Yes, you need a work permit to volunteer in Kenya. Keep reading to learn the requirements and costs or contact Kraido Advocates for help applying for a work permit.
Entry on a tourist visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) does not provide legal grounds for volunteering and can result in serious fines and penalties.
This guide examines Kenya’s regulatory framework for volunteering, the categories of permits available, the implications of non-compliance, and practical steps for ensuring lawful participation.
Summary of Work Permits & Passes for NGO and Volunteer Work
| Permit/Pass Type | Primary Purpose | Typical Duration | Cost (Approx.) | Ideal For |
| Class N Work Permit | Non-salaried professionals, consultants, researchers, and long-term NGO staff. | 2 years (Renewable) | USD 200 processing + USD 1,000 annually | Long-term, professional humanitarian or development engagements. |
| Special Pass | Short-term volunteer placements and projects. | 1 month (Renewable) | USD 145 | Short-term initiatives like medical camps, disaster relief, or teaching support. |
| Internship Pass | Structured volunteer internships and placements. | Up to 1 year | USD 100 | Students, gap-year volunteers, or professionals in a formal internship role. |
Laws for Volunteering in Kenya
Kenya oversees volunteer activities to protect local job markets, ensure that foreign volunteers contribute meaningfully, and maintain immigration integrity. Proper authorization helps monitor the scope and nature of volunteer efforts—especially for NGOs, humanitarian causes, or internships.
Volunteering, Internships, and Paid Work: What’s the Difference?
The Kenyan immigration law distinguishes work into the following categories, each with distinct immigration permits and passes.
- Volunteering: Typically, unpaid service, often linked to humanitarian or community-based causes.
- Internships: Structured for learning or professional development, sometimes involving stipends or allowances.
- Paid Employment: Any role with direct financial compensation.
Do Foreigners Need a Work Permit to Volunteer?
Yes. Foreign volunteers in Kenya are legally required to obtain authorization in the form of a work permit or a special pass. Kenyan immigration law requires formal permission to volunteer, including in humanitarian or NGO settings.
Types of Work Permits and Passes in Kenya
1. Class N Work Permit (Humanitarian and NGO workers)
The Class N Work Permit is designed for non-salaried roles—including volunteer placements, research, consultancy, or NGO work. It’s valid for two years and renewable. Fees include roughly USD 200 processing plus $ 1,000 per year issuance
2. Special Pass for Short-Term Volunteering
On the other hand, some volunteer organisations facilitate a Volunteer Permit upon arrival for short-term volunteers. Such permits cost about $ 145 with a monthly renewal required.
3. Internship Pass for Long-Term Volunteers
Additionally, volunteers of projects taking longer than six months may apply for an Internship Pass, which costs about $100, valid for up to ONE year. It often follows an eTA upon entry.
Why a Tourist Visa or eTA Alone Is Not Enough to Volunteer in Kenya
In January 2024, Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for most travellers.
The eTA must be obtained at least 3 days or (72hrs) before travel and costs about $ 32–34, and is valid for single-entry travellers for up to 90 days or three months.
While the eTA is mandatory for most travellers, it is strictly intended for tourism, family visits, and business meetings.
Legal Risks of Volunteering on a Tourist Visa
Volunteering on an eTA or tourist visa constitutes unauthorized employment or labour under Kenyan law with potential legal risks including:
- Fines or legal penalties.
- Deportation at the volunteer’s expense.
- Future travel restrictions or re-entry bans.
How to Get a Work Permit to Volunteer in Kenya
Application Process
This process generally involves two stages:
- Entry via eTA: where the volunteer is required to apply through etakenya.go.ke and ensure they’re eligible and covered for the intended stay.
- Permit Application via eFNS: where the volunteer is required to apply for the relevant authorization (Volunteer Permit, Internship Pass, Class N) through fns.immigration.go.ke. upon arrival in Kenya.
Required Documents to Get a Work Permit in Kenya
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Proof of accommodation
- For internships: translated/certified documentation where applicable.
- Criminal background check (required by some host organizations).
For Class N Permits
Beside the above documents applicants of Class N work permits may also be required to produce the following documents
- Cover letter from sponsoring organization
- Proof of income (for longer stays)
- No-objection letter from your embassy (where applicable)
- Organization details.
Permit Fees and Duration
- Volunteer Permit: ~USD 145, renewing monthly.
- Internship Pass: ~USD 100, valid up to one year.
- Class N Work Permit: ~USD 200 processing + USD 1,000/year issuance.
Consequences of Volunteering Without a Permit
Non-compliance carries significant risks. Volunteers without appropriate permits may face deportation, fines, or a permanent ban from re-entering Kenya. Host organizations can also be penalized for facilitating unauthorized volunteer activity.
Practical Tips for International Volunteers
- Apply early: Begin applications several weeks in advance, as processing can be delayed.
- Coordinate with your host: Established NGOs often provide direct support with the permit process.
- Maintain documentation: Carry both digital and physical copies of your authorization documents and renew them regularly.
We advise our volunteers to leave additional copies of their documents, i.e, passport, visa, and permit applications, with family members or in a safe place for reference, particularly in cases of permit renewals or border authority checks.
FAQs about Volunteering Permits in Kenya
Can I volunteer in Kenya on a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa or eTA does not authorize volunteer or paid work. One must obtain the appropriate permit (Volunteer, Internship, or Class N).
How long does it take to get a volunteer work permit in Kenya?
Timelines vary as follows:
1. eTA: normally processed in 3 days before travel.
2. Volunteer Permit: obtained upon arrival, renewable on a monthly basis.
3. Internship Pass: may involve delays, though acknowledgement receipts allow a legal stay during processing.
4. Class N: involves standard immigration timelines (often several weeks).
What’s the difference between a volunteer permit and an internship pass?
A Volunteer Permit is for short, unpaid work and is usually renewed every month, while an Internship Pass is for longer, structured training or internships and can last up to one year.
Staying Compliant as a Volunteer in Kenya
Volunteering in Kenya can be deeply rewarding when done legally. Volunteers are encouraged not to rely on tourist visas or eTAs for volunteer work.
Instead, volunteers are urged to secure the proper permit, whether short-term, internship-related, or via Class N, for seamless, lawful, and meaningful contributions.
Applying early, collaborating with your host organization, and keeping your documents organized are key steps to ensuring your experience in Kenya is both impactful and compliant.
