Kenya entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Germans require a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You can obtain an e-Visa online before flying. The tourist e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days per entry and costs roughly $50. Apply a few days ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before departure. The application takes about 15 minutes and costs $30 USD for a single-entry visa. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6+ months validity | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Immigration officers at JKIA check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also verify this at check-in — if you don't have one, they won't let you board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD. Immigration rarely checks this for German passport holders, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Beware of fake e-Visa websites
Only use evisa.go.ke – the official Kenyan government portal. Many third‑party sites look legitimate but charge higher fees and delay your application. The official site costs around $50 total.
Keep your e-Visa printout separate
Immigration officers expect a physical printout. Keep a spare copy in your luggage in case you lose the one in your pocket.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa
Go to evisa.go.ke, fill in the application with your passport details, upload a passport‑style photo, and pay the fee (about $50). Most applications are approved in 2–3 business days.
2
Print your e-Visa approval
Once approved, you’ll get a PDF by email. Print two copies: one for your carry‑on and one as backup. Keep it with your passport.
3
At the departure gate
The airline check‑in agent will ask for your passport and e-Visa approval. They may also check your return ticket. Have everything handy to avoid delays.
4
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta or Moi International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and printed e-Visa. The officer will scan your passport, take a fingerprint (usually index fingers), and stamp you in. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism, must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within the validity period.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
CostVaries (e.g., work permit ~€200-500)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship. Apply through Kenyan embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) plus fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184) per year
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 a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 1-year validity period. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond the visa validity. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $500 USD (approx. €460) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
German passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, an eVisa is required if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 72 hours if holding a confirmed onward ticket.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; food and water precautions advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, including Nairobi and highlands; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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 (Head Office)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee payment.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for DE 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 = 129.37 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 in 2–3 business days, sometimes faster. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is evisa.go.ke – avoid third‑party sites that charge extra.
No. Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival for most nationalities, including Germany. You must have an approved e-Visa before boarding.
The official tourist e-Visa costs about $50 (around €47). The exact fee may vary slightly depending on exchange rates. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or through their online portal. Extensions are usually granted for up to 90 additional days and cost about $50. Process takes a few days.
Only if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. If you fly directly from Germany, you do not. But if you’re coming from, say, Uganda or Brazil, you must show a valid yellow fever certificate.
Denials are rare for German passport holders. If it happens, you’ll get a refund of the visa fee (minus processing charges). You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Kenyan embassy in Berlin for help.
No. The standard tourist e-Visa is single entry only. If you leave Kenya and want to return, you need a new e-Visa. There is a multiple‑entry visa available for business purposes, but not for tourism.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.