Kenya Immigration News 5/09/2024
Kenyan immigration news
IMPORTANT UPDATE | Duration of Stay in Kenya upon Arrival at the Port of Entry, Visitor’s Pass Extension Applications and Sanction Fee for Overstaying
The Department of Immigration Services (DIS) effected the following changes as of 22 August 2024.
Duration of Stay in Kenya upon Arrival at the Port of Entry
Historically, the duration of stay was determined at the discretion of the immigration officials at the port of entry, for periods ranging from 1 to 90 days. The DIS has standardized this duration to a period of 3 months irrespective of the actual intended period of stay e.g., 2 weeks. Holders of eTAs will be required to strictly observe this period in default of which a sanction fee will be payable.
Visitor’s Pass Extension Applications
Foreigners seeking to extend their stay in Kenya have been applying for a visitor’s pass at no cost. This position has now changed as the DIS has implemented the US$ 50.00 fee for these applications. Similar to an eTA, the duration of stay has been standardized to a period of 3 months.
Sanction Fee for Overstaying
The DIS has implemented the sanction fee for overstay in the country at a rate of US$ 200.00 where a foreigner stays in the country for over 6 months (the period granted upon arrival in Kenya and the visitor’s pass extension period). Where the reason for overstaying was unavoidable e.g., due to illness or delays by the DIS in the issuance of work/residence authorisation, the DIS shall exercise their discretion and waive such fees.
Additional information
Please note that the DIS portal is currently experiencing downtime which has impacted the processing of applications. We are in regular contact with them and shall progress the applications and provide updates as soon as the system is up and running.
