India entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to visit India. It covers tourism, business, or medical visits and allows a stay of up to 60 days. Apply online before you travel — processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The fee ranges from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical). Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Kenyan passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in India. Airlines at Nairobi and other departure points will check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have proof than to be caught without it. | Recommended |
eVisa is not extendable
The India eVisa cannot be extended. You must leave before 60 days. Overstaying leads to fines and possible bans. If you need more time, apply for a different visa type before travel.
Apply early — processing can take up to a week
While most eVisa applications are processed in 3-5 business days, delays happen. Apply at least 10 days before your flight to avoid stress. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eVisa approval.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $25-$100 depending on duration). Processing takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive an approval email — print it and save a copy on your phone.
2
Pack Your Documents
Carry your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep a digital backup on your phone. If you have travel insurance, have the policy number handy.
3
Arrival at Indian Airport
At immigration, join the 'eVisa' queue (not the regular visa queue). Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport — you're in.
4
Collect Baggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. Then proceed to customs — if you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost₹3,000 (~$36 USD)
Non-extendable; must leave and reapply for longer stays.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost₹4,500 (~$54 USD)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travelers.
Business Visa
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost₹6,000 (~$72 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost₹10,000 (~$120 USD)
Requires admission to recognized Indian institution.
work visa
Employment Visa (E-Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
₹10,000 (~$120 USD) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
₹10,000 (~$120 USD) per year
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
₹15,000 (~$180 USD) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Indian business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) – Single EntryValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry not allowed. | ₹3,000 (~$36 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – Multiple EntryValid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per visit. | ₹4,500 (~$54 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies to all visa types; must be paid before departure. | ₹500 (~$6 USD) per day, max ₹20,000 (~$240 USD) |
| Stay extension (via FRRO)Only for medical or special circumstances; apply online. | ₹1,000 (~$12 USD) per month, max 6 months |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
Kenya passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports if staying within the international transit area and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Japan visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya). Must present certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most parts of India, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Caused by contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most regions, especially in rural areas and during monsoon (June–September). Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Delhi
Level 2, East Block 8, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions and registration; online appointment required.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, Commissioner of Police Building, 1st Floor, Near Crawford Market, Mumbai – 400001
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Busy office; arrive early with all documents.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.78 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is around $25 for a 30-day tourist eVisa, $40 for 1-year, and $80 for 5-year. You'll get an email with the approval.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave India before the 60-day stay limit. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from a Kenyan embassy before travel.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival in India.
If you're transiting through an Indian airport and don't leave the international transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need an eVisa.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. Also valid at 5 seaports: Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Kochi, and Mangalore.
Overstaying can result in a fine (up to $100 per day), a ban from re-entering India, or both. If you have a genuine emergency, visit the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in your city to request an extension.
Yes, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without it, you may be denied entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.