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Canada Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Canada, applied for online via the IRCC portal; the visa fee is CAD 100 plus a CAD 85 biometrics fee, with standard processing typically taking several weeks.

Guide last updated September 24, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the entire intended stay in Canada, with at least 1 blank page
  • Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications (uploaded during the online application)
  • Completed online application via the IRCC secure account (forms IMM 5257 for visitor visa, plus IMM 5645 family info if applicable)
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last 3-6 months)
  • Letter of employment or business registration showing ties to Kenya
  • Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation
  • Invitation letter if visiting family or friends in Canada
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) required - given at a Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Nairobi
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory but strongly recommended

Visa types

  • Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa): single or multiple entry, generally valid up to 10 years or passport expiry (whichever is sooner), max stay per visit usually 6 months, fee CAD 100
  • Super Visa (for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents): multiple entry, valid up to 10 years, allows stays of up to 2 years per visit, fee CAD 100
  • Study permit / work permit: separate application streams with their own fees (CAD 150 study permit, CAD 155 work permit) and document requirements beyond the standard visitor visa

How to apply online

  • Create an IRCC secure online account and complete the visitor visa application (form IMM 5257)
  • Upload all supporting documents as PDF/JPEG scans and pay the CAD 100 visa fee plus CAD 85 biometrics fee online by card
  • After submission, book a biometrics appointment at the VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in Nairobi
  • Standard processing time varies (commonly several weeks to a few months) and is tracked via the online account; IRCC publishes current country-specific processing times on its website
  • Decision and passport request (if approved) is communicated through the online account; the passport is submitted to VFS for visa stamping

Fees & processing time

  • Visitor visa fee: CAD 100 (single or multiple entry, same price)
  • Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per applicant (CAD 170 max per family)
  • VFS Global service fee in Nairobi: additional charge (typically KES equivalent of about USD 30-40) for application handling
  • No official express/priority visitor visa option; processing time depends on IRCC's published country service standards, checked online before applying
  • Super Visa and work/study permits have their own separate fee schedules

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply well ahead of your travel dates - Kenyan applicants should budget for several weeks to a few months given standard IRCC processing times
  • Common rejection reasons for Kenyan applicants: insufficient proof of funds, weak ties to Kenya (no stable job/business/property), inconsistent travel history, or incomplete financial documentation
  • Submit clear, translated (if needed) and certified bank/employment letters - vague or undated letters are a frequent cause of refusal
  • Book your VFS biometrics appointment in Nairobi as soon as the online application is submitted, since slots can fill up
  • Multiple-entry visas are usually granted by default even for a single planned trip, so no need to request it separately

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.