Register as a foreign national or extend a visitor stay
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 3 June 2026 · Last updated 3 June 2026
Find out how to register as a resident foreign national (Alien Card) or extend your visitor stay duration beyond the initial time granted at the port of entry. This page covers mandatory 90-day timelines, processing fees, and compliance rules on eCitizen.
Warning This is an independent guide — not a government website. Never share passwords or OTPs with agents. Only pay through official portals. Scams and fake websites
No direct application link is listed yet. Try eCitizen or contact government.
Quick facts
- Processing time
- Instant for online visitor stay extensions; 10 to 14 working days for foreign national alien card approvals.
- Base cost
- From Free (for standard tourist extensions) to Ksh 25,050 for residency cards
- How to apply
- Hybrid (Online form and physical attendance required)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- To register as a foreign national, you must hold a valid underlying long-term work permit, student pass, permanent residency status, or dependant's pass. You cannot get an Alien Card on a standard tourist eTA.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and display your authentic inbound entry immigration stamp.
Documents you need
- Scanned color copy of your valid Passport bio-data page and your initial entry visa/stamp.
- A high-quality digital passport-sized photo matching biometric layout requirements.
- For Alien Card: Copy of your approved work permit, student pass, or dependant's pass notification token, alongside a valid police clearance certificate from your country of origin.
- For Stay Extension: Your approved eTA reference number and proof of onward travel arrangement (e.g. flight ticket).
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor's Stay Extension Processing Surcharge (Standard extension up to 90 additional days) | Free |
| Foreign National Registration Fee (Alien Card valid for 1 or 2 years) | Ksh 25,000 |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge (Per separate billing block) | Ksh 50 |
Office visits
- Alien Card Biometrics: In-person presentation of original documents and digital fingerprint capture. Collection of the physical plastic card. — Biometric capture for Foreign National Registration must be done at the Foreign Nationals Section at Nyayo House in Nairobi, or regional immigration offices in Mombasa or Kisumu.
You may also use a Huduma Centre where the service is offered.
Questions
What is the exact legal definition of an Alien Card in Kenya?
An Alien Card (officially known as a Foreign National Registration Certificate) is a mandatory identity document issued to foreign residents. It features a unique tracking number, personal biometrics, and your core permit details, acting as your official local identity card for opening local bank accounts, securing driver's licenses, and confirming tax statuses with KRA.
How many times can an international tourist extend their visitor stay online?
You can extend your tourist stay online via eCitizen for an extra 90 days at no cost, bringing your total cumulative tourist visit stay to a strict maximum of 180 days (6 months). Any stay extension beyond 180 days is rarely granted and requires physical clearance by the Director of Immigration Services.