Kenya entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 an e-visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online through the official eTA Kenya portal, and the process is straightforward. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisasYou must get this online approval before you fly – there is no visa on arrival for UAE citizens. Apply online before travel | All UAE passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya eVisa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/) well in advance of your trip. The eVisa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenya needs a clean page to stamp your passport – no stamps or writing on it. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Proof of departure | Immigration officials may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Kenya before your eVisa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's not always asked, but having proof of money helps avoid problems at the border. For your stay | You may be required to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Kenya (e.g., bank statements, cash, or credit cards). | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateIf you've recently been in a yellow-fever zone, you'll need the certificate to enter Kenya. If arriving from an endemic country | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. UAE is not currently on the endemic list, but check your transit points. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form – just your eVisa and passport. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration for UAE passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
The eTA can take longer than the advertised 2-3 days, especially during peak travel seasons. Submit your application at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute issues.
No visa on arrival
Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. If you arrive without an approved eTA, you'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online eTA application
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. The form takes about 15 minutes.
2
Pay the eTA fee
Pay the required fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, so double-check your details before submitting.
3
Wait for approval
Most eTAs are processed within 2-3 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
4
Receive your eTA by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eTA document. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
5
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
On arrival, head to the immigration hall. Present your passport, eTA, and any supporting documents (return ticket, yellow fever certificate if applicable). The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple entry eTA (6 months)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$34
For frequent travelers; apply online.
Multiple entry eTA (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$34
For business or frequent travel; apply online.
Multiple entry eTA (5 years)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity5 years from issue
Cost$34
For frequent travelers; apply online.
Business visa (single entry, longer stay)
Max stay6 months
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter; apply at Kenyan embassy.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all visitors; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)Required even for airside transit; valid for 72 hours. | $34 |
| Visa extension (single entry, up to 6 months)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; subject to approval. | $50 |
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
Transit visa required
All transit passengers, including those staying airside, must obtain a transit eTA before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Passengers with a valid Kenyan residence permit or work permit
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 = 129.25 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
Typically 2-3 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid stress.
The fee is around $34 (USD), but it's best to check the official eTA Kenya website for the current amount. It's paid online during application.
No, the eTA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave Kenya and reapply.
No, not if you're arriving directly from the UAE. But if you've been in a yellow fever risk country within the last 6 days, you'll need the certificate.
No, the eTA is mandatory for UAE passport holders. You must have it approved before you travel.
You'll receive a denial email. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable. If denied, you won't be able to board your flight.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own eTA. You'll need to provide their passport details and a photo.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.