Kenya entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Swiss passport holders need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward and usually takes a few business days, so sort it out at least a week before your flight.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must get this online before you fly; there is no visa on arrival for Swiss citizens. Apply online before travel | Swiss passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before departure. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/). The e-Visa is single-entry and valid for 90 days from the date of issue. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before booking travel. At least 6 months remaining | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp you in. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is safer to have 2 blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight — have it ready. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Kenya before your e-Visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but carry proof in case an officer requests it. Sufficient for stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, credit card) to cover your stay in Kenya. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCarry your vaccination card if you've been in Africa or South America recently. If arriving from an endemic country | Required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required for direct travel from Switzerland. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before arrival. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration for Swiss passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
E-visa processing can take up to 5 business days, and there's no visa-on-arrival. If you apply too late, you could miss your flight. Start your application at least a week before departure.
Use the official e-visa site only
Only apply at https://etakenya.go.ke/. Third-party sites may charge inflated fees or be scams. The official site is the only one you need.
Direct from Switzerland? No yellow fever certificate needed
If you fly directly from Switzerland and haven't been in a yellow-fever-risk country recently, you're fine without the certificate. But if you're coming from elsewhere, bring it — immigration can deny entry without it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital passport photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, but apply at least a week early to be safe.
2
Receive and check your e-visa
You'll get the e-visa by email as a PDF. Check that your name, passport number, and dates are correct. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. If anything's wrong, contact the e-visa support immediately.
3
At the airport in Switzerland
When checking in for your flight, the airline will likely ask to see your e-visa. Have it ready. They may also verify your passport validity and return ticket.
4
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
Follow the 'Visitors' or 'Foreign Passports' signs. At the immigration desk, present your passport, e-visa, and any other documents if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay. Then collect your bags and go through customs.
5
During your stay
Your e-visa is usually valid for 90 days from the date of issue, but the actual stay allowed is typically 30 days from entry. Check the stamp in your passport — that's your official allowed stay. Don't overstay; fines apply.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple entry eTA (business)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100
For frequent business travellers; apply through eVisa portal.
Multiple entry eTA (tourist)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100
Available for Swiss citizens; allows multiple entries.
Special pass (e.g., for work/study)
Max stayVaries
ValidityVaries
CostVaries
Requires sponsorship and approval from Kenyan authorities; not a simple visa.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. CHF 450) application fee
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. CHF 900) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. CHF 135) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Kenyan educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all Swiss citizens; valid for 90 days from issue, single entry, max stay 90 days. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)For transit through Kenya to a third country without entering immigration. | $20 |
| Visa extension (single entry, up to 6 months total stay)Apply at Department of Immigration in Nairobi; additional extensions possible. | $50 |
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
Swiss citizens transiting through Kenya (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) must obtain a transit eTA before travel, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
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 advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in all regions, including Nairobi and highlands. 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 (Head Office)
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 for coastal visitors.
Practical information for CH 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
Usually 2-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons. Apply at least a week before your flight. If you're in a hurry, you can pay a higher fee for expedited processing (typically 1-2 days), but it's not guaranteed.
The standard single-entry e-visa fee is around $50 USD (paid online). There's also a processing fee of about $34 USD, so the total is roughly $84 USD. Fees are subject to change, so check the official e-visa site for the current amount.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-apply for a new visa. Overstaying can result in fines or being banned from re-entry, so plan your trip accordingly.
No, if you're flying directly from Switzerland and haven't been in a yellow-fever-risk country in the 6 days before arrival, you don't need the certificate. But if you're coming from or transiting through a risk country (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you'll need to show the certificate at immigration.
No, Kenya no longer offers visa-on-arrival for most nationalities, including Swiss citizens. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Without it, the airline may refuse to let you board.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the application fee is non-refundable. Double-check all details before submitting to avoid mistakes. If you need help, contact the e-visa support through the official site.
No, the standard e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Kenya (even to a neighboring country) and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa. If you plan to make multiple trips, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa if you qualify.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.