If you're planning to visit the vibrant nation of Kenya, it's essential to know about the entry requirements and Kenyan entry visas. Visa requirements are governed by the Kenyan Immigration Act and are subject to change without prior notice. An experienced visa specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border crossing requirements.
Do You Need a Visa for Kenya?
As of 1 January 2024, foreign nationals, regardless of nationality, can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business travel for stays up to 90 days. Travelers must, however, obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). All previous visa entry requirements for Kenya are now replaced by the requirement for ETA’s.
N.B. Electronic Travel Authorisation for Kenya. All travellers of all ages (except citizens of Kenya and EAC partner countries) arriving in Kenya are required to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online prior to departure: Online applications via www.etakenya.go.ke. ETA’s are valid for a single entry to Kenya for a maximum stay duration of 3 months. $34.09 per person - Standard Processing. NB: Subject to change.
Visas are normally issued for a maximum 30 or 90 days, depending on your country of residence. Visas are valid for a period not exceeding 3 months. The passport must be valid for three months beyond the length of the requested visa. You must provide proof of travel arrangements for the duration of your trip.
Even if your nationality does not require a visa, you may need to show additional documentation to get into the country. To enter Kenya you may need:
- An undamaged passport valid for at least six months from the date you exit Kenya
- At least two blank passport pages
- An electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- A return or onward ticket from Kenya
- Proof of funds to financially support yourself while traveling in Kenya
- Documentation supporting the purpose of your stay, like accommodation or tour booking.
Read also: Moroccan Visa Requirements
Are US Citizens Allowed to Travel to Kenya?
Yes, US citizens can travel to Kenya. However, because of security concerns and the ongoing global health situation, regularly checking for the latest information is advisable. There are higher-level advisories in place for some parts of the country as well.
Americans are instructed not to travel to certain Kenya-Somalia border counties and coastal areas because of terrorism and kidnapping, and to areas of Turkana County because of crime. To travel to Kenya, US citizens need a passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of six months. Additionally, US travelers must obtain Kenyan entry visas before departure.
No, a passport is necessary for US citizens to enter Kenya. There is no visa on arrival in Kenya. Kenyan visas are now exclusively issued electronically.
All visitors must obtain an eVisa before departing for Kenya. Applying for a Kenyan eVisa is a straightforward online process. Visit the official Kenyan eVisa portal and fill out the application form for the appropriate visa.
Types of Kenyan eVisas
The country has implemented a digital eVisa portal where travelers can apply for Kenyan eVisas.
Read also: Visa Guide: Australia for Kenyans
- Single-entry visa: This visa is valid for three months from the date of issue for those traveling for business, tourism, or visiting family members and similar purposes. It requires details on the travel itinerary.
- Multiple-entry visa: This visa allows frequent entry to Kenya for business, tourism, medical, or other reasons.
- Five-year multiple-entry visa: Available exclusively for US nationals who need to visit Kenya frequently, either for business or tourism. It takes 10 working days to process. Travelers should keep in mind that the visa is tied to their passport.
- Transit visa: This visa applies to travelers connecting through Kenya to other destinations for a period not exceeding 72 hours.
- East Africa tourist visa: A Joint Tourist Visa issued for travel to and within Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for tourism, this visa requires that travelers first arrive in Kenya.
How to Apply for a Kenyan eVisa
Though Kenyan eVisas usually take 48 hours to process, they can occasionally take longer. To avoid complications, travelers should apply for their single-entry eVisa around 10 days before their planned travel date.
How to apply Your Kenya eTA Visa in 2025 (Step-By-Step Guide)
Cost of a Kenyan Visa
The price of a Kenyan visa for US citizens varies depending on the type of visa, and whether a visa is single-entry or multiple entry.
Here is an example of the costs associated with a single entry visa:
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Embassy fee | $35.00 |
| Service fee | $89.00 |
| Case credit | $0.00 |
| Tax | $0.00 |
| Total cost | $124.00 |
Important Health Information
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions travel health notice for Kenya due to global polio. While Kenya has lifted travel restrictions and no longer requires a PCR test or proof of COVID-19 vaccination, the CDC recommends that all international travelers are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations before going abroad.
Travelers arriving in Kenya who display flu-like symptoms must fill out the passenger locator form on the jitenge platform and take a COVID-19 antigen test upon arrival at their own cost. Those who test positive on a COVID-19 antigen test must take a PCR test at their own cost. If the result is positive, you will be required to self-isolate.
Read also: Types of Egypt Visas
Before traveling to Kenya, ensure you have proof of yellow fever immunization. A yellow fever certificate is valid 10 days after the vaccination is administered, making it important to get the vaccination in time before leaving for Kenya. Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by a certain type of infected mosquitoes. The disease is similar to malaria, but patients become severely jaundiced (a yellow colouring which gives the disease its name).
Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
Masks are required in closed spaces and private facilities, such as public transportation, transport hubs, government buildings, offices and shopping markets.
Other Essential Tips for Traveling in Kenya
- Mobile Phone Coverage: There is ample cell phone coverage in Kenya in the areas of the highest population and most popular tourist locations. If your US phone is unlocked and supports the GSM network, then you can use your mobile phone in Kenya. If you plan to use your mobile phone, check your provider’s roaming rates for voice, text, and data. For unlocked phones, you can also purchase a local SIM card on arrival to avoid roaming charges.
- Power Plugs: Kenya uses type G plugs, with three rectangular prongs set in a triangle, as you would find in the UK. If traveling from the US, you will need a power plug adapter.
- What to Wear: Wear comfortable, light clothing. Loose-fitting clothes that cover you are best to avoid mosquito bites. You should also wear mosquito repellent. Insect repellent is your best friend when it comes to avoiding mosquito bites, you can buy insect repellents from the local supermarkets and/or pharmacies and apply to any exposed areas of the skin. Keep air circulating in your room, mosquitoes aren’t strong flyers (that’s why they are more active during the evening and in the mornings when there is little wind).
- Smoking: Yes, but only in designated smoking areas and licensed establishments. Smoking is prohibited in all public places.
- LGBTQ+ Travelers: While there are registered LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in the country, consensual same-sex activity is criminalized under local law. Same-sex activity is punishable by a maximum of 14 years in prison. Sexual relations between men are explicitly criminalized in a separate statute and punishable by up to 21 years in prison. Persons have been arrested under these laws, particularly suspected sex workers.
- Must carry a photo identification: You must carry a photo identification or a copy of your passport at all times. Police and immigration officials have the right to request proof of your identification, residency or valid visas.
Important Legal Considerations
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment and heavy fines. There are strict restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages and on consuming alcohol in public places. Possession of ivory or other banned wildlife items, even if you bought it outside of Kenya, is strictly prohibited. Killing, buying, selling or trading any protected wild animal or any of its parts is illegal. The use, manufacture or importation of plastic bags, which includes garbage bags and shopping bags, is illegal. To carry firearms, you must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering the country.
Overstaying Your Visa
Overstaying your visa in Kenya can result in penalties, including fines and possible deportation. Foreign visitors who overstay on a visa are normally declared ‘undesirable persons. If one overstays your 90 day period, you can extend your visa by another three months to avoid overstaying your visa in the country.
While in Kenya, be sure to follow the travel advice issued by the US Department of State and the CDC. Exercise strong personal security measures, adhere to local laws, and follow the rules established by local authorities.
With abundant natural beauty in Kenya's national parks and an opportunity to see wildlife in its natural environment, Kenya offers a captivating travel experience.
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