Kenya entry requirements for Bahrain 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
Bahraini passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight to Kenya. Apply online before travel | Bahraini passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Kenya. Apply through the official e-Visa portal at https://etakenya.go.ke/ at least several days before departure. The e-Visa is typically valid for a single entry; the maximum stay is not specified in the database, so confirm the duration granted on your approval notice. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Bahraini 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 a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return or onward ticket can help avoid delays at immigration. May be requested | Although not explicitly required in the database, Kenyan immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration officers may ask to see that you can support yourself financially during your visit. May be requested | While not listed as a mandatory requirement, you should be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Kenya, such as bank statements or cash. The exact amount is not specified. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Kenya based on the database information. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The e-Visa system can be slow during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 7 days before your flight to avoid stress. If your application is rejected (rare but possible), you'll need time to reapply or adjust your plans.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone. If you lose the printed copies, you can still show them at immigration. Also email them to yourself as a backup.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee (around $51 for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2–3 business days.
2
Print your e-Visa and pack documents
Once approved, print the e-Visa letter. Also print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance certificate. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, present your passport, e-Visa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The queue can be 20–40 minutes during peak hours. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain 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
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100
For frequent travellers; apply online.
Special pass (e.g., work, study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityVaries
Cost$200
Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 188 BHD) application fee
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. 376 BHD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants residency.
student visa
Student Pass (Class S)
Duration of course, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 75 BHD) application fee
For full-time students at accredited Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for Bahraini passport holders; payable online. | $51 |
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, business)Same fee as tourist; business purpose must be stated. | $51 |
| Kenya e-Visa (transit)For transit through Kenya to a third country. | $20 |
| Visa extension (single entry)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; max 6 months total stay. | $50 |
| Visa extension (multiple entry)For multiple entries; valid up to 6 months. | $100 |
| Excess stay penaltyCharged at departure if overstay. | $20 per day |
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
Bahraini passport holders transiting through Kenya require a transit e-Visa unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no need to leave the international transit area
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; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most regions, especially at altitudes below 2,500m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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 (Head Office)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Building, Nkrumah Road, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for BH 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
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs about $51 (USD). You pay online by credit or debit card when you apply. There are no additional fees at the airport.
Processing usually takes 2–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. In busy periods it can take up to 5 days.
No. Kenya ended visa on arrival for most nationalities. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight.
The single-entry tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but you must apply at the immigration office in Nairobi before your visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Kenyan immigration. Renew your passport first, then apply for the e-Visa.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Bahrain is not a risk country, but if you transit through an affected country (e.g., Ethiopia, Uganda), you may need the shot. Check with your airline.
Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration in Nairobi (Nyayo House) to apply for an extension. It costs around $50 and can give you up to 90 more days. Apply before your current visa expires.
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.