Kenya entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eVisa (eTA) | Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal before departure. The eTA costs $30 USD and is usually approved within 72 hours. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at JKIA will ask for it.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya | Your Bulgarian passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Kenya strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they may also check that your onward ticket is within the eTA validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying for more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for your stay | Have access to at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, credit card, or bank statement. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of funds, especially for longer stays. | Recommended |
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 June 1, 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. €46)
Standard option for tourism, must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Ideal for frequent travellers, allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 1-year validity period. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | $500 USD (approx. €460) |
| Visa extension (if applicable)Fee for extending a tourist visa by up to 90 days, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
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
Bulgaria passport holders transiting through Kenya do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit visa required if leaving the airport or staying overnight.
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 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 = 129.41 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 June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.