Kenya entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ivorian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visas on arrival for most purposes. Plan ahead: processing can take a few days, and you'll need a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Kenya eVisa | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Ivory Coast passport holders — you cannot get a visa on arrival. Processing takes up to 3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Kenya. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policy — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA and other Kenyan airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they may deny boarding if you don't have one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. While not always checked, having it ready speeds up the immigration process and avoids extra questions. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it than to be caught short. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're arriving from Ivory Coast (or any country with yellow fever risk), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
e-Visa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Ivorian passports. Apply online at www.etakenya.go.ke before you fly. Processing takes a few days, so don't leave it to the last minute.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, fill in the application, upload your passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email — print it or save the PDF on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed or digital e-Visa approval, return flight booking, and first night accommodation confirmation. Keep screenshots on your phone in case you lose internet access.
3
Arrive at JKIA or Moi International Airport
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and e-Visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing stay up to 90 days (or whatever your visa says).
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall — there are ATMs and SIM card kiosks.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
Requires proof of business or investment in Kenya.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD
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
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
$150 USD
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Stay extension feeFee for extending stay beyond initial visa period. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) per day, max $1,000 USD |
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
Transit visa is not required for Ivory Coast holders transiting through Kenya if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa 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 yellow fever risk (Ivory Coast is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; vaccination recommended for high-risk travellers.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons. 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 - Nyayo House
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, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for CI 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 = 129.44 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 does not offer visa on arrival for Ivorian passport holders. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs around $50 (paid online during application). Fees can change, so check the official e-Visa site for the current amount.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Sometimes it comes in 24 hours, but don't count on it.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival in Kenya.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ivory Coast is one). You'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at the border. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra. It's easier to apply before your current visa expires.
Your passport, the approved e-Visa (printed or on your phone), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. The officer may also ask about your travel plans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.