Loading Page...

Do you need a visa for Kenya?

A visa is required prior to entry into The Republic of Kenya. The e-Visa printout must be presented at the port of entry. It should take at least 2 working days to get your eVisa. Each adult visitor to the Republic of Kenya is required to submit Evisa applications in their personal eVisa account.



As of 2026, Kenya has officially transitioned away from traditional visas and replaced them with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Regardless of your nationality (with a few exceptions for East African citizens), you must apply for this eTA online through the official government portal before you arrive. The process is digital and usually requires a copy of your passport, a selfie, and proof of your flight and hotel bookings. Most eTA applications are processed within 3 to 5 business days, and the fee is approximately $30–$35 USD. It is important to note that you cannot get an eTA "on arrival"; you will be denied boarding at your departure airport if you do not have the approved digital document. The 2026 system is designed to streamline entry, but it requires travelers to be organized. If you are planning a safari or a business trip to Nairobi, ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining to satisfy the eTA requirements.

People Also Ask

Visa applications are processed through the new electronic visa processing system eVisa (www.evisa.go.ke). The following exceptions apply: Exemption from visa: Children under 16 years and below.

MORE DETAILS

Kenya passport visa free countries 2023
  • Barbados.
  • Burundi.
  • Haiti.
  • Hong Kong.
  • Jamaica.
  • Malaysia.
  • Panama.
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis.


MORE DETAILS

Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

MORE DETAILS

In fact, there are well over 100 countries that Americans with passports can travel to, visa-free. With just a valid American passport, you can travel to most countries in Europe, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, as well as many other popular tourist destinations.

MORE DETAILS

Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

MORE DETAILS

In case you are visa-exempt, you can travel to Kenya and stay there for a period of up to 90 days.

MORE DETAILS

Visas are obligatory If you wish to live in Kenya for three or more months, you will need a visa. You should apply to the Kenyan High Commission or embassy in your own country to request a visa.

MORE DETAILS

Due to the high elevation of Masai Mara and Nairobi, Malaria is very rare in these regions since mosquitoes do not live at those elevations. However, Malaria is prevalent in other regions of Kenya, so it is strongly recommended that you speak with your physician about taking Malaria prophylaxis before traveling.

MORE DETAILS

Where Can US Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?
  • Albania.
  • American Samoa.
  • Andorra.
  • Anguilla.
  • Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Argentina.
  • Armenia.
  • Aruba.


MORE DETAILS