Many times, Kenyans and foreigners need to enter the country with a vehicle bearing foreign plates. If you find yourself in such a situation, then you must follow the rules and acquire a foreign vehicle permit.
A foreign vehicle permit is issued by the National Safety and Transport Authority (NTSA) through the e-citizen government portal. There are currently two categories of foreign vehicle permits as follows:
The steps to getting a foreign vehicle permit in Kenya for a private car are as follows:
- A free seven-day temporary permit issued at entry points to vehicles entering Kenya.
On expiry of seven days, an applicant seeks an extension of their stay from the Customs Services department. - A free seven-day foreign permit issued to vehicles on transit to neighboring countries.
- A paid up foreign permit is issued to vehicles on tour in Kenya and with an international circulation permit from the country of origin (carnet de passage en douane).
- A paid up foreign permit issued to vehicles entering Kenya on a business trip under the East African treaty, Comesa Treaty or any other country with which Kenya has a bilateral agreement. Such countries include; Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and other countries.
The requirements for this permit are as follows:
- A certificate of temporary importation (C32)
A valid certificate of Insurance
A completed application Form
A certificate of temporary of vehicles or vehicles accessories
An International Certificate
The Foreign Vehicle Permit in Kenya fees for this category are as follows:
1. Below 2000 CC for 1 Month – USD 21
2. Below 2000 CC for 3 Month – USD 51
3. Above 2000 CC for 1 Month – USD 41
4. Above 2000 CC for 3 Month – USD 101
2) Foreign Commercial, Public Service Vehicle or Trailer Permit
The details for this foreign vehicle permit in Kenya are as follows:
A free seven-day temporary permit issued at entry points to vehicles entering Kenya.
On expiry of seven days, an applicant seeks an extension of their stay from the Customs Services department.
A free seven-day foreign permit issued to vehicles on transit to neighboring countries.
A paid up foreign permit is issued to vehicles on tour in Kenya and with an international circulation permit from the country of origin (carnet de passage en douane).
A paid up foreign permit issued to vehicles entering Kenya on a business trip under the East African treaty, Comesa Treaty or any other country with which Kenya has a bilateral agreement.
Such countries include; Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and other countries.
The requirements for this permit are as follows:
A certificate of temporary importation (C32)
A valid certificate of Insurance
A completed application Form
A certificate of temporary of vehicles or vehicles accessories
An International Certificate
The Foreign Vehicle Permit in Kenya fees for this category are as follows:
1. Commercial Vehicles for 1 Month – USD 21
2. Commercial Vehicles for 3 Month – USD 51
3. Trailers for 1 Month – USD 41
4. Trailers for 3 Month – USD 101
5. Trucks for 1 Month – USD 41
6. Truck for 3 Month – USD 101
Foreign vehicle permit in Kenya tips and warnings
Take note that for both categories, a seven-day foreign vehicle permit is free.
You must visit the nearest customs office to obtain or renew the customs form C32 or Carnet before making an application. Extensions are granted based on period indicated on form c32 or Carnet.