Kenya entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online before you travel — the eTA system is straightforward and usually approved within a few days. Plan ahead, as there's no visa-on-arrival option as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Kenya. Apply at the official eTA portal at least 3 days before departure. The fee is $30 USD for single entry, and approval usually comes within 48 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. If you're overlanding out, show a bus ticket or a letter explaining your exit plan. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Kenya. Officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing at least $500 USD available. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your stay, especially for longer trips. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival
Kenya does not offer visa-on-arrival for Swiss passport holders. You must have an approved eTA before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
eTA is not a visa
The eTA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa sticker. It's linked to your passport number. Print the approval email and keep a digital copy — you'll need to show it at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30 USD) by card. You'll get a confirmation email within a few minutes, and the actual approval usually arrives in 2-3 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print a copy of your approved eTA, your flight itinerary, and your hotel booking. Also save digital copies on your phone — screenshots are fine. Keep your passport accessible, not buried in your bag.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visas'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, printed eTA, and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2-5 minutes per person.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You'll likely walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. CHF 45)
Standard visa for tourism, extendable once for 90 days.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. CHF 180)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Swiss passport holders, payable online or on arrival. | $50 USD (approx. CHF 45) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. CHF 90) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day (approx. CHF 45) |
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
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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
Yes. All Swiss passport holders must get an eTA (electronic travel authorization) before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply at www.etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before your flight.
Most applications are processed within 2-3 business days. In busy periods it can take up to 5 days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The standard eTA fee is approximately $30 USD (about 27 CHF). You pay online by credit or debit card during the application.
No. The eTA does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and apply for a new visa from abroad. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Kenya.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Switzerland is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to a yellow fever zone. Check with your doctor.
Yes, for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not strictly required. Carry your Swiss license and passport together. Police checks are common, especially in tourist areas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.