Kenya Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Kenya is a popular destination for tourism, business, and wildlife safaris, with entry requirements that vary by nationality. Most visitors require either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival, with the process largely moving online in recent years. Upon arrival, travelers go through immigration control where passports and visas are checked, and may be asked about the purpose and duration of their visit. Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date and has at least one blank visa page. It's important to have all required documentation ready, including proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for the stay. Kenya has modernized its immigration processes at major airports like Jomo Kenyatta International (Nairobi) and Moi International (Mombasa), making entry relatively efficient for prepared travelers. All visitors should be aware of Kenya's customs regulations regarding currency declaration, restricted items, and duty-free allowances. Health requirements may include vaccinations depending on recent travel history, though COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Travelers should always check current requirements before departure as policies can change.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Kenya's visa policy categorizes countries into three main groups: visa-free entry, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required, and traditional visa required. Since January 2024, Kenya has replaced the eVisa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for most nationalities.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 90 days

Citizens of East African Community member states and a few other African countries

Includes

Uganda Rwanda Tanzania Burundi South Sudan Ethiopia Eritrea Seychelles

East African Community citizens can stay up to 6 months. Always check current status as agreements may change.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Up to 90 days (single entry)

Most visitors including tourists from Western countries require ETA

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia Germany France Italy Spain Netherlands Sweden Norway Japan South Korea China India Brazil

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) portal. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days but apply at least 7 days before travel.
Cost: Approximately $30 USD

ETA is mandatory before travel. Approval must be printed or available digitally. Multiple-entry options available for higher fees.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type

Countries requiring embassy-issued visas

How to Apply: Apply at Kenyan diplomatic missions (embassies/consulates) in home country

Includes some African and Asian countries. Processing times vary by embassy.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Kenya, travelers proceed through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Major airports have separate lines for residents and visitors.

Arrival and Document Check

Proceed to immigration counters for non-residents. Present passport with ETA/visa, completed arrival form, and proof of onward travel.

Biometric Data Collection

Fingerprints and photograph may be taken at immigration counter.

Passport Stamping

Immigration officer stamps passport with entry date and allowed duration of stay.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect luggage and proceed through customs declaration channels (green for nothing to declare, red for items to declare).

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date with at least one blank visa page.

ETA Approval/Visas

Printed or digital copy of approved Electronic Travel Authorization or valid visa.

Proof of Onward Travel

Return ticket or ticket to next destination showing exit from Kenya within authorized stay period.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

May be requested to show evidence of adequate funds for duration of stay (bank statements, credit cards).

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Apply for ETA at least 7 days before travel to account for processing delays

Print multiple copies of your ETA approval and keep one separate from your passport

Have hotel reservations and contact information readily available

Fill out the arrival form completely and accurately while on the plane to save time

Be prepared to show proof of funds if requested (recommended minimum $500 for short stays)

Customs & Duty-Free

Kenya has specific customs regulations regarding duty-free allowances, prohibited items, and declaration requirements. All visitors must pass through customs control upon arrival.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits OR 2 liters of wine

Traveler must be 18 years or older

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco

Traveler must be 18 years or older

Currency

Unlimited amount can be brought in

Amounts exceeding USD 5,000 or equivalent must be declared upon arrival

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to USD 500 value

Commercial quantities require declaration and may be subject to duty

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - strict penalties including imprisonment
Counterfeit goods and currency - illegal to import
Pornographic materials - prohibited by law
Hazardous materials and chemicals - without proper permits
Plastic bags - banned in Kenya since 2017

Restricted Items

Firearms and ammunition - require special permits from Firearms Licensing Board
Medicines - prescription drugs require doctor's prescription and should be in original packaging
Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificates
Animal products and wildlife trophies - require CITES permits
Drones - require authorization from Kenya Civil Aviation Authority

Health Requirements

Kenya has specific health requirements for incoming travelers, regarding vaccinations. While COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, other health considerations remain important.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Polio
Tetanus-diphtheria
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
Rabies - for extended stays or rural travel
Malaria prophylaxis - Kenya is a malaria-risk country

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for entry but highly recommended. Medical facilities in major cities are good but expensive. Ensure insurance covers emergency evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements have been lifted as of 2023. Check latest updates on Kenya Ministry of Health website before travel as requirements can change based on health situations.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Kenya

Check your government's travel advisory website for contact information and location

Immigration Authority

Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Official website for visa/ETA information and applications: immigration.go.ke

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police, ambulance, fire: 999 or 112 (from mobile phones)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 must have own passport. If traveling with one parent or alone, notarized consent letter from absent parent(s) is recommended. Birth certificate may be requested to prove relationship.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require import permit from Kenya Veterinary Department, valid rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, and microchip. Certain breeds are restricted. Advance arrangements required.

Extended Stays

Tourist ETA allows up to 90 days. For longer stays, apply for extension at Immigration Headquarters in Nairobi before expiry, or exit and re-enter. Consider applying for different visa category (work, study, residence) if planning extended stay.