Kenya entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Australians need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. The easiest way is to apply for an e-Visa online before you travel – it saves time on arrival and satisfies airline check-in requirements.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisasYou must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight to Kenya. Apply online before travel | Australian passport holders must obtain an eVisas prior to arrival. Apply through the official Kenya eVisa portal at https://etakenya.go.ke/. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a blank page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving proof of onward travel can help avoid delays at immigration. May be requested | Although not explicitly required, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | While not explicitly required, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccinationCheck if your travel route includes any yellow fever endemic countries. If arriving from endemic country | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required for direct travel from Australia. | Optional |
eVisa is the smoothest route
Even though visa on arrival is possible, the eVisa (etakenya.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 etakenya.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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry e-Visa (1 year)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$101
Best for frequent visits; allows multiple entries.
Business e-Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$101
For business activities; single entry.
Visa extension (in-country)
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityVaries
Cost$50 per extension
Must apply before current visa expires; approval not guaranteed.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for Australian passport holders; payable online. | $51 (approx. KES 6,630) |
| Kenya e-Visa (transit, single entry)For transit through Kenya to a third country. | $21 (approx. KES 2,730) |
| Kenya e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries within validity. | $101 (approx. KES 13,130) |
| Visa extension (in-country)Apply at Department of Immigration in Nairobi; max 6 months total stay. | $50 (approx. KES 6,500) per extension |
| Airport departure taxNo separate exit fee for international flights. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
All travellers, including those in transit, must obtain a transit e-Visa before arrival. Airside transit without a visa is not permitted.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt.
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 = 129.25 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
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.
No, there's no separate transit visa. 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. 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.