Vietnam visa for Kenyan citizens: 90 days E-visa & Fees

All Kenyan citizens are required to hold a valid Vietnam visa before entering the country, as no visa exemption agreement currently exists between Vietnam and Kenya. The most accessible option for Kenyan passport holders is the Vietnam e-visa (EVISA), which allows stays of up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and can be applied for entirely online through the official Vietnam e-visa portal.
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Do Kenyan citizens need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Yes, all Kenyan citizens are required to obtain a valid Vietnam visa before or upon entry into the country. Vietnam and Kenya do not have a bilateral visa exemption agreement in place ^[1], which means holding a Kenyan passport alone does not grant you visa-free access to Vietnam under any current arrangement recognised by the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This applies regardless of your purpose of travel, whether you are visiting for tourism, business, family reunion, or transit. The Vietnam entry requirements for Kenya nationals have remained consistent on this point, and our advisory team at Tan Van Lang confirms this remains the case as of 2026.

The good news is that Kenyan passport holders have multiple legal pathways to obtain their Vietnam visa, and the process, particularly through the e-visa route, is more straightforward than many travellers assume ^[2]. With over 20 years of experience handling complex visa cases since 2003, Tan Van Lang has guided thousands of African nationals, including travellers making the Nairobi to Vietnam journey, through a smooth and fully compliant entry process.

Nationality	Visa required to enter Vietnam?
Kenyan citizen	Yes
Visa exemption available	No
E-visa eligible	Yes
Visa on arrival eligible	Yes (with pre-approval)

>>> Read more: How to Stay in Vietnam Long Term: All Visa Options 2026

Types of Vietnam visa available for Kenya passport holders

Kenyan nationals can access Vietnam through several visa categories, each suited to different travel needs. Understanding the distinction between these options is essential before you submit any Vietnam visa application from Kenya.

By method of application:

Vietnam e-visa (EVISA), applied for entirely online via the Vietnam e-visa portal
Visa on arrival, requires a pre-approved visa approval letter obtained before departure

By purpose of visit:

Tourist visa (DL category)
Business visa (DN category)
Relative visit visa (VR category)

By length of stay and entry type:

Duration	Entry type
30 days	Single entry
30 days	Multiple entry
90 days	Single entry
90 days	Multiple entry

Based on our advisory experience working with travellers from East Africa, the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa is the most practical and cost-effective option for most Kenyan citizens, it offers maximum flexibility for those combining tourism with business meetings or planning to cross into neighbouring countries and return.

It is worth noting that the Vietnam e-visa has replaced the older 30-day single-entry limitation that previously applied. Since the Vietnamese government expanded the EVISA Vietnam system in 2023, Kenyan nationals now enjoy access to the same 90-day multiple-entry entitlement available to most other nationalities worldwide.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Airport Fast Track Service 2026 – Skip the Lines, Save Time

How to apply for a Vietnam e-visa from Kenya

The Vietnam e-visa is the most recommended route for Kenyan citizens today. It is issued electronically, requires no embassy visit, and can be completed from anywhere, including Nairobi, as long as you have a stable internet connection and the correct documents.

Requirements for Vietnam e-visa for Kenyan citizens:

A valid Kenyan passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended entry date
A minimum of 2 blank pages remaining in your passport
A scanned copy of your passport biographical page (JPEG format, under 2MB)
A digital portrait photograph meeting Vietnam’s e-visa photo specifications (white background, full face, no glasses)
An active email address for receiving your OTP verification and e-visa document
A valid credit or debit card for the government application fee

The official application channel is the Vietnam Immigration Department‘s e-visa portal at https://evisa.gov.vn/.

Be extremely cautious: There are numerous fraudulent third-party websites that imitate this portal and charge significantly inflated fees while delivering invalid documents. Our team at Tan Van Lang consistently warns clients from Africa, particularly those researching East Africa Vietnam visa or Africa Vietnam visa options online, to verify URLs carefully before entering any payment or passport details.

