Kenya visit visa for Pakistan passport holders

Kenya replaced its traditional visa with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which most foreign visitors, Pakistanis included, must get before travelling. The Directorate of Immigration Services runs it on etakenya.go.ke and through the official 'Kenya Travel Authorisation' mobile app. Those are the only two official channels. You apply for each traveller, and families or groups can choose 'Apply as a Group' so everyone is processed together. Someone else can also fill in the form for you if they say they are applying on your behalf.

The documents are simple. You need a passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank page, a selfie or passport-type photo, an email address and phone number, your arrival and departure plans, an accommodation booking confirmation and a card for payment. Requirements vary slightly by category. A hotel or lodge reservation covers the accommodation proof, so book where you will stay before you apply.

The official site says the standard eTA costs from US$30, and processing can take up to 72 hours. Fees vary with the type of travel application you select, so the exact amount appears before you pay. If you are short of time, the expedited option is processed immediately for an additional US$100. The site says applications are generally processed within three business days, but they may take longer if extra checks are needed. That means a few days' margin is sensible even if you pay for speed. After you submit, you get one email confirming the application and another confirming payment, followed by an email with the immigration officer's decision.

If you are approved, the email includes your eTA as a PDF. Print it, save it on your phone or keep it in the Kenya Travel Authorisation app, because you will be asked to show it when you depart and again when you arrive in Kenya. The site is clear that you may only travel after the Government of Kenya has approved your application. If it is denied, you cannot travel to Kenya for the time being, and the site asks you to contact support@etakenya.go.ke for more details.

You can check the progress of an application at any time with the 'Check Status' button on the home page and the reference number from your confirmation email. For help, the eTA team can be reached at etakenya@ecitizen.go.ke, on WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064, or by phone on +254 717 436 070. The length of stay is set on your eTA and by the immigration officer at the border. Kenya does not publish an approval or refusal rate for Pakistani applicants.