Visa Requirements for Kenyan Citizens Traveling to Saudi Arabia

Nov 12, 2025 0

Visa requirements for Kenyan citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Kenya.

Kenyan citizens planning a trip to Saudi Arabia need to be aware of the specific visa requirements to ensure a smooth and lawful entry. Travelers need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia for Business or Tourism.

Here's a detailed guide to the visa options available, along with the necessary documentation and regulations.

Visitor Visa

Travelers must obtain a paper or embassy visa from an embassy, consulate or visa center before traveling.

Electronic Visitor Visa (eVisa)

An eVisa is the fastest and easiest way of obtaining a visa for Saudi Arabia because travelers can submit their applications and supporting documents online. Once the application is approved, travelers receive their eVisa confirmation electronically.

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Travelers with a valid resident visa issued by one of the GCC countries with a minimum validity of at least three months beyond the date of entry into Saudi Arabia are also eligible for an Electronic visitor visa (eVisa) to visit Saudi Arabia.

Travelers who are permanent residents or possess a valid business or tourism visa issued by the United Kingdom, United States, or a Schengen member state are eligible for an Electronic visitor visa (eVisa) to visit Saudi Arabia. The visa issued by the United Kingdom, United States or a Schengen member state must be valid and must have an entry stamp from the issuing country.

Note: This is not offered by sherpa°. Apply on the government site.

Visa on Arrival

Travelers who are permanent residents or travelers with a valid business or tourism visa issued by United Kingdom, United States, or a Schengen member state are eligible for a visa on arrival. The visa must be valid and have been used at least once, and travelers must have an entry stamp from the issuing country.

Travelers can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia at the port of entry, such as an international airport or border crossing.

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Note: This is not offered by sherpa°. Apply on the government site.

Umrah Visa Requirements

The Saudi Consulate Section of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nairobi, Kenya informs prospective Umrah applicants to check with authorized Umrah travel agencies for the beginning and end of the annual Umrah seasons. Each applicant for an Umrah visa must apply through an authorized, licensed Kenya travel agency. These agencies must have signed contract with Saudi companies or establishment to provide Umrah visas services.

It is important to note that Umrah visas are granted gratis.

Specific Requirements:

Each applicant must submit one recent passport size color photograph with a white background. The photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
The Mahram should write his complete information on the application forms of his spouse and children or any relative with whom he is traveling.
All women are required to travel for Umrah with a Mahram. Proof of kinship must be submitted with the application form. Women over the age of forty-five (45) may travel without a Mahram with an organized group, if they submit a no objection letter from her husband, son or brother authorizing her to travel for Umrah with the named group.
The applicant must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to fifteen (15) years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio as well as meningitis and polio.
The validity of the Umrah visa is one month.
Visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall abide by the country’s Islamic laws and regulations and respect its society’s values and traditions.

Saudi Arabia Business Visa

For Kenyan citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia for business purposes, the following requirements must be met:

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Passport: Provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport.
Photograph: Alternatively, you may provide one color, passport-type photograph that meets specific criteria. It must be taken within the last three months against an all-white background, printed on high-quality photo paper, be two inches by two inches, and provide a full frontal view of your head with a neutral expression.
Business Cover Letter: The Business Cover Letter must include your full name as it appears in your passport, your passport number, and display the job title and inviting company's name as shown on the letter of invitation.
Visa Application Form: You must provide one fully completed copy of the visa application form.
Letter of Invitation: The organization you are visiting in Saudi Arabia is responsible for obtaining the invitation. The invitation must be addressed to the Saudi Arabian consulate in Washington DC. The invitation must be signed and stamped by the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry or your sponsoring organization.
Certificate of Business Registration: You must provide a copy of the business registration of the Saudi company inviting or sponsoring your trip. The copy must have a stamp or QR code of approval issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Additional Documents: You must provide a completed copy of the travel history form.
Previous Visas: Travelers who currently have a valid visa must submit a copy of the previous valid visa and a cancellation letter addressed to the Saudi Consulate in Washington DC, stating the reason for the request.
Notice on Saudi Laws and Regulations: You must provide one fully completed Notice on Saudi Laws and Regulations Form.

Important Note: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s anti-drug trafficking laws are strictly enforced. Violators are subject to severe punishment, which may include the death penalty.