Kenya Visa Guide for Chinese Citizens: Visa Types, Documents and Process

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Kenya? Strictly speaking, Kenya no longer issues traditional tourist visas. They have been replaced by an electronic travel authorisation (eTA): apart from exempt groups, every traveller must apply online before departure. Ordinary PRC passports are not on the exemption list, so you need an eTA for tourism, family visits or business trips.

If you plan to work, do business, study or join family in Kenya long-term, you need the relevant work permit or pass, applied for through the Kenyan Department of Immigration Services’ online system. This guide covers what Chinese citizens ask about most: how to apply for an eTA and what documents you need, plus the conditions and official fees for work permits, student passes and dependant’s passes. Fees are as published on Kenyan official websites in October 2026.

Do PRC citizens need a visa for Kenya?

You need to apply for an eTA in advance. Kenya replaced traditional visas with the eTA in 2024, and the official site states that all travellers must submit their information before departure; those who do not may be denied boarding or fined on arrival. The key points:

• Fee: the official site lists the eTA types and fees as: standard eTA (single entry) US$30, transit eTA US$20 and one-year multiple-entry eTA US$300; expedited processing costs an extra US$100.
• Processing time: usually within 3 working days (72 hours), longer if checks are needed; the site recommends applying at least two weeks before travel.
• Not a guarantee of entry: the site stresses that an eTA is not the final authority to enter – admission is decided at the port of entry.
• Exempt groups: citizens of East African Community states, nationals of certain listed African and Commonwealth countries, and holders of Kenyan permanent residence or valid work permits or passes do not need an eTA. Ordinary PRC passports are not among them.

Visa types at a glance

How to apply for a short-stay authorisation

1. Gather documentsPassport, photo, itinerary, accommodation booking and any letters relevant to your trip
2. Apply onlineFill in the form on etakenya.go.ke (a Chinese interface is available) and upload your documents
3. Pay onlinePay by credit or debit card; choose expedited service if you are short of time
4. Wait for approvalThe result is usually emailed within 3 working days
5. TravelSave or print the eTA and show it at check-in and on arrival

Document checklist

According to the “General information” page of the eTA site, all applicants need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months with at least one blank page (if yours does not qualify, renew your passport first)
• A selfie or passport-style photo
• An email address and phone number
• Your itinerary (arrival and departure dates)
• Accommodation booking confirmation
• A credit or debit card for online payment

Depending on the purpose of travel you also need: for business, an invitation letter from the company and a copy of its registration certificate; for family visits, your host’s invitation letter plus their ID, passport or alien card; for conferences, an invitation letter; for medical treatment, a hospital referral letter; and, where applicable, vaccination or test certificates.

Fees and processing times

The eTA is simple: from US$30 and usually 3 working days. The big costs are long-term permits. For work and residence permits you first pay a non-refundable processing fee and, once approved, an annual issuance fee:

On these figures, the official cost of a Class D permit for a posted employee of a Chinese company is KES 520,000 in the first year – before agent fees and document translation and legalisation. Citizens of East African Community states are exempt from these fees, but Chinese citizens pay in full.

After you arrive in Kenya

• Check your entry stamp: your permitted stay is what the border officer stamps or records, so check it on the spot and ask the immigration department in advance if you want to stay longer.
• Renew permits before they expire: work permits and passes are paid for yearly; submit renewals online several months ahead, and make sure both company and individual tax compliance certificates are valid.
• Carry your documents: police may check your passport or permit. Keep the originals safe and store photos of your passport, eTA and permit on your phone.
• Register with the consulate: register in the “China Consular” (中国领事) app so the Chinese Embassy in Kenya can reach you in an emergency.

Work and long-term residence

A Kenyan “work visa” is in practice a work permit. Chinese employees of companies usually apply for a Class D permit, which the department describes as being for foreigners “offered specific employment by a specific employer” with skills or qualifications not available in Kenya. The documents include:

• A completed and signed Form 25, plus a cover letter from the employer to the Director General of Immigration Services
• A copy of the passport data page, a recent colour passport photo and, if already in Kenya, your current immigration status
• Certified copies of academic and professional certificates, and a CV (for authentication see our degree authentication guide)
• The employer’s certificate of registration, a valid tax compliance certificate, and evidence of competitive recruitment showing the job could not be filled locally
• Details of a Kenyan understudy assigned to the applicant, on Form 27

All documents not in English must be translated by an embassy, notary public or recognised institution. Once approved, the permit is printed from the system and endorsed at an immigration office.

Student visas

Studying in Kenya requires a Student’s Pass, submitted by the school. The main documents are Form 30 signed and stamped by an authorised officer of the institution, the school’s cover letter stating the course and its duration, a passport copy, passport photos, certified copies of academic certificates (for tertiary entrants), a sponsor’s commitment letter, proof of funds for self-sponsored students, and a police clearance certificate for adult students (see our police clearance certificate guide). Minors also need a parental consent letter and birth certificate. The fee for non-EAC students is US$100 a year.