Step-by-step process if applying directly:

Access the official Vietnam e-visa portal
Select “Grant e-visa for foreigners” and fill in the application form accurately
Upload your passport photo and portrait
Pay the official government fee via card
Receive your e-visa to your registered email (typically within 3–5 business days)
Print the e-visa and present it alongside your Kenyan passport at the port of entry

Critical detail that many applicants overlook: You must select a specific port of entry when completing your EVISA Vietnam application. The e-visa is only valid for entry at the exact checkpoint you specify, arriving at a different airport, land border, or seaport will result in denial of entry. Vietnam operates over 30 approved e-visa entry ports, including:

Airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Phu Bai (Hue)
Land border gates: Moc Bai (Tay Ninh), Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Lao Cai, Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh)
Seaports: Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City Seaport, Chan May, Nha Trang, Vung Tau
If you are uncertain which port best suits your itinerary, our team can advise based on your routing from Nairobi.

We support foreigners with accurate consultation and compliant visa solutions for Vietnam. — Tan Van Lang provides reliable Vietnam visa services backed by over 20 years of professional experience.

>>> Read more: Failure to Register Temporary Residence in Vietnam: Fines & Penalties 2026

Vietnam visa on arrival for Kenyan travelers

The Vietnam visa on arrival remains a valid option for Kenyan citizens, though it involves a preparatory step that many travellers do not anticipate. Contrary to what the name implies, you cannot simply arrive at a Vietnamese airport and request a visa, you must obtain a visa approval letter from a licensed Vietnamese immigration agent or sponsor before departure.

The approval letter authorises airline staff to allow you to board your flight to Vietnam, and Vietnamese immigration officers at the airport use it to issue your physical visa stamp on arrival. Without this letter, you will be denied boarding in Kenya.

How the visa on arrival process works:

Submit your passport details and travel information to a Vietnam immigration agency
The agency files a request with the Vietnam Immigration Department on your behalf
You receive a visa approval letter by email (usually within 2–5 business days)
Print the approval letter and present it at check-in and on arrival in Vietnam
At the arrival hall, proceed to the visa-on-arrival counter, complete a landing form, and pay the stamp fee (approximately USD 25 for a single-entry stamp)

From our practical work with Kenyan travellers, visa on arrival is typically chosen by those who need a faster turnaround than the standard e-visa processing allows, or those whose travel plans were confirmed late. However, the e-visa route eliminates the stamp fee and reduces dependency on third-party approval letters.

Important limitation: Visa on arrival is only available through international airports, it cannot be used at land border gates or seaports. If you plan to enter Vietnam overland from Cambodia, Laos, or China, the e-visa is the only viable pre-arranged option.

>>> Read more: How to Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa (Visa DL) 2026

Vietnam visa fees and processing time for Kenyan nationals

The fee structure differs depending on whether you apply through the official government e-visa portal directly or through a professional service provider ^[3].

Official government e-visa fees (self-application):

Visa type	Fee (USD)
Single entry e-visa (up to 90 days)	$25
Multiple entry e-visa (up to 90 days)	$50

Based on our operational data across thousands of Vietnam visa applications processed since 2003, the majority of Kenyan applicants who submit complete, error-free documentation receive their e-visa within three to five business days.

Applications with mismatched data between the form and passport, or photos that fail technical requirements, routinely experience delays of seven days or more, and in some cases, outright rejection without refund of the government fee.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa service : Fast & secure solution for your trip 2026

Vietnam visa validity and length of stay for Kenyan citizens

There is a distinction that many Kenyan travellers confuse: visa validity refers to the date window within which you must enter Vietnam, while length of stay refers to how long you may remain once inside the country.

For a 90-day Vietnam e-visa issued to a Kenyan national:

You must enter Vietnam before the expiry date on your e-visa

Once you enter, you may stay for up to 90 consecutive days

A multiple-entry visa allows you to exit and re-enter within the same 90-day visa period

Can the stay be extended?

