Kenyan citizens who wish to travel to India for business, education, tourism, or other purposes must obtain a visa. The type of India visa required depends on the purpose of travel and the length of stay.
In this article, we will discuss the visa requirements for Kenyan citizens traveling to India.
Types of Indian Visa for Kenyan Citizens
- Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is issued to Kenyan citizens who wish to travel to India for tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or other recreational purposes. The tourist visa is valid for up to 180 days and can be single or multiple entries.
- Business Visa
The business visa is issued to Kenyan citizens who wish to travel to India for business purposes. This includes attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. The business visa is valid for up to one year and can be a single or multiple entry.
- Medical Visa
The medical visa is issued to Kenyan citizens who wish to travel to India for medical treatment. This includes seeking medical attention, undergoing medical tests, or getting medical surgery. The medical visa is valid for up to one year and can be single or multiple entries.
- Conference Visa
The conference visa is issued to Kenyan citizens who wish to attend a conference, seminar, or workshop in India. The conference visa is valid for up to 30 days and can be single or multiple entries.
- Employment Visa
The employment visa is issued to Kenyan citizens who have been offered employment by an Indian company or organization.
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The employment visa is valid for the duration of the employment contract and can be single or multiple entries.
- Student Visa
The student visa is issued to Kenyan citizens who wish to study at an educational institution in India. The student visa is valid for the duration of the course and can be single or multiple entries.
- Research Visa
The research visa is issued to Kenyan citizens who wish to conduct research in India. The research visa is valid for up to three years and can be single or multiple entries.
- Film Visa
The film visa is issued to Kenyan citizens who wish to film a documentary or feature film in India. The film visa is valid for up to one year and can be a single or multiple entry.
Visa Application Process
To apply for an Indian visa, Kenyan citizens must follow the following steps:
- Complete the visa application form
The visa application form can be filled out online or in person at the Indian Embassy or Consulate. Kenyan citizens must fill out the form accurately and completely, providing all required information and documentation.
- Gather required documents
Kenyan citizens must provide the following documents:
- A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity and at least two blank pages
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations
- Proof of financial means to support their stay in India
- A letter of invitation or sponsorship from an Indian company, organization, or individual (if required)
- Pay the visa fee
Kenyan citizens must pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay.
- Schedule a visa appointment
Kenyan citizens must schedule a visa appointment at the Indian Embassy or Consulate. During the appointment, they will submit their application and biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) and may be interviewed by a consular officer.
- Wait for visa processing
The visa processing time can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of visa and the workload of the Indian Embassy or Consulate.
Visa on Arrival
Kenyan citizens can apply for a visa on arrival at the following airports in India:
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
The visa on arrival is only available for Kenyan citizens who are traveling to India for tourism or business purposes and have a return ticket. The visa on arrival is valid for up to 60 days and can be single or multiple entries.
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However, it is recommended that Kenyan citizens apply for a visa before traveling to India to avoid any inconvenience or delays at the airport.
Documents required for visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity and at least two blank pages
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations
- Proof of financial means to support their stay in India
- A copy of the online visa application
India Visa Extension
If Kenyan citizens wish to extend their stay in India beyond the validity of their visa, they must apply for a visa extension at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India. The visa extension is subject to approval and Kenyan citizens must provide a valid reason for their extension request.
Documents required for India visa extension:
- A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity and at least two blank pages
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- A copy of the visa extension application form
- Proof of financial means to support their extended stay in India
- A letter from the Indian sponsor (if required)
- A copy of the flight ticket indicating the date of departure (if required)
Visa Fees
The visa fees for Kenyan citizens vary depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. The visa fees can be paid online or in person at the Indian Embassy or Consulate.
India Visa fees for Kenyan citizens:
- Tourist Visa: $25 for a 30-day single entry visa, $40 for a 60-day double entry visa, and $80 for a 180-day multiple entry visa
- Business Visa: $80 for a 1-year multiple entry visa
- Medical Visa: $80 for a 1-year multiple entry visa
- Conference Visa: $80 for a 30-day single entry visa
- Employment Visa: $80 for a single entry visa, $120 for a 6-month multiple entry visa, and $180 for a 1-year multiple entry visa
- Student Visa: $80 for a single entry visa and $120 for a 1-year multiple entry visa
- Research Visa: $80 for a single entry visa and $120 for a 1-year multiple entry visa
- Film Visa: $80 for a 1-year multiple entry visa
In conclusion, Kenyan citizens traveling to India must obtain a visa before their travel. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel and the length of stay.
Kenyan citizens can apply for a visa online or in person at the Indian Embassy or Consulate. They must provide all required documentation and pay the visa fees.
Kenyan citizens can also apply for a visa on arrival at certain airports in India but it is recommended to apply for a visa before traveling to avoid any inconvenience or delays.
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