Kenya High Commission in Canberra, Australia
The Kenya High Commission in Canberra serves Kenyan citizens in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It provides passport, consular, and trade services, and assists Australian nationals with eTA information for travel to Kenya.
Contact Details
Address
Kenya High CommissionQBN House, Level 4
33 Ainslie Avenue
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia
Phone
Opening Hours
| Monday - Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Consular Hours | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
Jurisdiction
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Island nations
Location
Civic Centre, Canberra. Walking distance from Canberra Centre and City Bus Interchange.
Services Available
Passport Services
- ePassport application and renewal
- Biometric capture
- Emergency Travel Documents
Consular Services
Citizenship
Trade & Investment
- Business networking and introductions
- Investment opportunities in Kenya
- Export/import facilitation
Kenya eTA for Australian Citizens
Australian citizens need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to visit Kenya:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | etakenya.go.ke |
| Fee | USD 30 (~AUD 47) |
| Processing Time | 48-72 hours |
| Validity | 90 days from issue |
| Stay Duration | Up to 90 days per visit |
| Required Documents | Australian passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, accommodation details, return ticket |
The eTA replaced the previous visa system in January 2024. Apply online before travel.
Flights: Australia to Kenya
There are no direct flights between Australia and Kenya. Common connecting routes:
| Route | Via | Airlines | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney/Melbourne - Nairobi | Dubai | Emirates, Qantas + Kenya Airways | ~20-22 hours |
| Sydney/Melbourne - Nairobi | Doha | Qatar Airways | ~21-23 hours |
| Perth - Nairobi | Dubai | Emirates | ~17-19 hours |
| Sydney - Nairobi | Singapore + Dubai | Various | ~22-26 hours |
Kenyan Community in Australia
- Population: Approximately 15,000-20,000 Kenya-born residents in Australia (2021 Census)
- Main cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide
- Community organisations: Kenya Association of Victoria, Kenya Community in NSW, Kenya Association Queensland
- Key issues: Dual citizenship, diaspora voting, remittances, and returning to Kenya
- Students: Growing number of Kenyan students in Australian universities, particularly in nursing, engineering, and IT
ePassport for Kenyans in Australia
- Apply on eCitizen and pay online
- Book a biometrics appointment at the Canberra High Commission
- Bring: current passport, national ID, eCitizen receipt, 2 passport photos
- Processing: 4-8 weeks (passport produced in Nairobi)
- Collect in person or request shipping (additional fee)
Kenyans in Melbourne, Sydney, or other cities far from Canberra should contact the High Commission about periodic consular outreach visits to major cities for biometric capture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Canberra High Commission has jurisdiction over Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Kenyans in New Zealand can apply for passports and consular services through Canberra, though biometrics may need to be done in person.
The eCitizen application can be done online from anywhere. However, biometrics must be captured at the Canberra High Commission. Contact them about periodic outreach visits to other cities or plan a trip to Canberra.
Australians need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. The fee is USD 30 and processing takes 48-72 hours. The eTA allows stays of up to 90 days.
Yes. Both Kenya and Australia allow dual citizenship. Under Kenya 2010 Constitution (Article 16), you can hold Kenyan citizenship alongside Australian citizenship. Register your dual citizenship at the High Commission.