At present, Vietnam does not permit tourists holding an e-visa to extend their stay from within the country. If you wish to remain in Vietnam beyond your authorised period, you must exit the country, typically to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or another neighbouring nation, and re-enter with a new valid visa.

Our advisory team cautions, however, that repeatedly exiting and re-entering Vietnam in a short period can raise flags with Vietnam immigration officers and may result in entry refusal. If you anticipate needing extended time in Vietnam, for work, business negotiations, or family visits, we strongly recommend applying for the appropriate long-stay visa category from the outset rather than relying on repeated border runs.

Temporary residence registration: Upon arrival in Vietnam, if you are staying at a hotel or guesthouse, your accommodation provider is legally obligated to register your temporary residence with local authorities within 24 hours.

If you are staying at a private residence, the host is responsible for completing this registration. Non-compliance on the part of your host is a legal violation under Vietnamese immigration law, but as a traveller, you should confirm this is being handled to avoid complications during your stay.

>>> Read more: Vietnam E-Visa: Complete Guide to Apply Online for Foreigners 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can Kenyan citizens get a Vietnam visa on arrival?

Yes, Kenyan citizens are eligible for visa on arrival, but only if they obtain a pre-approved visa approval letter before departing Kenya. This letter must be arranged through a licensed Vietnam immigration agent. Note that visa on arrival is available exclusively at international airports, not at land or sea border crossings.

How long does it take to process a Vietnam e-visa for Kenyan citizens?

The official government e-visa portal processes most applications within 3 to 5 business days, though up to 20% of applications take longer due to documentation issues or high submission volumes. Professional services like those offered by Tan Van Lang guarantee specific turnaround times and include pre-submission checks to minimise delays.

What documents are required for a Vietnam visa application from Kenya?

The core requirements for a Vietnam visa application Kenya submission are:

Valid Kenyan passport (minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
Scanned passport biographical page (JPEG, clear and unobstructed)
Digital portrait photo (JPEG, white background, frontal, glasses-free)
Active email address
Payment card (credit or debit)

For visa on arrival applications, you will additionally need a printed copy of your visa approval letter and the landing visa stamp fee in cash (USD preferred at Vietnamese airports).

Is there a visa exemption agreement between Vietnam and Kenya?

No. As of 2025, there is no bilateral visa exemption agreement between Vietnam and Kenya. Kenyan passport holders do not benefit from any form of visa-free access to Vietnam, regardless of the duration or purpose of their visit. Any source claiming otherwise should be treated with scepticism, our team at Tan Van Lang has seen clients misled by outdated or fabricated information circulating on travel forums.

How much does a Vietnam visa cost for Kenyan passport holders?

For the e-visa applied through the official portal, the Vietnam visa fee Kenya applicants pay is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry.For visa on arrival, you pay the approval letter service fee (variable by provider) plus the airport stamp fee of approximately USD 25. If using a professional visa service, additional service fees apply in exchange for guaranteed processing and expert handling.

Can Kenyan citizens extend their Vietnam visa after arrival?

Under current regulations, e-visa holders cannot extend their stay while inside Vietnam. To remain in the country beyond your authorised period, you must depart and apply for a new e-visa.Overstaying your visa in Vietnam is a serious offence that results in fines, potential detention, and future entry bans. Our advisory experience shows that even a single day of overstaying can complicate future Vietnam visa applications from Kenya.

What is the maximum stay allowed for Kenyan citizens in Vietnam?

The maximum authorised stay currently available to Kenyan nationals under a single Vietnam visa is 90 days, available under both single and multiple entry e-visa categories. There is currently no long-term tourist visa that extends beyond this period for Kenyan citizens.Business visa categories can offer longer stays, but these require additional sponsorship and supporting documentation from a Vietnamese company or organisation.

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