The invitation letter from your Kenyan host is not mandatory but can still be valuable in your visa application process. This helps the authorities assess the purpose of your visit. Whether traveling for business, tourism, or visiting friends and family, this letter should clearly state the relationship between you and your host. It should also include the dates of your intended stay in Kenya and the purpose of your visit.
In the context of a visa invitation letter, a Kenyan host refers to an individual or entity in Kenya who is inviting and, in some cases, sponsoring a foreign visitor. The host could be a family member, friend, business associate, or an organization based in Kenya.
The purpose of mentioning a Kenyan host in the invitation letter is to provide additional information to the immigration authorities about the visitor’s intended stay. The host typically expresses their willingness to accommodate and support the visitor during their time in Kenya.
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What We’re Offering?
While a Kenyan visa invitation letter isn’t mandatory for all applicants, some situations, like visiting friends or family, might benefit from an invitation letter service. These services draft personalized letters confirming your accommodation, purpose of visit, and host’s details, potentially strengthening your application. However, carefully choose a reputable service as quality varies, and remember the final approval rests with the Kenyan embassy or consulate. Weigh the cost and potential benefits against simply having your host write the letter themselves.
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How to Write a Kenya Visa Invitation Letter from the Host?
Writing a Kenya visa invitation letter from the host can be straightforward with the right structure and information. Here’s a detailed guide to help you:
Structure:
- Introduction:
- Address the letter: Start with the recipient’s address, usually the Kenyan Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country.
- Introduce yourself: Clearly state your full name and nationality.
- Purpose of the letter: Mention you are writing to support the visa application of [applicant’s name].
- Applicant Information:
- Applicant details: Provide the applicant’s full name, date of birth, passport number, expiry date, and nationality.
- Relationship to you: Briefly explain your relationship to the applicant (e.g., friend, family member, business partner).
- Trip Details:
- Reason for visit: Specify the purpose of the visit to Kenya (e.g., tourism, business trip, visiting family).
- Travel dates: Provide the planned arrival and departure dates in Kenya.
- Accommodation: Mention where the applicant will be staying during their visit (e.g., with you, hotel booking confirmation).
- Financial support: Indicate how the applicant will be financially supported during their stay (e.g., sponsored by you, own funds).
- Host Information:
- Your details: Provide your full legal name, occupation, and employer (if applicable).
- Contact information: Include your complete address, phone number, and email address.
- Kenyan identification: Attach a copy of one form of Kenyan identification for yourself, such as a National ID or passport.
- Invitation:
- Statement of invitation: Clearly state you are inviting the applicant to visit Kenya and will be responsible for their accommodation and well-being during their stay.
- Duration of stay: Specify the exact duration of the applicant’s stay with you.
- Conclusion:
- Offer assistance: State your willingness to provide any additional information or documentation required by the Kenyan immigration authorities.
- Signature: Sign the letter with your full name and date.
Key Elements of Kenya Visa Invitation Letter From the Host
A Kenya Visa Invitation Letter from the host is a formal document that provides additional information about the purpose and details of a visitor’s trip. While specific requirements may vary, the key elements typically included in such a letter are:
- Host’s Information:
- Full name of the host.
- The host’s address is in Kenya.
- Contact details (phone number and email) of the host.
- Guest’s Information:
- Full name of the guest.
- Passport information, including passport number and expiration date.
- Nationality and date of birth of the guest.
- Relationship Between Host and Guest:
- Clearly state the relationship between the host and the guest (family, friend, business associate, etc.).
- Details of the Visit:
- Purpose of the visit (e.g., tourism, family visit, business).
- Proposed dates of entry and exit from Kenya.
- Assurance of Support:
- A statement expressing the host’s willingness to accommodate and support the guest during their stay.
- Details of Accommodation:
- If applicable, mention the address where the guest will be staying in Kenya.
- Financial Responsibility:
- If the host will be financially supporting the guest, include a statement to that effect.
- Closing and Signature:
- A closing statement expressing gratitude and a signature from the host.
- Additional Documents (if required):
- Some embassies may request additional documents such as a copy of the host’s ID or passport.
Format of the Kenya Visa Invitation Letter from the Host
While there’s no specific official format mandated by the Kenyan embassy, here’s a general structure you can follow for your Kenya Visa Invitation Letter as a host:
Heading:
- Include your name and contact information (address, phone number, email).
- Date the letter.
Introduction:
- Briefly introduce yourself, your relationship to the applicant (e.g., friend, family member), and your Kenyan citizenship/residency status.
