Frequently asked questions
Common questions about diplomatic missions in and from Kenya.
How many embassies does Kenya have abroad?
Kenya operates 58 embassies and high commissions abroad, alongside 34 consulates and 1 other diplomatic or trade representations in foreign countries.
How many foreign missions are located in Kenya?
There are 42 embassies and high commissions, 29 consulates, and 0 other foreign representations based in Kenya.
How many countries maintain a mission in Kenya?
62 different countries maintain at least one embassy, consulate, or other mission in Kenya.
In how many countries does Kenya maintain a mission abroad?
Kenya maintains at least one mission in 71 different countries around the world.
What type of mission does Kenya operate most abroad?
An embassy or high commission is the most common type of mission Kenya operates abroad.
How do I contact an embassy or consulate listed here?
Open the mission you need using "View details" above for its address, opening hours, and contact information where available, or use "Directions" to get a map route to that location.
What is the difference between an embassy and a consulate?
An embassy is a country's main diplomatic mission, usually based in the capital, and handles government-to-government relations. A consulate is a smaller office, often in another major city, that mainly assists citizens with passports, visas, and other consular services.
What is the difference between a high commission and an embassy?
A high commission serves exactly the same function as an embassy — it is simply the term used between Commonwealth member countries instead of "embassy."
What is the difference between a permanent mission and an embassy?
A permanent mission represents a country at an international organisation, such as the United Nations, rather than at another country's government directly.
What is an honorary consulate?
An honorary consulate is typically run by a local honorary consul — often a prominent local business or community figure — rather than career diplomatic staff, and usually offers a more limited range of services.
What is the role of a trade office or representative office?
A trade office or representative office typically promotes commercial and economic ties between two countries and may not carry full diplomatic status the way an embassy does.
Do I need an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate?
Most embassies and consulates require an appointment for visa applications and many consular services. Some offer limited walk-in hours for emergencies or document collection — check the specific mission's listing above.
Are walk-in visits allowed at embassies and consulates?
Some missions accept walk-ins for simple services or genuine emergencies, but most visa and passport services require a scheduled appointment. Check the specific listing above before visiting in person.
What identification should I bring to an embassy appointment?
Bring a valid passport plus any appointment confirmation and the specific supporting documents requested for your service — exact requirements vary by mission and service type.
What documents do I typically need for a visa application?
Common requirements include a valid passport, a completed application form, a passport photo, proof of travel plans or accommodation, and sometimes financial or invitation documents. Exact requirements vary by mission and visa type.
How long does a visa application usually take to process?
Processing times vary widely by mission and visa category, from a few days to several weeks. Contact the specific embassy or consulate directly for current processing times.
Can I apply for a visa online?
Many countries now offer some form of online or e-visa application, though requirements differ by nationality and destination. Check the relevant mission's own website for available options.
What is a transit visa and when do I need one?
A transit visa allows a brief stopover in a country while travelling to a final destination, and is only required by some nationalities for some countries — check with the relevant mission before booking connecting flights.
What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen abroad?
Report the loss to local police to get a police report, then contact your home country's nearest embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency travel document or passport replacement.
Can I renew my passport at an embassy or consulate?
Most embassies and consulates can process passport renewals for their own citizens living or travelling abroad, though processing times and requirements vary by mission.
Can I get an emergency travel document from a consulate?
Yes — most consulates can issue an emergency travel document to get a citizen home if their passport is lost, stolen, or expired, though evidence of identity and nationality is usually required first.
What is consular assistance?
Consular assistance is support a government provides to its own citizens abroad, covering situations like a lost passport, arrest, medical emergency, or natural disaster.
Can a consulate help me if I am arrested abroad?
Yes — one of the core roles of consular assistance is to visit detained citizens and ensure fair treatment, though a consulate cannot get someone released or interfere in local legal proceedings.
What should I do in an emergency outside of business hours?
Many embassies and consulates provide an emergency contact number for after-hours crises such as arrest, hospitalisation, or death abroad — check the mission's own page for emergency contact details.
Do embassies and consulates observe public holidays?
Yes — missions typically close on both the host country's public holidays and their own country's national holidays, which can mean unexpected closures. Always check current hours before visiting.
Can a consulate help with document authentication or notarization?
Many consulates offer notarial services and can authenticate documents for use back in their home country, though not every mission provides every service — check the specific listing above.
What is an apostille and where can I get one?
An apostille is a certification that authenticates a document for use in another country that is party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Not all consulates issue apostilles directly — some documents must go through a national authority instead.
Can an embassy or consulate notarize a power of attorney?
Many missions offer notarial services, including witnessing powers of attorney, usually for a fee. Availability depends on the individual mission — check its listing above.
How do I register the birth of a child born abroad?
Most embassies and consulates can register a birth abroad and issue nationality documentation for the child — contact the relevant mission for the exact process and required documents.
Can I get married at an embassy or consulate?
Some missions can perform or register civil marriages for their own citizens abroad, though this varies significantly by country — check with the specific embassy or consulate directly.
What is required to document dual citizenship?
Requirements vary significantly by country and typically require proof of both nationalities. Contact the relevant embassy or consulate directly for the specific process.
Do all countries maintain both an embassy and consulates in the same country?
No — smaller countries or those with limited diplomatic budgets may maintain only an embassy, only honorary consulates, or a single mission covering every function.
Is diplomatic correspondence with an embassy considered private?
Communications with a mission for personal consular matters, such as a visa or passport application, are generally treated as confidential and are not public information.
