Firstly, all Kenyan passport holders, whether you hold a diplomatic or ordinary passport, need a pre-approved visa to enter the UAE.
Getting a UAE visa as a Kenyan is not as easy as it once was.
Before mid-2024, one would get a visa within hours. However, a lot of Kenyans have overstayed their visa, prompting the UAE immigration to put more scrutiny on visa applications from Kenyans.
This has led to an increase in visa rejections, with immigration authorities citing several reasons. You can read about all of them in our detailed article on UAE visa rejections for Kenyans.
When planning your trip to Dubai, you’ll first need to decide which visa you need.
There are tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and even visit visas for family or friends. Once you know which visa you need, you can start the application process.
For most people reading this article, the tourist visa is what you will most likely need to get.
You can read more about how to get a UAE digital nomad (remote) visa for freelancers and entrepreneurs, the 10-year Golden Visa, or the 10-year Blue Residency Visa.
The good news is that for UAE visa applications, you won’t have to visit the UAE Embassy in Kenya.
How to Apply for the UAE Visa as a Kenyan or a Kenyan Passport Holder
There are 3 main ways in which you can apply for the UAE visa as a Kenyan.
The first method is through the airline, and in this case, Emirates Airlines. This is the most straightforward way to obtain your visa. However, please keep in mind that you need to have booked both your flight and accommodation with Emirates through the Emirates World Store office in Nairobi for them to process your visa.
If you only book you flights and not accommodation, then you will have to go through an agent or through VFS, which is the second method we will look at.
VFS Global is an outsourcing company that manages tasks for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. They are the official partners of the UAE government and Emirates Airlines in processing UAE visas on their behalf.
You will need to visit their offices with all the required documents to have them process the visa.
The third method of obtaining your UAE visa is through local agents. Most Kenyans usually opt for this method as it is also quite efficient, and can be done from the comfort of their home.
How Much is the UAE Visa for Kenyans?
The UAE visa for Kenyans through an agent will cost you between KSh 20,000 and KSh 25,000, depending on the agency.
If you are using Emirates, it will cost you $90, which is about Ksh Ksh 12,000.
Can You Apply for the UAE Visa by Yourself?
We would advise against this. Also, it is quite hard to apply on your own. You will need to use an agent, an airline (Emirates), or a verified partner, such as VFS, to obtain your visa.
How long does it take to get a UAE Visa as a Kenyan?
The official processing time for a UAE visa is usually between 2 and 7 days. However, you can get it within a shorter time period. It is, however, always a good idea to apply well in advance of your trip, just in case there are any delays.
For How Long is the Visa Valid?
The most common visa obtained by Kenyans is usually valid for 30 days. This is the single entry 30 day tourist visas.
For more details on visa types, please read our guide on the different types of UAE visas you can apply for.
Should You Apply for it Directly or Use an Agent?
From our experience, using an agent is a lot faster. Ensure you choose a reputable agent who has processed multiple visas before.
Documents Needed to Obtain a UAE Visa as a Kenyan
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date in the UAE.
- You’ll need to have a passport-size photo that meets the UAE’s specifications.
- Recently, the UAE immigration department has been requesting proof of funds equivalent to $4,000 for individuals aged 18 to 41. This is one of the primary reasons for visa rejections.
- Flight and accommodation reservations
Related: Kenyans in Dubai
