Quick Facts
Requirement
Visa Required
Visa Fee
KES 4,030
(~$26)
Processing Time
3–5 working days
Appointment Wait
~ weeks
Stay Duration
Up to 30 days
E-Visa
Available online
India-Kenya ties are strong. E-visa is easy — $25, online, 3-5 days. Very high approval rate for Kenyans. India is a natural destination for Kenya's large Indian-origin community and for business travelers. The $25 e-visa is one of the best-value accessible destinations for Kenyan passport holders.
Key Warnings
- Kenyan passport holders must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter India. Kenya is classified as a yellow fever endemic country — this is a hard entry requirement, not a recommendation.
- Apply for your India e-visa at the official site indianvisaonline.gov.in only. Many third-party sites charge $60–$100 for the same $25 visa. The official site is safe, fast, and the cheapest option.
- The e-visa is issued as a PDF document to your email — print it or save it offline before travel. You will be asked to present it alongside your passport at Indian airports.
Insider Tips
- Kenya's large Indian-origin diaspora means Nairobi has significant cultural and business connections to India — Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai are popular destinations. A family visit letter from an Indian host can strengthen applications.
- For stays longer than 30 days or multiple entries, the 1-year multiple-entry e-visa ($40) is significantly better value. Apply at the same indianvisaonline.gov.in portal.
- India-Kenya business relations have grown substantially through the African Union-India Summit framework. If visiting for business meetings, the e-Business Visa ($80) is available at the same online portal and offers 1-year validity.
Required Documents
-
Valid Kenyan passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from India. Passport number required for online application.
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Digital passport photo (500KB max, JPEG)
White background, clear face. Specific size and format requirements — upload via the online portal.
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Scanned passport bio page
Clear scan of the photo/info page required for upload.
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Valid email address
Approved e-visa is sent to your email. Use a reliable address.
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International credit or debit card
$25 fee payable at time of application. Visa, Mastercard, or Amex accepted.
Recommended (Optional)
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Return ticket
Not required for the online application, but advisable to have for Indian border control on arrival.
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Hotel booking
Address of first night's accommodation is required on the application form.
Health Requirements
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for Kenyan passport holders entering India. Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country — carry your yellow card.
Why Applications Get Rejected
India rejected 5% of applications. Avoid these mistakes:
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Poor quality photo or passport scan
The online portal's automated system rejects photos that don't meet ICAO standards.
Fix: Use a professionally taken digital photo with white background. Ensure passport scan is high resolution and clearly readable.
-
Missing yellow fever certificate
Kenya is an endemic country — India requires proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Fix: Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) with a valid yellow fever entry. Ensure it is not expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Kenyans apply for an India visa?
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The process takes about 15 minutes: fill in your details, upload a passport photo and scan, pay $25 by card, and receive your e-visa by email within 3–5 days. No embassy visit required. Print the visa PDF or save it to your phone — you will need to show it on arrival in India.
Do Kenyans need a yellow fever certificate to visit India?
Yes. Kenya is classified as a yellow fever endemic country, so India requires Kenyan passport holders to carry a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing yellow fever vaccination. This is a mandatory entry requirement — carry your yellow card with your passport at all times.
How much does an India visa cost for Kenyans?
The India e-Tourist Visa costs $25 (approximately KES 3,875), plus a small bank service charge, for a total of about KES 4,030. This is one of the cheapest visa fees for a major destination. A 1-year multiple-entry e-visa is available for $40 at the same portal — excellent value if you plan to visit more than once.
How are Kenya-India relations for travelers?
Kenya-India ties are among the strongest in Africa-Asia relations. Kenya has a significant Indian-origin community, strong business and trade links, and a long-running diplomatic relationship. Indian High Commission Nairobi processes Kenyan applications efficiently, contributing to the very low 5% rejection rate. Popular Kenya-India routes include Nairobi to Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai.