Kenya entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
German passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Kenya in 2026. The application is completed online through the official Kenyan eTA portal before you fly, and most approvals are issued within 2–3 business days. The tourist e-Visa costs $50 and permits a stay of up to 90 days.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must have an approved e-Visa before boarding your flight to Kenya. Apply online before travel | German passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal (etakenya.go.ke). The e-Visa is typically valid for 90 days from issue and allows a single entry. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a clean page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Kenya shows you intend to leave and helps avoid delays. Proof of departure | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient means of support | While not explicitly required, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). The amount is not fixed but should cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccinationCheck if your itinerary includes any stopover in a yellow-fever-risk country. If arriving from an endemic country | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required for direct travel from Germany. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtects you from unexpected medical costs or trip disruptions. Medical coverage | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for all travelers. | Recommended |
Beware of fake e-Visa websites
Only use etakenya.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 online
Go to etakenya.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. Use the official site only – third-party sites charge extra and delay processing.
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 – you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$50
For business activities; single entry; apply online.
Multiple Entry e-Visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$100
For frequent travelers; apply online.
Residence Permit
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity1-2 years
CostVaries (approx. $500+)
For work, study, or long-term stay; apply in Kenya at immigration.
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 e-Visa (single entry)Valid for 90 days from issue; single entry; apply online before travel. | $50 |
| Emergency/express processing (optional)If available, expedited processing may cost extra; check official portal. | $100 |
| Visa extension (per month)Extensions up to 6 months total; apply at immigration office in Nairobi. | $50 |
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 (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area 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; 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 = 129.25 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
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 etakenya.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.
No, the tourist e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and apply for a new e-Visa. For longer stays, consider a work permit, investor permit, or student pass – each has its own requirements and fees.
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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.