Kenya student visa: the Student's Pass

The Student's Pass is issued to a foreigner who wants to pursue education at an academic or training institution in Kenya that has accepted or admitted them. The institution must be registered with the Ministry of Education. Attending such an institution without a Student's Pass when one is required is an offence under the Regulations, and the institution is involved in the application from the start: it fills in, signs and stamps Form 30 and writes the cover letter.

The pass is also renewed through the same portal for multi-year programmes, with a copy of the previous pass. Citizens of East African Community partner states receive it free of charge.

The Directorate lists: Form 30 completed, signed and stamped by the institution's authorised officer (for new applications and renewals); a detailed cover letter from the institution to the Director General stating the course and its duration; the passport bio page; the student's current immigration status if already in Kenya; a recent colour photo; certified copies of basic academic certificates for tertiary students; a commitment letter from the sponsor with the sponsor's passport bio page, or proof of funds for self-sponsored students; the institution's registration certificate from the Ministry of Education; the student's CV; and a police clearance certificate for adults.

Minors also need a consent letter from the parents, a copy of a parent's passport and a copy of the birth certificate. Refugees add a clearance letter from the Department of Refugee Services. Documents in other languages must be translated into English by an embassy, notary or recognised institution; this typically means certified translation of a criminal record certificate and diplomas not issued in English.

The Student's Pass costs USD 100 per year for non-East Africans, as shown both on the Directorate's pass page and in its 2025 service delivery charter, which sets 15 working days for processing. Once issued, the e-pass is printed from eFNS and endorsed in the passport at an immigration office free of charge.

Students who travel before the pass is issued enter on an eTA and must not start studying until the pass is granted. Foreigners residing in Kenya for more than 90 days must register and obtain a foreigner certificate (alien card), applied for on eFNS with biometrics; production can take several weeks. Report any change of institution to the Directorate.