Which visa should you check?
A Kenyan passport is not on the current ETA or eVisitor eligibility lists. The overseas Visitor 600 Tourist stream is a starting point for a temporary visit; longer study requires checking Student 500.
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) tourist stream is a useful first page to review for a visit. Eligibility depends on your exact circumstances. Home Affairs decides applications.
What else should you know?
The Australian High Commission in Nairobi cannot assist with individual visa enquiries. If Home Affairs requests biometrics in Kenya, its current centre list includes Nairobi; Kenya is not on the current Australian Immi App availability list. Follow the exact letter and current centre directory.
Choose the current visa for the trip
A Kenyan passport is not on the current ETA 601 or eVisitor 651 eligibility lists. For a temporary holiday, cruise or family visit, start with the overseas Visitor 600 Tourist stream. It does not permit work, and you must be outside Australia when you apply and when Home Affairs decides that stream. For a registered course, compare Student 500 instead; employment or joining family to live in Australia needs a route for that purpose.
Some older High Commission pages still appear in search results with retired paper forms such as Form 48R and counter-payment instructions. The High Commission's current visa page directs applicants to Home Affairs. Read the live subclass page and its online application steps before paying or sending documents.
Current Visitor 600 Tourist stream · ETA passport list · eVisitor passport list · High Commission current visa enquiries page
Explain the visit and where you normally live
In ImmiAccount, match the passport details exactly and describe your actual travel purpose, approximate dates, accommodation and who will pay. Home Affairs gives examples of financial and return evidence; choose records that fit your circumstances. If you work, study or support family in Kenya, genuine current records may help explain your temporary plans. If you normally live in another country, explain that residence and your right to return there instead of treating Kenyan citizenship as your only tie.
A letter from a host may help explain the relationship and visit, but it is not a grant or a substitute for your own application. Translate non-English documents under Home Affairs' current rules, attach clear files to the correct prompts and watch your account for further requests.
Visitor evidence guide → · Return-evidence worksheet → · Official Visitor 600 preparation tips
Use the Nairobi centre if your letter directs you there
Not every applicant receives the same biometrics request. Home Affairs currently lists an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Nairobi. If your letter asks for centre collection, follow its deadline and current appointment instructions, take the passport linked to the application and check the centre's latest opening information before travelling. VFS Global collects biometrics for Home Affairs but does not decide visas.
Kenya is not on the current Australian Immi App country list. An app route available to a person applying while resident in another listed country should not be assumed for collection in Kenya. Follow your individual letter and the current Home Affairs country list; if you cannot meet the request, explain that through ImmiAccount rather than treating the requirement as waived.
Nairobi centre and collection guidance · Current app country list · Find current overseas services
Use your own document tool and application messages
If your main purpose is longer study, check Student 500, the course and provider on CRICOS, and the official document checklist tool using your Kenyan passport and education provider. Most applicants need a Confirmation of Enrolment, with limited exceptions on the official visa instructions. Prepare Genuine Student answers, Overseas Student Health Cover and any financial or English evidence the tool and application require. Recheck the tool before lodgement.
After any visa application, the High Commission in Nairobi says its staff cannot answer individual visa enquiries. Check ImmiAccount for requests and the written outcome, use the Home Affairs processing-time guide for a broad indication, and read the grant's stay period and conditions before booking. A completed biometrics appointment does not mean approval.
Student 500 guide → · Student document checklist tool · High Commission visa enquiry guidance · After applying →
Build a clear, consistent application
For a Visitor 600 application, organise the evidence below. For Student 500, use the study section above and the passport-and-provider document tool.
- Passport and identity documents that match your application.
- A simple account of your travel dates, purpose and accommodation.
- Evidence that you can fund the trip, or details of a supporter.
- Relevant work, study, family or residence evidence that explains your circumstances.
- Invitation details if you are visiting someone.
- Clear scans and translations where required.
Home Affairs can request additional evidence, biometrics or health checks. See its document preparation advice and our biometrics guide. For the overseas Tourist stream, use our detailed Visitor 600 evidence guide.
Your step-by-step outline
- Confirm the right visa, fee, eligibility and conditions on Home Affairs.
- Gather evidence and check every answer against your passport.
- Use the official application channel and keep your reference number.
- Follow any requests for biometrics, health checks or more documents.
- Read the decision notice and all visa conditions before travelling.
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Where do you live now?
Your residence affects where you may need to complete local steps. Choose it and your travel purpose to get a tailored starting plan and checklist.
Different citizenship? Choose a different passport country.