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🇰🇪Kenya
🇨🇳ChinaKE-CN

Kenya to China visa requirements

Kenyan ordinary passport holders need a visa to visit China for tourism. Kenya is not covered by any of China's 2026 visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or transit-exemption schemes, so you must apply for an L (tourist) visa before travel. As of 30 May 2026, Kenya is NOT on China's unilateral 45-country visa-free list, the 240-hour visa-free transit list (55 countries), or the Hainan visa-free scheme — so Kenyan ordinary passport holders require a visa for any tourist visit. The correct visa is the L (tourist) visa. Since 31 March 2025, applications start online at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center portal (visaforchina.cn) with a mandatory online preliminary review, then are submitted in person at the Chinese Visa Application Center on the 7th floor of The Chancery, Valley Road, Milimani, Nairobi. Standard processing is about 4 working days, with express and rush options available. The single-entry tourist visa typically permits a stay of up to 30 days per entry. Required documents include a passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages, the signed printed application form, a recent photo, proof of round-trip flights and hotel bookings, bank statements, and (for first-time applicants) employment proof.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
L (tourist) visa — paper visa in passport
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days per entry
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple (issued at consular discretion)
from issue date
Visa fee
KES 4,000 (single entry, Kenyan nationals)
consular fee only
Processing time
About 4 working days (express/rush available)
standard track
Validity
Typically 3 months from issue to enter
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a visa
Kenyan ordinary passport holders are not eligible for any China visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or transit-exemption scheme. Plan to apply for an L tourist visa before departure.
· No visa-free option· Apply in advance
/02
Complete the online application
Fill in the visa form online at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center portal (visaforchina.cn / bio.visaforchina.cn NBO3_EN), upload documents, and submit for the mandatory online preliminary review introduced on 31 March 2025.
· visaforchina.cn· Online pre-review required
/03
Gather supporting documents
Prepare passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), the printed and signed form, a recent photo, round-trip flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and employment proof for first-time applicants.
· Photo 48x33mm· Flights + hotels
/04
Book an appointment and submit in person
After the preliminary review is approved, book a slot and lodge your application in person at the Chinese Visa Application Center, 7th floor, The Chancery, Valley Road, Milimani, Nairobi (Mon-Fri).
· The Chancery, Valley Road· In-person submission
/05
Pay fees and wait for processing
Fees are generally paid at collection. Standard processing is about 4 working days; choose express or rush service for faster turnaround at extra cost.
· ~4 working days· Pay at collection
/06
Collect your passport and check the visa
Return to the center to collect your passport. Verify the visa type (L), number of entries, stay duration, and validity dates before you travel.
· Verify entries & dates· Carry copies
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

11 items
Personalized checklist
Kenya -> China · L (tourist) visa — paper visa in passport
0 / 11 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid 6+ months with at least 2 blank visa pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted online application form (printed and signed)
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredApproved online preliminary review confirmation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredOne recent passport photo (white background, 48x33mm)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredHotel reservations covering the full stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedBank statements for the last 3 months
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedEmployment letter / proof of occupation (first-time applicants)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
OptionalCopy of a previous Chinese visa if held
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
optional
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
Official sourcesEmbassy of the People's Republic of China in Kenya — Visa Information & FeesChinese Visa Application Service Center, Nairobi (visaforchina.cn) — Online ApplicationEmbassy of China in Kenya — Notice on Launch of Online Visa Application Services (Mar 2025)
Application link included: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kenya — Visa Information & Fees
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
L tourist visa fee — single entryKES 4,000Standard consular fee for Kenyan nationals
Service charge (Visa Application Center)KES 4,000-5,000Center handling fee, varies by service tier
Express service (optional)From KES 4,958Faster 2-3 day processing, surcharge
Total estimateKES 4,000 — KES 14,000incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing
About 4 working days
Default service after in-person submission and pre-review approval.
Express processing
2-3 working days
Faster turnaround for an additional fee.
Rush processing
1-2 working days
Fastest option where available, highest surcharge.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Kenya is not on any China visa-free list
Kenya is excluded from the unilateral 45-country visa-free policy, so a visa is mandatory.
High
/02
No transit exemption applies
Kenya is not among the 55 countries eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit, so even connecting flights need a visa.
Medium
/03
Hainan visa-free scheme excludes Kenya
Kenya is not in the 59-nation Hainan island visa-free group, so island-only visits still require a visa.
Low
/04
Tourism falls under the L visa category
Short leisure visits require the L (tourist) visa, applied for in advance.
High
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Use the foreign visitor lanes, keep hotel or invitation details handy, and make sure your entry purpose matches the visa-free category.
/02
Registration
Hotels normally register foreign guests automatically. If staying in a private residence, complete temporary residence registration with local police within 24 hours.
/03
Connectivity
Install maps, translation, and payment apps before travel. Some foreign services may not work reliably without roaming or a compliant VPN.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
Kenya to China route verified
Confirmed against the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the Nairobi Visa Application Service Center that Kenyan ordinary passport holders still require an L tourist visa; Kenya remains outside all 2026 visa-free, transit-exemption, and Hainan schemes. Noted the mandatory online preliminary review in effect since 31 March 2025.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Kenyans enter China visa-free in 2026?—
No. Kenya is not included in China's unilateral visa-free list, the 240-hour transit exemption, or the Hainan scheme, so a visa is required for all visits.
Which visa do I need for tourism?+
How long does the visa take?+
How much does it cost?+
How long can I stay?+
Do I have to apply online first?+
/11 — Passport tools

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