Chinese Embassy Details Visa Categories and Fees for Kenyan Travelers in 2026

The Chinese Embassy has released updated information on visa categories, fees, and application procedures for Kenyan passport holders planning to visit China in 2026.

Visa Categories and Fees

Kenyans can choose from 16 visa types tailored to various travel purposes, including tourism, business, study, work, family visits, journalism, and transit. The most common is the L visa for tourists.

• Tourist visas (L): Group L visas cost KSh 7,358 with the lowest embassy fee of KSh 2,400.
• Business visas (M): For trade and commercial activities.
• Student visas (X1 and X2): For long-term (over 180 days) and short-term courses respectively.
• Work visas (Z): For foreign experts and company representatives with a Chinese government work permit.
• Family visas (Q1, Q2, S1, S2): For relatives of Chinese citizens or residents, differing by length of stay.
• Journalist visas (J1, J2): For long-term assignments and event coverage.
• Other categories: Include crew (C), transit (G), permanent residence (D), and high-level specialists (R).

Visa fees depend on the type of entry and processing speed. Single-entry visas have an embassy fee of KSh 3,000 with a total regular fee of KSh 7,958, while 12-month multiple-entry visas can cost up to KSh 19,674 with express processing.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their documents at the China Visa Application Service Centre in Nairobi or online through the centre's official website. Required documents include a valid passport with at least six months validity, recent photos, a completed application form, and any additional documents specific to the visa category.

Payments can be made via M-Pesa, Visa, or Mastercard. The service fee of KSh 4,958 is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Faster processing options are available for additional fees.

Travelers are advised to apply well in advance to accommodate processing times.