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.

What are the passport and visa requirements for travelling to Kenya?

Before travelling to Kenya, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your intended entry. This will ensure that your passport remains valid throughout your stay.

You should also check that your passport has enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps. The Kenyan authorities will stamp your passport, and it is essential to have blank pages for these formalities.

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 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 intended 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.

What is the electronic visa (e-Visa) for Kenya and what are its advantages?

The e-Visa has become the preferred method of obtaining a visa for Kenya due to its simplicity and speed. Here are the general steps for applying for an e-Visa:

• Access to the official website or service provider: Go to the official website or that of a service provider dedicated to e-visas. Make sure you use an authorised website to avoid fraud.
• Creating an account: You will need to create an account by providing personal information such as your name, e-mail address and other details.
• Completing the application form: Complete the online application form with the required information, including the purpose of your trip, your passport details, and your contact details.
• Downloading the required documents: Prepare the necessary documents, such as passport photographs, a copy of your passport, and any documents specific to your type of visa.
• Payment of visa fees: Pay your visa fees online using accepted payment methods. Make sure you keep proof of payment.
• Submitting your application: Once your application is complete and the fees have been paid, submit your application online. You will receive a visa reference number.
• Waiting for approval: The waiting time for approval of your e-Visa may vary, but is generally fairly short. You can track the status of your application online using your reference number.
• Receipt of e-Visa: Once approved, your e-Visa will be emailed to you as an electronic document for you to print out. Make sure you have a printed copy with you when you travel.

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 e-Visa are generally short, enabling 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.

Other health conditions and formalities 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.