Kenya researcher visa: Internship/Research Pass

The Directorate issues the Internship/Research Pass to a person seeking to enter and remain in Kenya to undertake an internship or academic research, who has been accepted by a Kenyan institution. It is one of the passes listed in regulation 25 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations and is distinct from a work permit: the holder may only carry out the internship or research described in the application. Researchers need a research licence from NACOSTI before the pass can be granted.

Visiting scholars who only give a lecture or attend a workshop for a few days normally travel on an eTA, while paid assignments of up to six months fall under the Special Pass and salaried positions at a Kenyan university under a Class D work permit.

Required are: Form 30 completed, signed and stamped by the head of the institution; a detailed cover letter from the institution to the Director General giving the programme and its duration; the passport bio page; current immigration status if already in Kenya; two recent colour photos; copies of basic academic certificates for those joining tertiary institutions; the institution's registration certificate (or registration with the Ministry of Education); NACOSTI clearance for researchers; a CV for researchers and interns; and a police clearance certificate for adults. Refugees add a clearance letter from the Department of Refugee Services. Translations into English must come from an embassy, notary or recognised institution.

The Directorate's pass page shows KES 15,000 per year for non-East Africans, while its 2025 service delivery charter lists KES 10,000 per year; the amount payable is shown in eFNS when you apply. Citizens of East African Community partner states pay nothing. The charter sets 15 working days for processing. The issued e-pass is printed and endorsed in the passport at an immigration office.

Stays longer than 90 days require registration as a foreign national and a foreigner certificate (alien card), applied for on eFNS with biometric capture. Research outside the scope of the NACOSTI licence, or paid work beyond the internship, is not covered by the pass. For visits to refugee camps, separate written authorisation from the Commissioner for Refugee Affairs is required.