Do I need a visa for a business trip to Kenya?
Kenya has moved to electronic pre-authorisation for most visitors. The more consequential question is whether what you plan to do counts as a visit or as work.
Electronic authorisation before departure
Kenya operates an Electronic Travel Authorisation that most visitors must obtain online before travelling, replacing the older practice of obtaining a visa on arrival. Applications are made in advance with passport details, travel dates, accommodation and purpose of visit, and approval should be secured before booking non-refundable travel.
Because entry requirements have changed more than once in recent years, confirm the current position close to your travel date rather than relying on guidance written earlier, including this page.
Visit versus work: the distinction that matters
A business visit covers meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade expos, site inspections and supplier assessment. That is normally within the scope of ordinary visitor authorisation.
Taking up employment, performing paid services for a Kenyan entity, or working hands-on in an operation requires a work permit or a special pass. The distinction is about the nature of the activity, not its duration, and getting it wrong creates immigration exposure for both you and your local counterparty.
The special pass for short assignments
Where someone needs to perform actual work for a short period, commissioning equipment, delivering training, conducting a technical audit, a special pass covers the gap while a substantive permit is processed if one is needed. This is the correct instrument for short technical assignments, and it should be arranged in advance.
Practical preparation
Beyond authorisation, check that your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages, review current vaccination requirements including yellow fever certification where your routing requires it, and carry documentation supporting the purpose of your visit such as an invitation letter or expo registration. Immigration officers may ask, and a clear answer supported by paperwork moves things along.
Regional travel
If your itinerary covers several East African countries, look at whether the East Africa Tourist Visa suits your routing, since it covers multiple member states on a single authorisation. Requirements differ by nationality and by which countries you intend to visit, so confirm the specific combination rather than assuming coverage.
We handle travel authorisation, invitation documentation and permits for delegations, so the administrative side does not delay a trip.