Kenya is one of Africa’s most complete destinations: safaris in legendary reserves, spectacular nature, and beaches on the Indian Ocean.
To plan your trip without surprises, the most important thing is to know the entry requirements and apply in advance for the Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), which is required before travel in most cases.
Do you need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Currently, most travelers need an approved electronic travel authorization (Kenya eTA) before starting their trip. It is a digital permit applied for online and presented to the airline at boarding and to immigration upon arrival.
There are exemptions for specific profiles (for example, citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries, residents in Kenya with valid permits, and passengers in transit who do not leave the airport). That’s why, if you have doubts due to your passport or travel type, it’s best to check the eligibility section.
What is the Kenya eTA?
The Kenya eTA is an electronic travel authorization that determines whether you can travel to the country.
Important: having an approved eTA does not guarantee entry, as the final admission decision is made at border control.
For most tourists, the usual option is the Standard eTA, which allows one entry and is processed entirely online.
All people planning to travel to Kenya will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization called the Kenya eTA. It works more or less like a single-entry visa. It only allows one entry for a stay of 90 days in the country. The difference is that it is mandatory for all travelers going to Kenya, while the need to obtain a visa for Kenya depends on the traveler’s nationality.
How to apply for a Kenya visa?
The travel authorization called the Kenya eTA, also known as the Kenya Visa, is completed online. You only need to fill out a simple online form, submit it, and wait to receive your authorization by email. Once approved, it’s advisable to have the document on your phone and/or printed to show it at boarding and upon arrival.
Who needs a visa for Kenya?
In general, all visitors (including babies and minors) must have an approved eTA before travel, unless they fall under an exempt category under current rules. Among the most common exemptions are citizens of EAC countries (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) for certain stays, as well as passengers in transit who do not leave the airport. To confirm it by nationality, use the eligibility check.
What requirements are needed to apply for a Kenya visa?
The requirements to travel to Kenya and apply for a visa vary depending on the visa type and the reason for travel. In general, you will need:
- A copy of a valid passport (at least 6 months validity and at least one blank page)
- A recent photo (selfie-style or passport-style)
- Arrival and departure flight (if traveling by air)
- Travel itinerary (if traveling by land or sea)
- Accommodation confirmation
- An email address to receive the documentation
- A payment card to pay the visa fee
Travel purposes and documentation to obtain the Kenya eTA
In addition to the general Kenya eTA requirements (valid passport, photo/selfie, contact details, flight itinerary, and payment method), the system may request additional documentation depending on the purpose of travel. That’s why, before starting the application, it’s advisable to have the correct supporting documents ready to avoid delays or requests for more information.
Tourism travel
If you travel for tourism, in addition to your passport and itinerary, you will usually need to provide proof of accommodation. This can be a hotel booking or, if you are staying at someone’s home, an invitation letter from the host as proof of lodging.
Visiting family or friends
For visits to family or friends, Kenya typically requests an invitation letter from the relative/host and a document proving their identity or status in the country. Instead of referring to “DNI” (a Spain-specific term), it is more accurate to indicate that a national ID document/passport of the host or an Alien card / Entry permit (as applicable) is accepted.
Business travel (work/business)
For business trips or short professional activities, in addition to accommodation, common additional documentation includes an invitation letter from the company in Kenya and a copy of the company registration. This helps justify the purpose of travel within the Kenya eTA application.
Diplomatic travel and special documents
For travel in a diplomatic/official capacity, documentation usually includes a diplomatic/official/service passport and an official letter issued by the country or organization of origin (for example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant authority). In addition, holders of official/diplomatic passports or a Laissez-Passer on an official mission may be exempt from paying the fee, although the procedure (or verification) may still be required depending on the case.
Transit and layovers
If you are in transit through Kenya and do not leave the international area (you do not exit the airport/port/border facility), the rules consider this situation exempt from eTA. However, if you need to enter the country during a layover (for example, due to a change of plans, baggage collection, or an overnight stay), it is recommended to apply for the appropriate authorization before traveling and provide proof of itinerary and accommodation.
Can a Kenya visa be modified once submitted?
Once the application has been submitted, you should not count on making changes: if there is an error in key details (name, passport, etc.), the most common outcome is that you will need to apply again for the eTA. That’s why it is essential to carefully review the information before paying and submitting.
How much does a Kenya visa cost?
The cost depends on the authorization type. As an official reference, Kenya’s platform shows the following fees:
- Standard eTA: 30 USD
- Transit eTA: 20 USD
- Multiple eTA (1 year): 300 USD
- 5-year eTA for U.S. nationals: 185 USD
If you apply for the Kenya eTA through Visagov, the final price includes the official fees and the service/processing fee for handling, data review, and support. The breakdown is shown before completing the payment.
How far in advance should you apply for a Kenya visa?
Typical processing time is about 3 business days / 72 hours, although it can take longer if additional checks are required. To allow enough time, the system itself recommends submitting the application at least 2 weeks in advance whenever possible.
What are Kenya’s entry borders?
