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Canada visa for Kenyan citizens
Kenya 
Canada Kenya passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to Canada.
Yes, a visa is required
- Entry requirement
- Visa required
- Maximum stay
- Set by the visa
- Apply before travel
- Yes
- Last updated
- February 2026
How to apply
Checked November 2026⚠️ IRCC warns that many third-party websites charge extra to submit eTA applications and are not operating for the Government of Canada; the official fee is CAD 7 on canada.ca. Use only the official links below.
Visitor visa (temporary resident visa)
- Fee
- CAD 100 per person (CAD 500 for a family of 5 or more) plus CAD 85 biometrics per person (family cap CAD 170)
- Processing
- Applied for online through the IRCC portal; times vary by country of application and biometrics are usually required
At the border
- Visitor visa applicants need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the planned travel date.
- The eTA applies only to air travel; visa-exempt visitors arriving by land or sea do not need one.
- A new passport means a new eTA, because the eTA is linked electronically to the passport used to apply.
- Visitors are normally allowed to stay up to 6 months; the border officer makes the final decision.
- Visa applicants should be ready to show travel history, an itinerary, bank statements and employment or invitation letters.
- US lawful permanent residents are exempt from the eTA but must carry proof of status and a valid national passport.
Recent changes
- 2026: IRCC temporary Ebola-related special measures were extended until 27 November 2026 (noted on the visitor visa page).
Official source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Canada.ca · Not yet confirmed officially: consularVisa.processing: no standard visitor visa processing time was given on the page read (IRCC publishes live times by country)
What Kenya passport holders need to do
- Find the embassy, consulate or visa application centre that covers where you live.
- Complete the application form and gather your documents: passport, photos, itinerary, proof of funds and accommodation.
- Book an appointment, pay the fee and give biometrics if they are required.
- Wait for the decision before you book non-refundable travel.
Kenya is one of 144 passports in the “visa required” group for Canada. See the full Canada visa requirements for every passport.
Easier alternatives in North America for Kenya passport holders
Canada is one of 95 destinations in the “visa required” group for the Kenya passport, which ranks #60 worldwide with a mobility score of 70. Of 23 destinations in North America, 12 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.
| Destination | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
 Antigua and Barbuda | Visa-free | 180 days |
 Bahamas | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Barbados | Visa-free | 180 days |
 Cuba | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Dominica | Visa-free | 180 days |
 Grenada | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Haiti | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Jamaica | Visa-free | – |
 Saint Kitts and Nevis | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Trinidad and Tobago | Visa-free | – |
 Saint Lucia | Visa on arrival | – |
Frequently asked questions
Do Kenyan citizens need a visa for Canada?
Kenya passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to Canada.
Can Kenyan citizens get a visa on arrival in Canada?
No. Kenya passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Canada.
Do Canada citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Canada passport holders do not need a traditional visa for Kenya, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online before departure.
Canada visa requirements for other passports
Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of Canada before you book.