--- title: Canada visa for citizens of Kenya description: "Citizens of Kenya need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$45 service fee. Processing: 15–60 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/kenya lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Canada visa for citizens of Kenya Citizens of Kenya need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (TRV) · Up to 6 months - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 15–60 days - **Government fee:** CA$100 + CA$45 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** CAD 2,500 per person plus travel costs ## How to apply 1. **Prepare required documents** — Gather all the documents listed, ensuring they are complete and meet specifications. 2. **Complete visa application form (IMM 5257)** — Fill out the form online via IRCC portal or download and complete manually. 3. **Pay application fee** — Pay the CAD 100 visitor visa fee plus biometric fee of CAD 85 online and obtain payment receipt. 4. **Submit application online or via VFS Global** — Submit the application online through IRCC secure portal or in person at a VFS Global centre. 5. **Book biometrics appointment** — Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and photo. 6. **Attend biometrics appointment** — Visit the VAC at the appointed time, bring passport, appointment letter, and payment receipt. 7. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15–60 days; you may be contacted for additional documents or interview. 8. **Receive decision** — IRCC will send the visa decision by email; if approved, passport will be stamped by VFS. 9. **Collect passport** — Collect your passport from the VAC or have it couriered back to you (if chosen). 10. **Travel to Canada** — Travel within the validity period; present visa and all documents at port of entry. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport** (Travel): Must have at least one blank page and valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date - **Visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Supporting): Completed and signed - **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Supporting): Completed and signed - **Two recent passport‑sized photographs** (Supporting): Must meet IRCC photo specifications - **Proof of sufficient funds** (Financial): Bank statements, pay slips, or letter of employment showing ability to cover expenses - **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Round‑trip flight booking, hotel reservations, and day‑by‑day plan - **Employment letter** (Employment): Letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave - **Proof of accommodation** (Supporting): Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host with proof of their status - **Purpose of visit letter** (Supporting): Explain the purpose of the visit, itinerary, and assurance of return - **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): To demonstrate family ties and intention to return - **Bank statements for the past 3–6 months** (Financial): Must show sufficient balance and regular transactions - **Business registration documents (if self‑employed)** (Employment, optional): To demonstrate self‑employment and business ties - **Police clearance certificate** (Supporting, optional): May be requested on a case‑by‑case basis - **Medical examination** (Supporting, optional): May be required for certain nationalities or long stays ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** CAD 2,500 per person plus travel costs - Bank statements (last 3–6 months) - Pay slips - Employment letter with salary - Sponsor letter with proof of sponsor's funds Funds must cover accommodation, meals, and return transportation. ## Good to know - Processing times can vary significantly; apply well in advance of intended travel. - Incomplete or incorrect applications will be returned, causing delays. - Biometrics are mandatory for Kenyan passport holders aged 14–79. - Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision is made by the border officer. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient funds to cover stay and return** — Provide clear bank statements, pay slips, and proof of sponsor if applicable. - **Weak ties to home country** — Include evidence of employment, property, family, and intention to return. - **Incomplete application or missing documents** — Double‑check the document checklist before submitting. - **Purpose of visit not clearly stated** — Write a detailed invitation letter or purpose letter with itinerary. - **Previous immigration violations or overstay** — Disclose honestly and provide explanation if applicable. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Kenya need a visa for Canada? Citizens of Kenya need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (TRV) · Up to 6 months. ### How long can citizens of Kenya stay in Canada? Up to 180 days. ### How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Kenya? Government fee: CA$100 + CA$45 service fee. ### How long does Canada visa processing take? Typically 15–60 days. ### What documents do citizens of Kenya need for Canada? Valid passport; Visa application form (IMM 5257); Family information form (IMM 5645); Two recent passport‑sized photographs; Proof of sufficient funds; Travel itinerary; and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Canada? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay. ## Sources - [canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html) ## More - [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada) - [Every destination for Kenya passport holders](/visa/passport/kenya)