Kenya entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online for an eVisa before you travel — it's straightforward and usually approved within 48 hours. As of 2026, all visitors must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) via the official portal.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eVisa (eTA) | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before travel. The application takes about 15 minutes and costs $30 USD for single entry. Approval usually comes within 48 hours — don't book flights until you have the approval email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your UAE passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having the address and booking reference ready speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, or a credit card with a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely check this, but it's a formal requirement for entry. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — apply before you fly
All UAE passport holders must obtain an eVisa (eTA) before traveling to Kenya. You cannot get a visa on arrival. Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 48 hours before your flight. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the approval email.
Passport validity: 6 months from entry
Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport if needed before booking.
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstaying your visa costs $20 USD per day, capped at $1,000 USD. Pay at immigration before leaving. Multiple overstays can lead to a ban from entering Kenya. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to etakenya.go.ke, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the $30 fee. You'll get a confirmation email within 48 hours — print it or save it on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents for the airport
Before you leave for the airport, check your passport validity (6+ months), print or screenshot your eVisa approval, return ticket, and first night's hotel booking. Have these ready at check-in and immigration.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask a few questions — keep answers simple (tourism, business, etc.). You'll get a stamp allowing up to 90 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$51 USD
Standard option for tourism, can be extended at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$101 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers, allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$51 USD
Requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Allows residency and work.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) per year
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. No work allowed. Requires annual renewal.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period, up to 90 days per visit. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extensions can be applied at immigration offices, up to 6 months total stay. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES). | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Kenya
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not require a transit visa for airside transit through Kenya's international airports, provided they stay in the transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, or if transiting through such a country for more than 12 hours.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes, outbreaks occur periodically.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including Nairobi and major cities. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nairobi
Department of Immigration Services (Headquarters)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalNairobi
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days with IDP.
Money
CurrencyKenyan Shilling (KES)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 129.47 KES
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Kenya
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most applications are approved within 48 hours. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll get an email with the approval — print it or save it on your phone.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi (Nyayo House) or at regional offices in Mombasa and Kisumu. Extensions cost $50 USD per month and can be granted for up to 6 months total stay. Arrive early — queues can be long.
Overstays are fined $20 USD per day, with a maximum cap of $1,000 USD. You'll need to pay at immigration before leaving the country. Avoid this — it's expensive and can affect future travel.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, or if you've transited through such a country for more than 12 hours. Otherwise, it's not mandatory but recommended. Carry your vaccination certificate if you have it.
No. Tourist visas do not permit work. If you plan to work, you need a work permit (Class D) sponsored by a Kenyan employer. Working on a tourist visa can lead to deportation and a ban.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Common reasons include insufficient funds, no return ticket, or incomplete documentation. You can reapply with corrected information. If you're unsure, contact the Kenyan embassy in Abu Dhabi or the eVisa support team.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical care in Kenya can be expensive — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is a smart investment.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.