Kenya entry requirements for Bulgaria 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
Bulgarian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. The process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly – it's not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Bulgarian citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/. The visa is valid for entry and typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, but the exact duration is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – it needs to be valid for half a year after you leave Kenya. At least 6 months | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the stamp they give you when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have two or more blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a ticket out of Kenya – they might ask to see it. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one to avoid denial of entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHave some bank statements or cash to show you can pay for your trip – they might ask. May be requested | Immigration officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kenya. The exact amount is not specified, but you should be able to show you can support yourself financially. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateIf you've been to a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate to enter Kenya. Required if arriving from endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Bulgaria is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you have traveled to such a country before entering Kenya, you will need the certificate. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form – just go through normal immigration. Not required | Kenya does not require an arrival declaration form for Bulgarian citizens. | Not required |
e-Visa is mandatory — no exceptions
Kenya stopped issuing visas on arrival in 2021. Bulgarian passport holders must have an approved e-Visa before boarding their flight. Airlines check this at check-in. Without it, you won't be allowed to fly.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Kenya, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the e-Visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to the official Kenya e-Visa website (etakenya.go.ke) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit card. Processing takes 2-3 business days, sometimes faster.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-Visa PDF. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Mombasa airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (even though you already have a visa). Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, printed e-Visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport — usually takes 2-5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel. You're free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$101
For business activities; single entry.
Multiple entry e-Visa
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$151
Available for frequent travelers; apply online.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) application fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass (Class S)
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for Bulgarian citizens; payable online. | $51 |
| Kenya e-Visa (transit)For transit through Kenya to a third country. | $21 |
| Kenya e-Visa (business)For business visits; single entry. | $101 |
| Visa extension (in Kenya)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; subject to approval. | Approx. $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for international departures. | 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
Bulgarian citizens transiting through Kenya require a transit e-Visa unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists, but outbreaks occur; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially at altitudes below 2,500m. 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 (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 BG 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Kenya no longer offers visa on arrival for Bulgarian citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel. The only exception is if you're transiting through Kenya and staying airside — then you don't need a visa.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs around $50 (about 6,500 KES). You pay online with a credit card during the application. There's also a transit visa for $20 if you're just passing through.
Processing usually takes 2-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. In busy periods it can take up to 5 days. You'll get an email with the approved visa PDF.
The standard tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. You can't extend it beyond that — if you need longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (or if you've transited through one). Bulgaria is not a risk country, so you don't need it unless you've been in a risk area within the last 10 days. Check the WHO list before you travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if you provide incorrect information or your passport is damaged. You'll get a refund of the visa fee minus a processing fee. You can reapply with corrected details. If you're unsure, contact the Kenyan embassy in Sofia before applying.
Yes, the e-Visa is valid for entry at any Kenyan port of entry — Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), Moi International Airport (Mombasa), and land borders like Busia or Namanga. Just show the printed visa at immigration.
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.