Entry requirements, visas and documents for Kenya

Kenya, located in East Africa, is a country of remarkable natural beauty. From vast savannahs to Indian Ocean beaches and iconic national parks, Kenya offers a diversity of landscapes and cultures that attract travellers from all over the world. Whether you're keen on safaris in search of the Big Five or want to explore bustling markets and local communities, Kenya has something for everyone. When planning a trip to Kenya, it is essential to understand the entry requirements, passport and visa requirements and other entry conditions. Proper preparation will make your trip easier and enable you to enjoy your stay to the full. This page will guide you through the essential steps to prepare for your trip to Kenya, informing you about the necessary documents, the types of visa available, and any exemptions. Discover the key information for a carefree travel experience in this captivating East African country.

Requirements for Kenya: in brief

• Passport: Passport valid for 6 months after return.
• Visa: No visa required, an electronic ETA (€35) must be obtained 7 days in advance for a 30-day stay.
• Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required, hepatitis A/B, typhoid and rabies vaccinations recommended.
• Other documents: Return air ticket, proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance.
• Covid: Health restrictions have been lifted, no PCR test or vaccination certificate required.

What are the passport requirements for Kenya?

Passport requirements for a trip to Kenya for a British national are essential, so that you can plan your trip with peace of mind. Here are the details: 

• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return from Kenya.
• Passport validity extension: The possibility of extending the validity of your passport does not apply in Kenya.
• Emergency passport: An emergency passport is accepted for entry into Kenya.
• Biometric passport: A biometric passport is not required for entry into Kenya.
• Minors: Minors must travel on their own passport or be registered on a parent's passport. Authorisation to leave the country may be required by the British authorities depending on the family situation.

It is strongly recommended that you make photocopies of your passport to keep separately from the original in case of loss or theft. You can also register your passport with the Foreign Office to make it easier to deal with any problems.

 

What are the visa requirements for travelling to Kenya?

Of course, you will also need a legal visa to be able to stay in Kenya, one of the following visas: 

• Tourist visa: The tourist visa is intended for travellers wishing to visit Kenya for leisure, tourism or holiday purposes. It generally allows a stay of a specified duration for non-commercial purposes.
• Business visa: The business visa is designed for travellers going to Kenya for professional activities, such as meetings, conferences, business negotiations or company visits. It can have different durations depending on business needs.
• Transit visa: The transit visa is for travellers in transit through Kenya on their way to their final destination. It generally authorises a short stay during transit.
• Student visa: Foreign students wishing to study in Kenya must obtain a student visa. This type of visa is specifically designed for education and training programmes.

Since 1 January 2024, British citizens no longer need a visa to enter Kenya.

Instead of a visa, it is necessary to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before departure.

How to obtain an ETA :

• Complete the online application form on the official website: https://etakenya.go.ke/en
• Pay the processing fee of 35 euros by credit card.
• Receive the ETA by email within an average of 7 working days.

Conditions of validity of the ETA :

• The ETA is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days in Kenya.
• It is for a single use only and cannot be used for another trip.

Additional information:

• You can check the status of your ETA application on the official website.
• It is recommended that you apply for your ETA at least 7 days before your departure for Kenya.
• If you have any questions or difficulties, you can contact the ETA helpdesk by email or telephone.

The e-Visa offers several advantages to travellers:

• Simplicity: The online procedure makes it easy to apply for a visa from anywhere in the world, avoiding unnecessary trips to embassies or consulates.
• Speed: Processing times for obtaining an e-Visa are generally short, allowing travellers to plan their trip more quickly.
• Traceability: You can track the status of your application online, keeping you informed of the progress of the process.
• Ease of use: The e-Visa is generally accepted by the Kenyan authorities without the need for stamps on arrival.

The e-Visa is a practical option for many travellers to Kenya. It simplifies the visa application process and saves time when preparing your trip.

 

Travel insurance requirements for a trip to Kenya

Travel insurance is strongly recommended, even if it is not required to enter Kenya.

Recommended cover:

• Medical and hospitalisation expenses
• Medical repatriation
• Civil liability insurance
• Cover for sporting and leisure activities during the trip
• 24/7 assistance

Additional options:

• Trip cancellation
• Loss of luggage
• Flight

To make the right choice of travel insurance, you need to compare the various offers and choose an insurance policy that suits your needs and budget, check the policy limits and exclusions, and make sure that the policy covers the destination country (Kenya) and the length of stay.

The price of travel insurance for Kenya varies according to the type of cover chosen, the length of stay and the age of the traveller. Standard cover generally costs between €10 and €50 per week.

 

Other health conditions and requirements to be aware of before travelling to Kenya:

When travelling to Kenya, it is essential to take into account the compulsory and recommended vaccinations to ensure your health and safety. Although most travellers do not need any compulsory vaccinations to enter Kenya, the following vaccinations are recommended:

• Yellow fever: Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for all travellers to Kenya. It is generally compulsory if you are arriving from an area where yellow fever is endemic.
• Hepatitis A and B: These vaccines protect against liver infections and are recommended for most travellers.
• Typhoid: Typhoid is common in Kenya, so vaccination is recommended.
• Meningitis: If you are travelling during the dry season (December to June), vaccination against meningitis is recommended.
• Tetanus and diphtheria: Make sure your tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations are up to date.

Kenya, like many other countries, has put in place sanitary measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect public health. It is essential to keep up to date with the latest Kenyan government guidelines before you travel. Health measures may include requirements such as the wearing of face masks, social distancing, testing for COVID-19, and quarantine measures on arrival.

Before you leave, check the specific requirements relating to COVID-19 and make sure you comply with all the rules and regulations in force during your stay in Kenya.

Also check the customs rules and regulations for entering Kenya. When entering Kenya, you will have to comply with customs rules concerning authorised and prohibited items. Authorised items vary according to their nature and quantity. Commonly permitted items include personal effects, everyday consumer goods and gifts of limited value.

However, it is essential to check Kenya's specific customs regulations, as certain goods may be subject to import restrictions or duties.

Kenya has duty-free limits for the goods you import. These limits determine the quantity and value of goods you can bring in without paying import duty. These limits vary according to the type of goods and the length of your stay.

Make sure you find out about duty-free limits before importing goods into Kenya to avoid customs problems on arrival.