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South Korea Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Kenyan citizens can apply for a South Korean short-term e-visa online through the Korea Visa Portal, submitting documents digitally, with a decision typically issued within 5-10 working days.

Guide last updated September 25, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure from South Korea
  • Online application completed through the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr), including a digital application form
  • Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary and detailed day-by-day travel plan
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings for the full stay)
  • Financial proof: bank statement showing sufficient funds, plus employment or business registration documents showing ties to Kenya
  • Digital passport photo uploaded to the online portal, plain white background
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo captured at a Korean visa application centre or embassy during document submission, and again on arrival at Incheon or other international airports
  • Travel health insurance: recommended, not mandatory for tourist e-visas

Visa types

  • Single-entry Tourist e-Visa (C-3) — valid for up to 90 days from issue, maximum stay 90 days
  • Business e-Visa (C-3-4) — single or multiple entry, requires an invitation letter from a Korean company
  • Multiple-entry Visa — available for frequent business travelers with a strong travel history, valid up to 5 years, applied for through the embassy rather than the standard portal

How to apply online

  • Register on the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) and complete the online application form with passport and travel details
  • Upload the required documents: passport scan, photo, accommodation bookings, itinerary, financial proof, and employment/business documents
  • Pay the visa fee online or as instructed by the portal (approx. KRW 40,000-60,000, approx. USD 30-45, depending on visa type and entries)
  • Attend a biometric appointment at the Korean Embassy in Nairobi or an authorized visa application centre if required
  • Standard processing takes 5-10 working days; the approved e-visa confirmation is sent electronically and linked to your passport number for immigration checks on arrival

Fees & processing time

  • Single-entry tourist e-visa fee: approximately KRW 40,000-60,000 (approx. USD 30-45)
  • Multiple-entry visa fee: higher, typically KRW 90,000+ (approx. USD 65+), assessed case by case
  • No separate courier fee if applying directly through the Korea Visa Portal; agent fees apply if using a facilitation service
  • Standard processing: 5-10 working days
  • Express processing is not generally offered for standard tourist e-visas

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel to allow for document review and any required biometric appointment at the embassy in Nairobi
  • Common rejection reasons include weak proof of ties to Kenya (no clear employment or business documentation), inconsistent travel itineraries, and insufficient bank statement history
  • Provide a detailed, realistic day-by-day itinerary, since Korean visa officers scrutinize this closely for first-time applicants
  • If traveling for business, obtain a formal invitation letter from the Korean host company well in advance, as this significantly speeds up processing
  • Extensions of stay inside South Korea are handled by the Korea Immigration Service and should be requested before the e-visa's validity expires

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.