Kenya is very well connected by air to the rest of the world. It has several airports, four of which are international. You can travel through all of its airports with the electronic visa. Depending on the area of the country you plan to visit, or the airline you fly with, you should choose one airport or another. The busiest internationally are:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): the country’s main airport, located in Nairobi, 15 km from the city center.
- Moi International Airport (MBA), also known as the Mombasa airport, located in that city and the country’s second most important airport.
- Kisumu International Airport (KIS): the country’s third busiest airport by passenger traffic, located in Kisumu.
- Eldoret International Airport (EDL): located in western Kenya, in the city of Eldoret.
Kenya has land borders with five countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan. Entry through all border posts requires a visa. You should not enter through border posts with Somalia or South Sudan: they are not safe. The most advisable land routes are via Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Specifically, the recommended land entry points are:
- From Uganda: Busia, Iwakhakha, Lwakhakha, Malaba, Suam
- From Tanzania: Isebania, Loitoktok, Lunga-Lunga, Muhuru Bay, Namanga, Taveta
- From Ethiopia: Moyale
It is also possible to enter by (small) boat from the islands of Zanzibar to the port of Mombasa. You can also arrive at this port via a cruise on an African route. To enter by sea, the ports that will accept your electronic visa are: Kilindini, Kisumu, Mbita Pier, Old Port of Mombasa, Shimoni, and Vanga.
Do you need vaccines to travel to Kenya?
There is no single “mandatory vaccine” for all travelers in all circumstances, but a yellow fever certificate is required for those arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic (according to Kenya’s health regulations). The safest approach is to check it based on your route (origin and layovers) and consult an International Vaccination Center. In addition, during the eTA application, they may request vaccination or test certificates depending on the category and the health context.
What is Kenya’s currency?
The country’s official currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES/KSH). In very touristy places like Nairobi or Mombasa, you may be able to pay in U.S. dollars, but it’s best to exchange money and pay with the local currency. You can exchange currency on arrival at the airport, at major banks, or at exchange offices.
It’s important to always carry some cash, since outside the main cities it can be difficult to exchange money or pay by credit card. Credit cards are gradually becoming more common in the country, but currently they are not accepted everywhere.
What is the best time to travel to Kenya?
Kenya can be visited year-round, but the best time to travel depends heavily on the type of trip you want (safari, beach, or mountain). In general, the most popular months for a complete Kenya trip tend to coincide with the driest season, when roads are in better condition and wildlife viewing is easier.
For a safari, the most recommended time is usually the dry season, especially from June to October. With less vegetation and less available water, animals gather around rivers and watering holes, making them easier to spot in parks such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo. Also, if your priority is the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, the most sought-after period is usually between July and October.
Generally speaking, Kenya has two main rainy periods: the “long rains” (approximately late March to May) and the “short rains” (roughly October to December). The month that tends to see the most rain in many areas is April. Even so, rain often falls as showers and can vary widely by region (coast, highlands, north), so it doesn’t always ruin the trip: the landscape is greener, there are fewer tourists, and you can often find better prices.
If the idea is to combine safari and beach, Kenya’s coast works very well in dry months. For milder weather and less humidity, many travelers choose July to October; and if you prefer more intense heat and calmer seas, January to March is also often a great window to enjoy Mombasa and surrounding areas.
For mountain routes and trekking on Mount Kenya, it’s best to avoid peak rainy periods and prioritize the driest windows: usually January–February and July–October, when there is less mud, better visibility, and more stable conditions.
Is it safe to travel to Kenya?
Kenya is a very popular tourist destination, but it cannot be considered “completely safe”: the realistic recommendation is to travel with caution and plan transfers and areas carefully. The main incidents affecting travelers are usually related to urban crime, theft, and, in certain regions, risk of terrorism or kidnapping.
As for sensitive areas, it’s advisable to exercise extra caution (or avoid them if not essential) near the border with Somalia and in some areas of the east and north of the country, as well as to be especially careful in certain Nairobi neighborhoods with higher crime risk. The practical recommendation is not to improvise routes in unfamiliar areas, avoid walking alone in isolated places, and use reliable transportation, especially at night.
It is also important to note that demonstrations and protests are common in Kenya, especially in Nairobi, and can lead to unrest or traffic disruptions. The safest approach is to stay away from crowds, follow local guidance, and monitor news if gatherings are announced.
Important tips for traveling to Kenya
- In Kenya, homosexuality is a criminal offense punishable by prison, so public displays of affection are not advisable.
- Kenyans like to interact with tourists; you should avoid discussing political topics related to their country.
- Electricity in Kenya is 240 V and three-pin plugs are used, so it’s recommended to bring an adapter for your electronic devices.
- Kenya’s official languages are English and Swahili. There are also different dialects among tribes and in rural areas, but in most places in the country people speak English.
- Do not drink water from fountains or taps; always drink bottled water.
- Avoid eating raw foods in restaurants and, of course, from street stalls.
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes by using repellent and wearing long clothing at dusk/night, and using mosquito nets.
- It is very common in Kenya to bargain prices—whether taking a taxi, eating out, or buying a souvenir.
- If you visit a national park or go on a safari, you must respect the animals and not shout at them, scare them, throw objects, or feed them.