- State the purpose of the letter – to invite the applicant (mention their full name and nationality) to visit Kenya.
Details of the visit:
- Specify the applicant’s intended arrival and departure dates.
- Briefly mention the reason for their visit (e.g., tourism, business, family visit).
- Outline the planned activities or itinerary (optional).
- Mention where the applicant will be staying during their visit (your residence, hotel, etc.).
Financial responsibility:
- State that you will be financially responsible for the applicant’s accommodation, meals, and local transportation (mention if specific costs are covered).
- If applicable, mention any financial support you’ll provide beyond basic living expenses.
Guarantees:
- Express your guarantee that the applicant will abide by Kenyan laws and regulations during their stay.
- Assure the embassy that the applicant will return to their home country after the visit.
Closing:
- Thank the embassy for their time and consideration.
- Sign the letter and include your printed name.
Tips for Writing a Kenya Visa Invitation Letter from the Host
Tips on writing a Kenya Visa Invitation Letter are the following:
- Use formal and polite language throughout the letter.
- Proofread carefully for any errors before submitting.
- Attach a copy of your Kenyan identification document.
- If writing on company letterhead, ensure it includes company details.
- Consider tailoring the content based on the visa type the applicant is applying for (e.g., additional details for business visas).
Samples of Kenya Visa Invitation Letter from the Host
Sample Invitation Letter for Kenyan Tourist Visa
[Your Name][Your Address][City, Kenya][Postal Code][Date] [Recipient’s Name][Recipient’s Address][Recipient’s City, Country][Recipient’s Postal Code]
Subject: Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you in the best of spirits. It is with great pleasure that I formally invite you to visit me in Kenya this [Month and Year].
I have been residing in Kenya for the past [number of years/months] and would love for you to experience the incredible beauty and culture of this country with me. Our proposed itinerary includes exploring Nairobi’s National Museum, going on a safari in the Maasai Mara, and visiting the coastal city of Mombasa, among other activities.
You will be staying with me at my residence located at [Your Address]. I have ensured all accommodations are in place to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Our relationship, as you know, goes back [number of years], and it would mean the world to me to spend this time together, reliving old memories and creating new ones.
Attached a copy of my passport, utility bill, and rental agreement as proof of residence.
I sincerely hope you consider this invitation and await your positive response.
Warm regards,[Your Name][Your Contact Information: Phone number & Email]
Sample Invitation Letter for Kenyan Business Visa
[Company’s Letterhead][Company’s Logo][Company’s Address][City, Kenya][Postal Code][Date] [Recipient’s Name][Recipient’s Designation][Recipient’s Company Name][Recipient’s Address][Recipient’s City, Country][Recipient’s Postal Code]
Subject: Invitation Letter for Business Visa
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
On behalf of [Your Company’s Name], I am writing to formally invite you to attend the [Specific Event/Meeting/Conference] scheduled to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from [start date] to [end date].
The primary objective of this [event/meeting/conference] is [brief purpose, e.g., “to explore collaborative opportunities between our companies in the domain of sustainable energy solutions”]. Your expertise and insights into [specific field/domain] would significantly contribute to the event’s success.[Your Company’s Name] has arranged accommodation for you at [Hotel’s Name], located at [Hotel’s Address]. Furthermore, our company will bear all your expenses related to this visit, including boarding, lodging, and travel within Kenya.
Please find attached a formal agenda of the event, a copy of our business license, and our company’s profile for your reference.
We eagerly await your confirmation and hope that this event will mark the beginning of a fruitful business relationship between our organizations.
Warm regards,[Your Name][Your Designation][Your Company’s Name][Your Contact Information: Phone number & Email]
Sample Invitation Letter for Kenyan Study Visa
[Institution’s Letterhead][Institution’s Logo][Institution’s Address][City, Kenya][Postal Code][Date] [Recipient’s Name][Recipient’s Address][Recipient’s City, Country][Recipient’s Postal Code]
Subject: Invitation Letter for Study Visa
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
We are pleased to inform you that you have been admitted to [Institution’s Name] for the [specific course, e.g., “Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies”] starting on [course start date]. The duration of the course is [specific duration, e.g., “four years”], ending on [course end date].
Your dedication and passion for [specific subject] will significantly contribute to our diverse student community and academic discussions. Our institution has a history of academic excellence, and we are confident that you will uphold and enhance this tradition.
Kindly find attached:
- A formal admission letter detailing the course structure, faculty, and other relevant academic information.
