Kenya entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
60 days
Max stay
60 days
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 an e-Visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visas on arrival. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days, so plan ahead and have your documents ready.

Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Kenya eVisasYou must get this online approval before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival for your passport.
Apply online before travel
Citizens of Ivory Coast must obtain an eVisas before arriving in Kenya. The eVisas is valid for a single entry and allows a maximum stay of 60 days. Apply at the official Kenya eVisas portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling.
At least 6 months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya.Required
Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival; without a blank page you could be refused entry.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues.Required
Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may ask to see this to confirm you won't overstay.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Kenya before the end of your 60-day stay.Required
Proof of sufficient fundsHaving a bank statement or credit card helps show you can support yourself.
For your stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Kenya. The amount is not fixed, but it should be enough for accommodation, food, and other costs.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be asked to show this at Kenyan immigration; without it you could be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival.
Required for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from Ivory Coast, which is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Carry the certificate with you.Required
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online health or customs forms before arrival.
Not required
Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Ivory Coast passport holders. The eVisas and passport are sufficient.Not required
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 https://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 https://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 August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Kenya eTA (single entry)
Max stay60 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$34

Standard option for tourism, business, or family visits.

Kenya eTA (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100

For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries.

Kenya visa extension
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityVaries
Cost$50

Must apply before current eTA expires; requires valid passport and proof of funds.

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
ServiceCost
Kenya eTA (single entry, up to 60 days)Mandatory for all visitors; apply online before travel.$34
Kenya eTA (transit, 72 hours)For transit through Kenya to a third country.$20
Visa extension (up to 6 months)Apply at Nyayo House, Nairobi; additional fees may apply.$50
Airport departure taxNo separate payment at the airport.Included in airfare

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

Transit visa required

All travelers, including those in transit, must obtain a Kenya eTA before arrival. The transit eTA allows a stay of up to 72 hours.

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 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 = 129.25 KES
updated Jul 3
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
Police999
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

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 August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.