India Visa RequirementsFor Kenya passport holders
Kenyan citizens can apply for an Indian eVisa online before travel. India's e-Visa system allows Kenyan passport holders to obtain a tourist, business, or medical visa online for USD 25. India and Kenya have deep historical and economic ties through the East African Indian-origin community.
Kenya passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to India.
Apply for the Indian e-Tourist Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before your travel date. Required: valid Kenyan passport (minimum 6 months validity), digital passport photo (white background, face filling 80% of frame), recent front page photo of your passport, credit or debit card for USD 25 payment, and your travel dates and accommodation address in India. Processing takes 3-5 business days. The standard e-Tourist Visa (USD 25) allows double-entry for 30 days per entry from the issue date. Longer validity options (1-year or 5-year multiple-entry, allowing 90 days per visit) are available at higher fees. Print your eVisa confirmation to show on arrival at designated e-Visa airports.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Kenyan passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Indian e-Tourist Visa application (indianvisaonline.gov.in)
Digital passport photo (white background)
Digital copy of Kenyan passport front page
Credit or debit card for USD 25 payment
Confirmed flight booking and accommodation address Recommended
Current Travel Situation
Kenya to India: What You Need to Know
India and Kenya share deep historical connections: a large Indian-origin community (descendants of workers brought during the British colonial era) has been resident in Kenya for generations. This makes India a particularly significant destination for many Kenyan citizens visiting relatives or exploring ancestral connections. India is the world's most populous country and offers extraordinary diversity: the Taj Mahal, Kerala backwaters, Rajasthan's palaces and deserts, Himalayan treks, and vibrant cities including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Kenyan citizens can apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa online, making the application process straightforward.
How to Get There
Direct flights connect Nairobi (NBO) to Indian cities. Kenya Airways operates KQ flights from NBO to Mumbai (BOM), the most common route for Kenyan travellers. Air India also connects NBO-Delhi (DEL) and NBO-Mumbai. Emirates (via DXB), Qatar Airways (via DOH), and Ethiopian Airlines (via ADD) offer connections to multiple Indian cities. Flight time Nairobi to Mumbai direct is approximately 5 hours.
Money & Banking
India uses the Indian rupee (INR). India is very affordable for visitors paying in Kenyan shillings, USD, or EUR. Mid-range travel costs approximately USD 30-70 per day. Credit cards work in major hotels and tourist shops; cash is essential for local transport, street food, and smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available in cities but less reliable in rural areas. Carry some USD cash as backup.
Practical Tips
India's unmissable highlights: the Taj Mahal in Agra (one of the world's most beautiful buildings), Rajasthan (Jaipur's Pink City, Udaipur's lake palaces, Jodhpur's Blue City, Jaisalmer's desert fort), Kerala backwaters (houseboats on serene waterways), Varanasi (Hindu holy city on the Ganges), and the beaches of Goa. Mumbai (Bollywood, colonial architecture, street food) and Delhi (Old Delhi's bazaars, Mughal monuments) are essential city experiences. For Kenyan visitors with Indian-origin heritage, the states of Gujarat and Punjab (major sources of Kenya's Indian community) may have special significance. India's food is extraordinary, with diverse regional cuisines across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kenyan citizens need a visa for India?
Yes, but the e-Tourist Visa process is simple. Kenyan passport holders can apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The fee is USD 25 and processing takes 3-5 business days. The e-Tourist Visa allows double entry with up to 30 days per visit.
Are there direct flights from Kenya to India?
Yes. Kenya Airways operates direct flights from Nairobi (NBO) to Mumbai (BOM). Air India also connects Nairobi to Delhi and Mumbai. Flight time Nairobi to Mumbai is approximately 5 hours direct.
Why do many Kenyans travel to India?
Kenya has a large Indian-origin community -- descendants of workers brought by the British during the colonial era. Many Kenyan citizens travel to India to visit relatives, explore ancestral regions (particularly Gujarat and Punjab), and for medical treatment in Indian hospitals which offer high-quality care at competitive costs. India is also a major source of goods traded in Kenya.