Kenya Visa for South Korean Citizens

South Korean passport holders or citizens visiting Kenya for their vacation or to engage in business activities should get a valid travel permit. If taking a short trip, then you can apply for the Kenya eTA. It is a more effective and convenient entry permit than the standard Kenya visa for South Korean citizens. You have to acquire it online before traveling to Kenya.

You can also explore the Kenya visa types to apply for the right entry permit that fits your travel requirements. Moreover, its quick approval process minimizes the waiting time. Kenya eTA is an essential entry permit, to apply for it, you have to do a few preparations, such as getting the documents, checking the eTA criteria and requirements.

Benefits of the Kenya eTA

A few Key benefits of Kenya eTA for South Korean citizens are listed below.

• Your application is processed within 72 hours (3 days).
• The online process is hassle-free (you can apply at any time).
• You can stay for a duration of 3 months.
• No booking appointments or visiting the consulate and embassy.
• Your eTA validity is 90 days (three months).
• The authorization is issued online and delivered via email.
• It permits you for a single visit only.

Do South Korean Citizens Need a Kenya Visa to Visit Kenya?

As a South Korean citizen, you need a permit or visa to visit Kenya. Therefore, you have to apply for a suitable Kenya visa that matches your travel requirements. Explore the various Kenya visa options, including the eTA.

The standard visa is not a mandatory entry permit option for your short visits, you can rather consider applying for a Kenya eTA.

Kenya eTA Criteria for South Korean Citizens

The eTA is a permit or authorization that is only issued online. The electronic permit is not issued at any Kenya entry port, so you have to get an approved eTA (issued under your name) before arrival.

Only those who are traveling to Kenya for the below travel reasons can get an eTA.

• Transit purposes.
• Staying and meeting your friends and family members (who are living in Kenya).
• Vacation, sightseeing, cultural exploration, safari adventure and leisure activities.
• Business visits (trade shows, conferences, workshops, etc.).

Prohibited Activities Under Kenya eTA

Being aware of the Kenya eTA prohibited activities will help you to avoid legal issues during your short stay. With a Kenya eTA, you are prohibited from searching for a job or engaging in any employment activities (unpaid, volunteer, freelance or paid job).

Also, you cannot study (for a short or long term) with a Kenya eTA. Engaging in prohibited activities without a proper visa or permit (including overstaying) can cause serious consequences like deportation and hefty fines.

What are the Requirements for a Kenya Visa for South Korean Citizens?

To ensure a successful and effective online eTA process, your travel documents are essential. You will need them to fill out your form and to attach them for verification purposes.

• Your valid South Korean
• Your hotel address and booking details (or reservation information as your accommodation proof).
• An email ID.
• A travel itinerary (with your travel plans, sightseeing places, flight details and contact number).
• Your passport copy.
• Your colour and passport size
• Return ticket and details (or your onward travel plan).

Besides the standard documents required for Kenya eTA, also check out the additional documents. At times, your financial documents (to check if you have enough funds) or vaccination proof (particularly for yellow fever) might be required.

Look into the Kenya vaccination requirements to get the mandatory document ready before the application process. You should submit certain documents according to your travel intent.

• For Kenya business eTA, a business invitation letter (Clarifying your travel intent, stay duration and the company’s address). Registration documents are also mandatory.
• For transit purposes, you must provide your confirmed onward travel details and ticket.
• For your family visits, an invitation letter (mentioning your stay duration and host details) from them and their ID or residence permit are required.

Staying Longer in Kenya with an eTA

If you are holding a Kenya eTA, then you have the option of staying longer by applying for a Kenya visa extension. Having a valid extension reason is a must and the eTA extension allows an additional stay of 90 days (beyond the eTA’s initial 3 month stay).

You must apply for extension 7-9 days prior to your Kenya eTA’s expiry and reaching the immigration office is mandatory. The process will take around 3-5 days and also necessitates submission of your documents (passport, return ticket, Kenya eTA, photo, etc.).

What is the Online Process for the Kenya eTA?

• Firstly, get an online form by visiting our Kenya eTA website.
• Check the form and complete it with correct details (your name, personal details, email ID, etc.).
• Upload the copies of your passport, travel itinerary, flight ticket, photo and other documents.
• Thoroughly verify your uploaded documents and information (everything must be accurate).
• Submit the eTA form (after ensuring all your details match with your documents).
• Finally, pay the application fee online.

Kenya visa for South Korean citizens, particularly the eTA, is a much simpler process. You have to wait for 3 days for your approval, which is mostly granted within 72 hours (except for any delays).

When attaching your supporting document, ensure they are in MS Word, PDF or JPG (the acceptable file format). After getting your eTA via email, check it for information accuracy and take a printout.

Types of Online eTA for South Koreans

You can also select an eTA that suits your travel intent from the Kenya single entry eTA types listed below.

• Tourist eTA (for vacation, leisure activities and family visits).
• Business eTA (only for business activities).
• Transit eTA (permit transit activities and brief stay).

Therefore, remember the pre-authorization (an eTA) does not guarantee your entry, the decision depends on the officials at the entry port. 

What is the eTA Processing Time for South Korean Travelers?

The usual processing time is 72 hours, which is quicker than the other Kenya visa types. Occasional delays might happen, which can extend the application process to 5 days or more. The factors, such as incomplete information, additional security checks, etc., could delay the process.

To manage the delay (if any) and to get your eTA without any hassles before your travel, apply early.

Fun Things to Do in Kenya

Kenya is a fun-packed destination, where you can go on a safari and enjoy an island vacation. The adventure never ends in Kenya. It is also an iconic destination for various adventures and game drives. However, you can explore a lot in Kenya beyond its national reserves and parks.

Explore the Nairobi

The city is Kenya’s capital and centre for many cultural and modern attractions. Explore the local markets like the Maasai Market and other shopping centres to get your souvenir. Therefore, taste the street and Kenyan traditional foods. Enjoy visiting the Nairobi National Museum and art galleries.

Giraffe Centre is an Unmissable Spot

The destination is situated in Lang’ata and it is dedicated to Rothschild’s giraffe. The centre offers fun and unforgettable encounters with the giraffe and you can feed them. It also offers an interactive experience, offering education programs about the conservation efforts.

Cultural Tour to Kibera

The guided tours focus on exploring Nairobi’s informal settlements. You can walk through the settlements and explore their art and community life. It also offers opportunities to meet the artist and interact with them. The cultural tours are often designed to support the community.

Visit the Ancient Ruins of Gedi

The ruins are situated in the Kilifi District, surrounded by dense forest. The historic place was once a coastal settlement (Swahili town). You can find the ruins of mosques, brick houses and a few stone foundations. You can also learn about the coastal trade and Swahili culture.

Why Apply for Kenya eTA with Us?

We are the experts in providing a simplified platform and timely assistance to get your Kenya eTA. SOur multiple review system will check the accuracy of your information to increase the approval chances. You can also rely on our helpdesk anytime for prompt assistance.

READ MORE:
Kenya offers a one-year multiple-entry eTA for frequent travelers, allowing multiple visits for tourism or business, with a 90-day stay permitted per visit. Learn more at Kenya One Year Multiple-Entry eTA.