Kenya Visa for Russian Citizens

Kenya is a fantastic travel destination; the national parks and the unique landscape of the Great Rift Valley will captivate you. Visiting Kenya from Russia requires a lot of preparation, including getting the right visa for your trip. If you are a Russian citizen, getting an entry permit will be effortless for you, because of the Kenya eTA system.

Many travelers, including Russian citizens and passport holders, can apply for a Kenya eTA. Kenya visa for Russian citizens, the traditional visa process can be skipped. You can rather choose the eTA permit, and it offers a simplified process. Therefore, it is advisable to begin your eTA process after looking into its criteria and requirements.

Must-Know Details for Russian Citizens

You should be aware of the Kenya eTA details before applying for it.

• Having the eTA before your departure is mandatory.
• The application processing time will take up to 3 days (24-72 hours).
• You must apply 6-7 days in advance.
• The stay duration granted for you is 90 days (3 months).
• The eTA cannot be obtained at any entry port.
• Kenya single entry eTA grants a one-time visit only.
• You must visit Kenya within the eTA’s validity, which is 3 months.

Do Russians Need a Kenya Visa?

Despite the travel purposes, all Russian citizens need a valid Kenya visa. Russian citizens are eligible to get a Kenya eTA. So, instead of choosing to get a traditional visa, you can apply for a Kenya eTA (if it fits your travel requirements).

What Activities Can Russians Do with their Kenya eTA?

With a Kenya eTA, you can enjoy a leisure trip or wildlife safaris and engage in cultural exploration. The digital permit also entitles you to attend your business activities, such as conferences, client meetings and workshops, or just explore the business opportunities.

You can also stay and meet your friends and family members who are living in Kenya. Remember that the Kenya eTA is only for short-term visits. For transiting through Kenya, you can apply for the Kenya transit eTA.

Prohibited Activities Under Kenya eTA

If you are entering Kenya with an eTA, you are prohibited from seeking employment or doing any paid or unpaid work during your stay (including internships, volunteer work and freelancing). You cannot join an academic course (long or short-term) or overstay with your eTA.

Kenya eTA Requirements for Russian Travelers

To submit an eTA application, all the travel documents must be valid. You need these documents to provide accurate information and to upload them during the online process.

• An email ID.
• Your recent photo (a colour and clear photo that meets all the Kenya eTA standards).
• Your valid Russian passport.
• Return travel plan or ticket (or onward travel details).
• Your pay slip or recent bank statement (to verify the funds for your Kenya trip, only if required).
• Hotel booking or reservation details (to confirm your accommodation in Kenya).
• Your complete Kenya travel itinerary (with contact number, flight details and your travel plans).
• Your passport copy.

To engage in business activities, you have to get a Kenya business eTA. The additional documents for business visits include an invitation letter, which explains your stay duration and travel reason (along with the company’s details). The company’s registration document is also required.

The additional documents you need to get to stay with your friends and family members include an invitation letter from them (specifying your stay duration and host details) and their residence permit and ID.

If you are applying for a Kenya transit eTA, then your onward ticket and travel details are mandatory.

Processing Time of Kenya Visa for Russian Citizens

You can receive the approval message within 24 – 72 hours (which is 1-3 business days). The timeframe can also extend to 5 or 7 days due to delays. To manage such situations and to get your approval before your departure, you must consider applying 8 – 9 days before your travel date.

Know about the common Kenya eTA problems, such as providing incorrect personal information or passport number, to avoid them when completing your eTA form.

How to Apply for a Kenya eTA?

The Kenya eTA’s application process is simpler and time-efficient. You have to follow the steps below.

• Access our Kenya eTA website to complete your application form.
• Provide the details asked in the eTA form (such as name, email ID, travel details, passport number, etc.).
• Upload your supporting documents (your passport, accommodation proof, photo, etc.).
• Before submission, verify your details and attached documents for accuracy and clarity.
• Pay the processing fee online.

After submission, the authorities will review your eTA online form and you should also wait for the approval. Usually, it only takes 1-3 days and you will get an email about your approval. It is also advisable to download your eTA (sent to your email) and carry a print copy to use it, if required.

Extending the Stay Duration in Kenya for Russian Citizens

If you are visiting Kenya with an approved Kenya eTA, then you can extend your stay duration (beyond the initially permitted 3 months) by applying for a Kenya eTA extension. The Kenya visa extension involves submitting an in-person request at the immigration office.

The extension provides you an additional stay of up to 90 days. So, the requirement of the extension process is a valid reason, an explanation letter, your Kenya eTA, passport and a few supporting documents. The process will take 3-5 days, so apply 8-9 days before your eTA’s expiry date.

Health Requirements for Getting a Kenya Visa for Russian Citizens

Yellow fever vaccination is a mandatory requirement to get a Kenya eTA, only when you are transiting or visiting Kenya from the listed countries. So, if you are traveling to Kenya directly from Russia without any layover in the high-risk countries, you are unlikely to be asked for a vaccination proof.

You are strongly advised to check the Kenya vaccination requirements to know about the latest updates.

Does My Kid Require a Separate Kenya eTA?

Children are required to have their own Kenya eTA, even when traveling with their parents or guardians. Your child’s passport, birth certificate, flight ticket, photo and other documents are required to submit an eTA application on their behalf.

Visit the Lamu Cultural Festival in Kenya

If you are exploring Lamu Island in late November, then you must not miss out on the Lamu Cultural Festival. It is held on the island for 3-4 days. The cultural event is the celebration of the Swahili heritage and it includes a lot of traditional activities. It offers you a unique opportunity to explore the Swahili culture and traditions.

The traditional activities of the festival included dhow sailing races, Henna art donkey races and skilled bao (ancient board game) competitions. The exhibitions and workshops highlight the Swahili heritage. Other activities of the event included dhow building, storytelling sessions and palm weaving.

The festival takes place in Lamu’s old town, so you can also explore the town later. It is a historic place and the best spot to try traditional Swahili foods. Also, try spending an evening at the beaches or take a leisurely Dhow cruise around the island.

Aberdare National Park

A less-explored tourist destination in Kenya is the Aberdare National Park. It is situated in Kenya’s central region. The park encompasses a diverse landscape which includes rainforests, rivers, bamboo areas and deep valleys. The highlight is that you can see the Big Five and other unique wildlife here (such as the melanistic leopard and bongo antelope).

Enjoy the game drives, which take you through the park’s diverse landscapes and have fun spotting the wildlife. Hiking and nature walk in the park can be challenging, as they pass through dense rainforest regions and bamboo areas. However, you should visit the waterfalls in the park to explore the scenic environment.

You can also find numerous unique accommodation or stay options within and outside the boundaries of the park. Pack warm clothes and get all your travel essentials (considering the weather conditions).

Why Contact Us?

By reaching out to us, you will get prompt assistance and a round-the-clock helpdesk to guide you through your Kenya eTA application process. With our reliable and timely guidance, we assure you of a hassle-free eTA online process.

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All travellers should obtain a Kenya eTA before starting their trip. The eTA processing time is only three business days and travellers can stay for up to 90 days in Kenya. Learn more at Kenya eTA Application Guide.