Kenya entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Kenya in 2026. The online application is quick and usually processed within a few days. Apply well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisAYou need to get this online approval before you fly – it's not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Canadian citizens must obtain an eVisA prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya eVisa portal (etakenya.go.ke). The eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from issuance and allows a single entry. Processing time and fee are determined at the time of application. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – Kenya requires a buffer of 6 months. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou'll need a clean page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Kenya helps show you plan to leave – it's a common request. May be requested | Although not explicitly required, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket available. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's wise to carry evidence of funds – officials might ask how you'll support yourself. May be requested | While not a fixed amount is specified, you should be able to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay. Carry bank statements or cash as evidence if asked. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you've been in a yellow-fever zone before coming to 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. Not required for direct travel from Canada. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before landing. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Canadian citizens. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival for Canadians
Kenya does not offer visa-on-arrival for Canadian passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight. Apply at www.etakenya.go.ke at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Kenya, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in the application, upload a passport-style photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee (around $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Print your e-Visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll show it at check-in and upon arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport, e-Visa printout, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually for up to 90 days.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're in.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 (3 months)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries.
Multiple entry e-Visa (6 months)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
For longer stays or repeated visits.
Multiple entry e-Visa (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD
Best for business or frequent travel.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee varies)
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized Kenyan educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for Canadian citizens; payable online. | $50 USD |
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, business)Same fee as tourist; business purpose allowed. | $50 USD |
| Kenya e-Visa (transit)For transit stays up to 72 hours. | $20 USD |
| Visa extension (in-country)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; max extension up to 6 months. | Approx. $50 USD |
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
Canadian citizens transiting through Kenya require a transit e-Visa unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Holders of valid Kenyan residence permits
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during floods or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers.
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 visa extensions for visitors in the coastal region.
Practical information for CA 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
Most applications are processed within 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is www.etakenya.go.ke.
A single-entry tourist visa costs about $50 USD (roughly $70 CAD). You pay online by credit card during the application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need the vaccine and a valid certificate. Coming directly from Canada? Not required, but check your itinerary for any stopovers.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Canadian passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you travel.
Yes, the e-Visa is valid for entry at any Kenyan airport or land border. Just show the approval letter along with your passport.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in private hospitals can be high, and insurance covers evacuation, theft, and trip cancellation.
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.