tourist visa” as your visa of choice
Complete the visa application form
Scan and upload your documents
Pay the visa fee
Submit for approval
Documents Required For Visa Application
Below are the documents you will need to complete your application. Note that these documents are crucial to the success of your application. If you submit incomplete, wrong, or invalid documents, your application will be rejected, or the process will slow down.
Kenyan Passport: A passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. The
Return flight ticket: You must make reservations for a return flight ticket back to Kenya before the expiration of your visa
Recent Photograph: A recent photograph not older than six months old. It must be colored, printed on a white background, and show your face clearly.
Hotel Bookings: You must book a hotel reservation to show proof that you have somewhere to stay during your visit.
Proof of Funds: All Kenyan visitors must attach a statement of account to their application to serve as proof that they can afford to cover their expenses.
UAE Tourist Visa Fees for Kenyans
There is an application fee attached to the visa you must pay before your documents can be processed.
The fee ranges from $80 -$100 depending on whether you apply for single or multiple entry visas.
Visa Extension
The government of the United Arab Emirates allows Kenyan visitors to apply for a 30-day extension of their visas, but it must be done before their current visa expires.
Also, visa to UAE from Kenya extensions cannot be done outside the UAE but inside.