Kenya Embassy Ireland

1. DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT KENYA? WHERE DO I OBTAIN A VISA FOR KENYA?

Visa can be obtained at the Kenya Embassy in Dublin, see the contact details here.

Certain nationals can also apply for visas on arrival at the airport or border point. The visa application form is available on-line here and information on visas can be obtained from this website.

2.HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS A VISA?

Visas applied in Dublin may take 1-3 working days. Normally those applied in the morning may be collected in the afternoon. Visa applications sent by mail may take approximately 3-4 working days.

3. IF A VISITOR HAS A VALID KENYA VISA AND THEN DECIDES TO VISIT TANZANIA OR UGANDA, THEN RETURNS TO KENYA WITHIN THE VALIDITY, WOULD THEY NEED ANOTHER VISA?

No. A valid Single Entry Visa allows multiple entries for holders of Kenya Visa after visiting Tanzania and Uganda.

4. WHEN IS A TRANSIT VISA ISSUED?

A transit visa may be issued prior to a visit for the purpose of connecting flights; applicant must hold valid onward air-ticket.

5. IS THE KENYA EMBASSY THE ONLY PLACE A IRISH PASSPORT HOLDER CAN GET A VISA?

No. An Irish passport holder and other many nationalities may be issued with a visa at any port of entry in Kenya provided they meet the usual immigration formalities.

6. HOW LONG DOES THE VISA ENDORSED IN A PASSPORT ALLOW A VISITOR TO STAY IN KENYA?

On arrival at the airport, the passport will be stamped with a visitors pass valid for the duration of visit or up to 3 months with effect from the date of arrival in Kenya.

7. HOW CAN I EXTEND MY VISA?

A. The visitor’s pass/visa may be extended for another 3 months, at the nearest Department of Immigration office, if the extension meets all the immigration regulations. However the stay cannot exceed six months.

8. DO CHILDREN NEED VISAS?

Yes. Children travelling on their passports or child passport need visas. However, the government at times waives this requirement and travellers are requested to contact the Embassy if unsure or use the search facility on this website to find relevant information.

9.DO CHILDREN ENDORSED IN PARENTS PASSPORTS NEED VISAS?

No. Children endorsed in their parent’s passports don’t need visas. The parents should ask for the children to be also endorsed in the visa.

10.WHAT IS A REFERRED VISA? AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET IT?

A referred visa requires approval from the Office of the Director of Immigration Nairobi.

It normally takes 8 weeks or more to receive a decision.

Important Notice: Do not make travel arrangements unless the approval has been granted.

11. I WANT TO WORK AS A VOLUNTEER/INTERNSHIP IN KENYA, WHAT DO I NEED?

All foreigners working in Kenya whether on paid or unpaid terms (volunteers) require a work permit or special pass. The institution engaging the foreigner should apply for the permit from the Director of Immigration Services. See the website for more details (www.immigration.go.ke)

12. HOW CAN I LIVE IN KENYA PERMANENTLY?

You can live in Kenya permanently by obtaining a work or residence permit. Information and application forms for work permits are available at: www.immigration.go.ke

13. WHAT VACCINATIONS DO I NEED?

Currently tourists from Europe, North America, Canada and Japan do not require yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates to enter Kenya. Travellers from areas prevalent with yellow fever and cholera are required to have vaccination certificates.

Malaria prevention is strongly recommended, and travellers are advised to bring along malaria prophylaxis as well as personal medicines, sun protection cream and mosquito repellent.

PASSPORTS

1.HOW DO I GET MY PASSPORT REPLACED ON TIME?

By applying in advance (we allow you to apply for replacement six months before expiry date) Application forms and information is available here.

2.HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PASSPORTS TO BE ISSUED?
Six to eight weeks or more.

3.ARE PASSPORTS ISSUED AT THE EMBASSY?
No, the Passport Control Office at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi issues them.

4. CAN THE CHILD BE ENDORSED IN MY PASSPORT

No. Children can no longer be endorsed in Kenya Passports. Those previously endorsed should apply for their own passports. On arrival in Kenya the child may be deleted from the parents passport.

5.WHAT HAPPENS TO A CHILD BORN IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OF A KENYAN MOTHER AND A FOREIGN FATHER?

The Child is not a citizen of Kenya. Therefore the child cannot be issued with a Kenyan passport.

6. HOW CAN MY CHILD GET A KENYA CITIZENSHIP? THE CHILD WAS BORN HERE AND THE FATHER IS NOT A CITIZEN OF KENYA. THE FATHER’S NAME IS NOT INDICATED ON THE CHILD’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE.

The mother can apply to register the child as a citizen of Kenya as stipulated in the Kenya citizenship Act and in the Constitution of Kenya, Section 91.

7. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS IF I NEED A TRAVEL DOCUMENT / PASSPORT FOR MY CHILD BORN IN GERMANY?

If the birth record of the child indicates the father is a citizen of Kenya, then apply for the passport. Application forms and information is available on this website here.

8. WHAT IF THE NAME OF THE FATHER DOESN’T APPEAR ON THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND THE MOTHER IS A KENYAN?

If the mother and child desire to relocate to Kenya. The child may be issued with an emergency one-way travel document to resettle in Kenya. This document cannot be used to return to Germany. It will be surrendered at the airport.

9 HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE AN EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENT ISSUED?

It is issued within 24 hours.

10. CAN THE TRAVEL DOCUMENT BE SENT TO ME BY MAIL

No. For security reasons, applicants must come for interview at the Embassy

11. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CHILD UPON ARRIVAL IN KENYA? CAN ONE APPLY FOR A PASSPORT FOR THE CHILD?

Upon arrival in Kenya, apply for a residence permission for your child. The permission is known as a Dependant’s Pass and can be applied at the nearest Immigration Office. Thereafter the child can be registered as a Kenyan citizen.

ADOPTION

1.WHAT CAN I DO TO ADOPT A CHILD FROM KENYA

The Adoption must be filled with the Registrar of the High Court. The child must be aged less than 18 years.

2. HOW DO I FILE THE APPLICATION

You need to engage a lawyer or advocate to file the adoption on your behalf in Kenya.

3.WHAT IF THE CHILD WAS ADOPTED THROUGH AN AFFIDAVIT?

No. Affidavit is not recognised by neither the German or Kenyan authorities as Adoption Certificate.