Guide to UK transit visa through Kenya in 2024

Planning a journey that involves transiting through Kenya on your way to the UK requires careful preparation and understanding of visa requirements. We at iVisa help travelers navigate both countries' entry requirements, ensuring a smooth transit experience.

Do British passport holders need a visa for Kenya?

UK citizens planning to visit Kenya must now apply for a Kenya ETA. This electronic authorization has replaced the previous eVisa system. As a result, all foreign visitors, including those from the United Kingdom, must have one before traveling to Kenya.

Introducing the Kenya ETA benefits travelers, making the entry process into Kenya quicker and more streamlined. It also supports Kenya's efforts to enhance security and safety for visitors and residents.

We're equipped to guide you through the ETA application, helping you avoid common errors that could lead to rejection. That's why we recommend you apply for your Kenya ETA as soon as you've booked your flight and accommodation to avoid unforeseen delays. You can apply up to three months before your trip.

**UK citizens planning to visit Kenya must now apply for a Kenya ETA. This electronic authorization has replaced the previous eVisa system. As a result, all foreign visitors, including those from the United Kingdom, must have one before traveling to Kenya.

Introducing the Kenya ETA benefits travelers, making the entry process into Kenya quicker and more streamlined. It also supports Kenya's efforts to enhance security and safety for visitors and residents.**

Transit visa types and exemptions

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
• Visitor in Transit Visa
• Transit Without Visa (TWOV) scheme eligibility

**Before the Kenya ETA was introduced, travelers who needed a visa to enter Kenya and planned to leave the airport's international zone during a layover were required to obtain a Kenya Transit Visa. UK citizens, exempt from this requirement, didn't need a transit visa for such layovers.

However, with the launch of the Kenya ETA, the requirements have changed. The ETA has now replaced the traditional transit visa, meaning that UK citizens transiting through Kenya and wishing to leave the airport's international zone during their layover must apply for a Kenya ETA.**

Application process and documentation

Pro Tip: Based on customer feedback, we recommend applying for your transit documents at least three weeks before travel to allow time for any additional documentation requests.

Applying for a Kenya ETA: How do you apply for a Kenya visa online from the UK??

When you choose our service to apply for your Kenya ETA, you're opting for a platform that emphasizes clarity in the application process.

Here's the step-by-step guide to get your Kenya ETA with us:

Step 1: Enter your personal and travel details on our website or via the iVisa app.

Step 2: Verify that all the information you've provided is accurate and select your preferred processing time. Pay the fees with a credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

Step 3: Complete the rest of the application form, upload the required documents, and submit it.

After these steps, our team will go over your application to make sure it's all correct. Once your ETA is granted, we'll send it to your email. Remember to print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone before traveling to Kenya.

**When you choose our service to apply for your Kenya ETA, you're opting for a platform that emphasizes clarity in the application process.

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Processing times and requirements

At iVisa, we offer three processing speed options for the Kenya ETA to accommodate different travel schedules:

• Standard Processing: 5 business days
• Rush Processing: 3 business days
• Super Rush Processing: 24 hours

For UK transit visa applications, processing times typically range from 3-6 weeks, so we recommend applying well in advance of your travel date.

Common challenges and solutions

Based on customer feedback, we've identified several frequent concerns when applying for transit visas:

Airline boarding issues

Many travelers face challenges with airline staff interpretation of transit visa rules. We help prevent this by:

• Providing clear documentation of your visa status
• Offering 24/7 support for last-minute verification
• Including detailed information about transit rights

Processing delays

To avoid delays that could impact your travel:

• Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure
• Submit all required documents in the correct format
• Ensure your passport has sufficient validity

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need both a UK transit visa and Kenya ETA? If you're staying within the international transit area in Kenya, you don't need an ETA. However, you'll need a UK transit visa unless you qualify for an exemption.

What happens if my flight is delayed and I miss my connection? Your UK transit visa allows for unexpected delays. We recommend booking flights with adequate connection times to minimize risks.

Can I change airports in the UK during transit? Yes, but you'll need a Visitor in Transit visa rather than a Direct Airside Transit visa, as you'll need to pass through immigration.

How long can I stay in the transit area? The maximum stay in the UK transit area is 48 hours. Longer connections require a different visa type.

Embassy locations

Kenya High Commission in London:

• Address: 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS
• Phone: +44 20 7636 2371
• Email: [email protected]

British High Commission in Kenya:

• Address: Upper Hill Road, Nairobi
• Phone: +254 (0)20 287 3000

Why choose iVisa?

At iVisa, we've been simplifying visa processes for more than 10 years. Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about Kenya or the UK transit visa application. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.

Pro Tip: Based on customer feedback, we recommend keeping digital copies of all your travel documents in a cloud storage service, ensuring easy access if needed during your journey.