Kenya entry requirements for Egypt passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Egyptian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — it's straightforward and avoids airport hassles. Plan ahead and get it sorted before your 2026 trip.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
You need an eVisa to enter Kenya. Apply at the official eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs $30 USD. Approval usually comes within 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Nairobi will turn you away if it expires before your departure date.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Kenya
Immigration at JKIA routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your flight out of Kenya within your visa validity.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD for a short stay. Officers rarely ask, but if you look underprepared they may request proof you can cover your expenses.Recommended
Apply for e-Visa early
Don't wait until the last minute. Processing can take 3 business days, and if there's a glitch, you'll be stuck. Apply at least a week before your flight.
Keep copies of everything
Print your e-Visa, keep a PDF on your phone, and save screenshots of your return ticket and hotel booking. Immigration officers may ask to see them, and phone signal at the airport can be patchy.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to the official Kenya e-Visa website (etakenya.go.ke) and fill out the application. Upload a passport-style photo and your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $30-50 depending on visa type) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get an e-Visa by email. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (though you already have your e-Visa). Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, printed e-Visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 1-2 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to go.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Egypt Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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 option for tourism; apply online or on arrival.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD

Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.

Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD

For extended tourism or visiting family; requires proof of funds and itinerary.

work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 128,000 KES) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed in Kenya. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
$500 USD (approx. 64,000 KES) plus processing fees
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
2 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 256,000 KES) plus processing fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry, valid for 3 months.$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months.$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying.$20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 KES)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Egyptian passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Kenya or a residence permit for any country may transit without visa.
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 (including Egypt). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread in most regions, especially lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.

Malaria risk: high

High risk throughout the country, including Nairobi and major tourist areas. 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 (Headquarters)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

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 EG 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 = 129.47 KES
updated May 29
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

Getting to Kenya

3,080 kmgreat circle distance
~5hfrom Egypt
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The e-Visa is cheaper, faster, and avoids long queues at the airport. Visa on arrival costs around $50 and you'll need to fill out forms and pay in cash (USD). Apply online before you go.
Usually 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You can check the status on the e-Visa portal. If it's urgent, you can try contacting them, but no guaranteed rush service.
The standard single-entry e-Visa costs about $30-50, depending on the type. Payment is online with a credit or debit card. There's also a transit visa for about $20 if you're just passing through.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Kenya strictly requires 6 months of validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Egypt is not on that list, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need proof). Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Egypt. Check with your doctor.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. It costs around $50 and you'll need a reason (e.g., tourism, business). Apply before your current visa expires.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity), printed e-Visa, return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Have them ready in your hand — don't dig through your bag at the counter.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.