Kenya entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Australians need a visa to enter Kenya. Currently, the easiest way is to apply for an e-Visa online before you travel – it saves time on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before departure. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue, single entry only.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6+ months validity | Your Australian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if you're under 6 months, they'll deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your departure flight from Kenya within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having a booking ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you'll need to demonstrate you're not at risk of overstaying or working illegally. | Recommended |
eVisa is the smoothest route
Even though visa on arrival is possible, the eVisa (evisa.go.ke) will save you at least 30 minutes in the immigration queue at JKIA. Plus, airlines sometimes demand to see a visa before letting you board – the eVisa approval letter satisfies that requirement.
Cash vs card at the border
If you opt for visa on arrival, bring exact USD 51 in crisp US cash (notes older than 2009 may be rejected). Credit cards are accepted at some counters but the machines frequently fail. Paying in Kenyan shillings is also possible but you'll get a worse exchange rate.
Overstay fines add up fast
At USD 50 per day, even a 10‑day overstay will cost you USD 500. Set a reminder in your phone for three days before your visa expiry to arrange your exit or extension.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to evisa.go.ke, create an account, fill out the application (personal details, passport info, travel dates), upload a passport‑style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay with a credit card – single entry tourist eVisa is about USD 51. Processing takes 2–7 business days. Print the approval email.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Have your printed eVisa approval, passport, and return ticket ready at check‑in. The airline will want to see the visa before they issue a boarding pass. Also keep a printed copy in your carry‑on – phone copies work but a backup never hurts.
3
Arrive at JKIA (or other entry point)
At Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' – there are separate lines for 'Visa on Arrival' and 'e-Visa holders'. Use the eVisa lane. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and any supporting documents if asked. The officer will stamp you in – typically gives 30‑90 days stay, but check your stamp.
4
Stay within your permitted period
Check the date handwritten in your passport – it's your last day to leave. If you overstay, you risk a fine (about USD 50 per day) and difficulties leaving. Extensions are possible only in very limited cases (e.g., medical) – don't count on it.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (e.g., business or work)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. AUD 1,500) per year
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit
3 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. AUD 3,000) per year
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
$150 USD (approx. AUD 225) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Kenya. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $20 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
| Visa extension feeFee for extending stay beyond initial visa period. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Australian passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during outbreaks. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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
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 visa issues for coastal region travellers.
Practical information for AU 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 = 129.17 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
Yes, you can get a single entry tourist visa on arrival at JKIA, Moi International, and other major airports. It costs the same as an eVisa (USD 51), payable in US dollars cash (credit cards sometimes accepted but not reliable). The downside is the queue – it can take 30–90 minutes, especially during peak hours. The eVisa is faster.
The single entry tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and you can stay up to 90 days in Kenya. Once you leave, it expires. If you want to re‑enter, you need a new visa.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately USD 50 per day (or equivalent in Kenyan shillings) at immigration when you leave. There's a small chance of being banned from re‑entry if you overstay for a long time. Ask for an extension at the immigration office in Nairobi if you have a valid reason (e.g., medical emergency).
Officially, no – because Australia is not listed as a yellow fever endemic country. However, some border officers might ask for it anyway. The official advice from the Kenya Ministry of Health says it's not required for direct arrivals from non‑endemic countries. Still, getting the vaccine is wise for your own protection and to avoid any arguing.
Yes, you can exit Kenya and come back for a new visa (either on arrival or another e-Visa). Many travellers do this at the Namanga or Busia borders. Be aware that multiple visas in quick succession can draw scrutiny – it's better to plan a trip that fits within the 90‑day limit.
Yes, if you're just passing through Kenya (e.g., connecting flight to another African country), you might not need a visa if you stay airside. But if you plan to enter the country, even for a day, you need a full tourist visa – no separate transit visa. The standard single entry eVisa covers that.
A full birth certificate showing both parents' names is the minimum. If only one parent accompanies the child, a notarised letter of consent from the absent parent can prevent issues. The eVisa application for a minor is the same process – you'll upload their passport and a photo. It's a good idea to carry a copy of the other parent's ID plus contact details.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.