Drive a foreign-registered vehicle in Kenya temporarily (Form C32, carnet and foreign permit)
Kenya Revenue Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
At the border, show a Form C32 (EAC and COMESA vehicles) or a valid carnet de passage (other countries), with the vehicle's registration book in your name, then apply for a foreign vehicle permit on eCitizen on entry. C32 vehicles get a free 14-day permit; carnet vehicles get a paid one-month permit.
- Fee
- Free14-day temporary foreign permit (vehicles entering with Form C32)
- Where
- At the border station on entry, with the foreign permit applied for on eCitizen; extensions at KRA Customs and Border Control enforcement offices
What you need
- Form C32 (issued at the border station) or
- A carnet de passage en douane (or pass sheet) valid for Kenya
- The foreign vehicle registration book (logbook) in your name
- If you are not the owner: a valid power of attorney or the owner's authorisation
- An eCitizen account to apply for the foreign permit
Steps
- At the border, get a Form C32 (EAC or COMESA vehicles) or have your carnet de passage endorsed, and show the logbook in your name.
- On entry, apply for a Foreign Motor Vehicle Permit on eCitizen using your C32 or carnet.
- Don't leave the border station until you hold both the C32 or carnet and the foreign permit.
- Staying longer? Before the permit runs out, ask KRA Customs and Border Control (enforcement offices) to extend it, for up to 90 days.
Watch out
- For an extension, a customs officer must physically check the vehicle and accept your reason.
- A foreign vehicle without the right papers must leave Kenya at once, or it can be impounded.
- Carnet vehicles get a paid permit valid for one month. KRA's notice does not state the amount.
Who can apply
- Drivers from EAC or COMESA countries, using a Form C32 issued at the border.
- Drivers from other countries, using a carnet de passage (or pass sheet) from their home country that is valid for Kenya.
- Kenyans can use a Form C32 only with a valid work permit or proof of residence in another Partner State.
Official sources (3)
- Kenyans Living Abroad: Importation kra.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Temporary Importation of Road Vehicles and Foreign Vehicle Permits kra.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Temporary Importation of Foreign Motor Vehicle Permits kra.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026