Family reunification

Foreign dependants of Kenyan citizens, work permit holders and permanent residents can apply for a Dependant’s Pass. You need Form 28, a cover letter, passports or IDs for both parties, proof of the relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates), proof of stable income sufficient to support the dependant, and a sworn affidavit that the dependant cannot support themselves; if the sponsor holds a work permit, it must have at least 6 months left to run. The issuance fee is KES 20,000 for spouses and children of Kenyan citizens and KES 10,000 for those of work permit or permanent residence holders. Chinese marriage and birth certificates must first be notarised and legalised. Kenya is not on the list of parties to the Hague Apostille Convention (HCCH, updated June 2026), so expect the consular legalisation route – see Apostille and consular legalisation.

Investment, digital nomad and retirement options

• Investment and business (Class G): requires proof of at least US$100,000 in capital to be invested and an issuance fee of KES 250,000 a year. It suits Chinese who set up companies or work in trade and consultancy in Kenya. Mining (Class A) likewise requires proof of at least US$100,000 in investment funds.
• Retirement or passive income (Class K): applicants must be at least 35 and have a secure annual income of at least US$24,000 at their full disposal, such as a pension, annuity or income remitted from abroad.
• Digital nomads (Class N): the Department of Immigration Services’ eFNS portal lists a Class N digital nomad permit for people living in Kenya who work remotely for a company registered abroad – employees, shareholders or agents – and for self-employed people serving clients outside Kenya. Documents include the last 3 months’ bank statements or payslips, proof of accommodation and a letter of no objection from your country’s embassy in Kenya. The processing fee is US$200 and the issuance fee US$1,000 a year; the permit is issued for 1 or 2 years and is renewable. The official page states no minimum income.

Where to apply in China

There is no need to visit an embassy or consulate. The eTA is handled entirely online at etakenya.go.ke, and work permits and passes are all submitted through the Department of Immigration Services’ online system, usually by the employer, school or an agent in Kenya. The focus in China is preparing your passport, photos and notarised, legalised and English-translated documents – degrees, marriage certificates, police clearance and so on.

Common reasons for refusal and how to avoid them

• Documents not matching the purpose: for example, applying as a tourist while carrying commercial samples, or a business visit without an invitation letter.
• Passport problems: less than 6 months’ validity or no blank page.
• No proof of local recruitment: in Class D applications, failing to show the job was advertised and no suitable local candidate was found is a common reason for rejection.
• Expired tax compliance certificates: new applications need a valid company certificate; renewals need both company and individual certificates.
• Applying at the last minute: processing can take longer than 3 working days, so follow the official advice and apply at least two weeks ahead.

From visa to permanent residence and citizenship

Kenya’s permanent residence threshold is clear: after holding work permits for at least 7 years and living in Kenya continuously for the 3 years before applying, you can apply online, together with your spouse and children. For renewals and switching between categories, see Residence and permanent residence in Kenya.

If you go on to consider citizenship, be clear about the PRC Nationality Law: China does not recognise dual nationality, and a Chinese citizen settled abroad who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality automatically loses Chinese nationality. See Dual nationality and loss of Chinese nationality.

FAQ

How long does a Kenyan eTA take?

Usually up to 3 working days; expedited service (an extra US$100) is processed immediately. The official advice is to apply at least two weeks ahead.

Does an eTA guarantee entry?

No. The official site states that an eTA is not the final authority to enter; border officers can refuse entry based on your documents and answers.

Which permit do Chinese people need to work in Kenya?

Employees usually need a Class D permit and business owners a Class G permit; for short-term projects, the company can apply for a Special Pass valid for up to 6 months.

I want to know more about living conditions before I go.

For cost of living, healthcare and the Chinese community, see Moving to Kenya from China; you can also compare the Egypt visa guide.

Sources

1. Kenya eTA (Department of Immigration Services): official portal (accessed October 2026)
2. Kenya eTA: General information – exemptions, requirements, processing (accessed October 2026)
3. Kenya eTA: FAQs – fees and processing (accessed October 2026)
4. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Work permits (accessed October 2026)
5. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Passes and permits (Class A requirements and fees) (accessed October 2026)
6. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Class D (Employment) (accessed October 2026)
7. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Class G (Specific trade, business or consultancy) (accessed October 2026)
8. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Class K (Ordinary residents) (accessed October 2026)
9. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Special Pass (accessed October 2026)
10. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Student’s Pass (accessed October 2026)
11. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Dependant’s Pass (accessed October 2026)
12. Kenya Department of Immigration Services: Permanent residence (accessed October 2026)
13. MOFCOM, Country (Region) Guide for Foreign Investment and Cooperation: Kenya (2025 edition, Chinese) (accessed October 2026)
14. Kenya eTA: Eligibility – eTA types and fees (accessed October 2026)
15. Kenya Department of Immigration Services eFNS: Permit classes (A–R) (accessed October 2026)
16. Kenya Department of Immigration Services eFNS: Class N permit (digital nomad) (accessed October 2026)
17. HCCH: Status table – Apostille Convention (accessed October 2026)