- A document outlining the tuition fees and other expenses for the entire duration of the course.
- Details of the accommodation facilities provided by or recommended by our institution.
Please use this letter and the attached documents to facilitate your application for a Kenyan study visa. Should the visa authorities require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact our admissions office at [institution’s contact email] or [phone number].
We eagerly await your arrival and are looking forward to welcoming you to our campus.
Warm regards,[Your Name][Your Designation, e.g., “Director of Admissions”][Institution’s Name][Your Contact Information: Phone number & Email]
Sample Invitation Letter for Other Visas (Medical, for instance)
[Hospital/Clinic’s Letterhead][Hospital/Clinic’s Logo][Hospital/Clinic’s Address][City, Kenya][Postal Code][Date] [Recipient’s Name][Recipient’s Address][Recipient’s City, Country][Recipient’s Postal Code]
Subject: Medical Treatment Invitation Letter
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
This letter serves as a formal invitation for [Patient’s Full Name], passport number [Passport Number], to undergo medical treatment at our facility, [Hospital/Clinic’s Name], located in [City, Kenya]. The proposed medical procedure is [specific treatment, e.g., “a knee replacement surgery”], which is scheduled to take place on [specific date].
After careful examination of the medical reports and documents you shared, our team of medical professionals, led by [Leading Doctor’s Name], believes that the procedure is essential for your health and well-being.
The estimated duration for the treatment, including post-operative care and recovery, is approximately [specific duration, e.g., “six weeks”]. During this period, our institution will ensure that you receive the highest standard of medical care and attention.
Enclosed with this letter are:
- Details of the proposed medical treatment, its benefits, and potential risks.
- A cost estimate for the entire duration of the treatment.
- Recommendations for accommodations near our facility, should you need them.
We request you to use this letter to facilitate your application for a Kenyan medical visa. Should the visa or health authorities require further clarification or documentation, they can reach out to our administration desk at [contact email] or [phone number].
Your health and comfort are our utmost priority, and we are committed to providing you with the best care possible.
Warm regards,[Your Name][Your Designation, e.g., “Chief Medical Officer”][Hospital/Clinic’s Name][Your Contact Information: Phone number & Email]
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are needed for an invitation letter?
The host must fulfill the following requirements for the letter of invitation to be valid:
1. A scanned copy of the host’s ID/passport.
2. Proof of funds (if the host financially supports the guest).
3. Proof of home / flat ownership or rental contract.
4. An itinerary of the places we plan to visit together.
5. If the host has taken days off from work to be with you during your stay in their country, then submitting a document proving this would work in your favor.
Can I apply for a visa without an invitation letter?
It’s generally not mandatory to have an invitation letter. However, having an invitation letter or providing additional documentation about the purpose of your visit can be beneficial, especially for specific visa categories.
What are the two types of invitation letters?
Here’s an overview of the two types of invitation letters:
1. Personal Invitation Letter:
Social or family invitations are issued by an individual inviting friends or family members to visit them. They may include details about the relationship, the visit’s purpose, and the duration of the stay. Invitations to private events such as weddings, birthdays, or other celebrations may also require a personal invitation letter.
2. Official Invitation Letter:
Business or Professional Invitations and Government or Diplomatic Invitations. The former is used for inviting someone for business or professional purposes, whereas the latter is issued by government officials or diplomatic missions for official reasons.
How do you confirm an invitation letter?
The text provides options for confirming an invitation letter via email. The most common and easiest method is to reply to the email, thanking the sender for the invitation and letting them know if you can attend. Alternatively, you can send a separate email to confirm your attendance if you prefer to be more formal or if the original invitation was part of a larger thread.
The text provides three ways to confirm attendance if you receive a paper invitation. These include calling the sender, sending a handwritten note, or emailing the sender.
- evisa.go.ke | Republic of Kenya Electronic Visa System. (2023). Evisa.go.ke; Republic of Kenya.<https://evisa.go.ke/services/EastAfricaTouristVisa> [↩] [↩]
- East African Tourist Visa. (2022). The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Retrieved February 6, 2024<https://www.kenyaembassyaddis.org/services/consular-services/east-african-tourist-visa/> [↩]
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Diego, James Abel. "Kenya Visa Invitation Letter From Host." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/kenya-visa-invitation-letter-from-host/. Accessed on 6 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Diego, James Abel. "Kenya Visa Invitation Letter From Host." Visas For Future. October 6, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/kenya-visa-invitation-letter-from-host/.