kardon

I am staying one night in Nairobi on the way to Tanzania. I get there at 9 pm and fly out the next morning.
I am not returning to Kenya.

My travel agent said I should get multiple entry visa for $100--and she sent me a form which had single entry $50 and multiple entry $100 as the two options. I couldn't understand why I needed multiple entry--so started searching.
went to Kenya Embassy website...and the visa form on there had three options (not two) (1) single entry for $50, (2) multiple entry for $100, and (3) transit visa $20.

Now..after I read some of the postings here, I got even more confused.

am I to understand that transit visa can only be purchased at the airport?

or is it that you can get transit visa before you arrive but depending on the officer on duty, I may ahve to buy single entry for $50 (in addition to $20 transit visa I've already purchased)????


p.s. when I asked my travel agent why she recommended my purchasing multiple entry visa, she said "for insurance" Is it that bad?

winniep

Go for the transit visa. In January, I flew into Nairobi and the next day I got on a bus to Tanzania (I flew out of Dar es Salaam). I got the transit visa ($20) at the airport. It DOESN'T depend on the officer on duty. When you get to immigration, tell them you want a transit visa because you leave the next day for TZN.

p.s. What "for insurance" are you talking abou? Does your travel agent think that the guys at immigration are going to try and mess with you?

cybor

Can't comment on the insurance part (sounds like a face saving response) I also can't think of any reason why this would be unsafe. Go for the 20. transit visa. You can get this at the airport by filling in a small paper. You may even luck out as we did and not have to pay.

sandi

Even if you weren't leaving the next day for Tanzania, you only require a Single entry visa. This will serve you for the length of the Visa (either 3-mo or 6-mo) to cross between the two countries at approved crossing points.

However, if departing the next morning, obtain Kenya Visa - Transit - on arrival... in the Immigration area (desk to the right of the Immigration booths) with completed application form and $20 indicating you are departing next morning by bus or by air.

If departing by bus they may ask for a copy of your itinerary that indicates this means of travel; a bus coupon, if one provided. If flying you should also provide copy of your itinerary or flight coupon.

On arrival in Tanzania, you'll have to obtain a Visa, but if arriving by bus (I'm not sure what service available to obtain where the bus lets passengers off)... you may want to have this prior arrival which can be obtained direct from the Tanzania embassy.

When sending to the Embassy, don't forget to send completed application, your $50 and your passport. Don't forget to send the passport. You may want to consider mailing via FedEx; include a paid FedEx return envelope. Turnaround by the embassy is usually within 1-wk.

sandi

It's too early.

Sorry, but if traveling by bus from Kenya/Tanzania, you can obtain your Tanzania Visa at the Namanga border crossing. Have your completed application and $50.

Patty

Agree with everything that's been said. No reason you shouldn't get the transit visa on arrival. Visa desk is to the left though.

sandi

Then they moved it. Was on the right last year. Regardless, you'll see wherever it's located when you arrive at Immigration.

Patty

I could've sworn it was on the left both times last year You'll have to update us when you get back, sandi

cybor

The visa desk is on the right just after the wall-counter where the forms are. The transit desk is to the left, a few steps away - at least that's where they were in March. The stairs are behind the transit desk.
Sherry

sandi

Thanks Sherry. I was sure I was facing the guy to the right of me. Watching those at the Immigration desks to my left. Yes, stairs right behind the Immigration desk, down to baggage claim.

But don't ask me about the Visa desk at JRO... a complete blank. Will try to focus more in two days.

cybor

JRO - everyone gets dumped into one lg. room. If your back is facing the tarmac, you'll be facing the visa application window. To the left are the immigration booths with baggage claim beyond - the exit doors are to the right of that.

sandi

At least someone wasn't completely out of it by the time they arrived at JRO. Thanks... I'll be on the lookout.

Patty

Now I'm really confused... What's the transit desk at NBO supposed to be used for? I guess that's where we've been getting our visas because the stairs down to baggage claim are directly behind it (it's a freestanding counter, usually staffed by 2, right?). I asked Mark this morning and his recollection is the same. What does the actual visa desk look like?

To be honest, I didn't look for signage. Each time we just made a beeline for the desk without anyone in line and handed over our passports, application forms, landing cards, and $50 each. They stamped our passports, handed them back to us, motioned behind, and off we went!

pgoody

do you get the application form for the visa at the Nairobi airport or do you have to bring it from the US? I need a single entry and don't have enough time before I leave to get it here.

Patty

You can get the application form there but I prefer to fill it out in advance. Try http://www.kenyaembassy.com/passportvisa.html or http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq/kqdi....aspx?colm=171