Kenya entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Spanish passport holders need an e-visa to enter Kenya, which you can apply for online before you travel. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days, so plan ahead. As of 2026, the e-visa is mandatory for all Spanish citizens.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must get this online before you fly – there is no visa on arrival for Spanish citizens. Apply online before travel | Spanish passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/). The e-Visa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's too close, renew it before you go. Valid for at least 6 months | Your Spanish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenya immigration needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have more if you plan to cross land borders. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight – have it ready. Proof of departure | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Kenya before your e-Visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsYou may be asked how you'll support yourself – carry proof like bank statements or credit cards. For your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Kenya. | Required |
| Yellow fever vaccinationEven if not required, carrying the certificate is wise if you've been in Africa or South America recently. 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 when traveling directly from Spain. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical care can be expensive – insurance protects you. Recommended | Although not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for Kenya. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra online form needed – just your e-Visa and passport. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Spanish citizens. Your e-Visa and passport are sufficient. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Kenya no longer offers visas on arrival. You must have your e-visa approved before you fly. Airlines will not let you board without it. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Official e-visa portal only
Use only the official Kenya e-visa website: https://etakenya.go.ke/. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or be scams. The official fee is around $50 USD for a single-entry visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/ and fill out the application form. You'll need to upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50 USD for a single-entry visa) with a credit/debit card. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, but apply at least a week in advance to be safe.
2
Receive e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll receive an e-visa document via email. Print it out or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Kenya.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visas' or 'Immigration'. Have your passport, e-visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. The process usually takes 10-20 minutes if you have all documents ready.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you'll exit through the green channel. Keep your passport and e-visa handy in case of spot checks.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry eTA (90 days per visit)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year from issue
Cost$34.09
Select 'multiple entry' on eTA application; allows repeated entries.
Visa extension (in-country)
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityGranted for up to 3 months at a time
CostApprox. $50 per extension
Must apply before current eTA expires; approval at immigration discretion.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) plus processing fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD (approx. €1,840) plus processing fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus processing fees
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all visitors; apply online before travel. | $34.09 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)Required even for airside transit; valid for 72 hours. | $34.09 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 90 days)Same fee as single entry; select multiple entry on application. | $34.09 |
| Visa extension (in-country)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; max 6 months total stay. | Approx. $50 (KES 5,000) |
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 transit passengers, even those staying airside, must obtain a transit eTA before arrival.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID and duty schedule
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. Proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas. Use prophylaxis and mosquito repellent.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Avoid mosquito bites.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors. Bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for ES 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
Yes, you need an e-visa. You can apply online at https://etakenya.go.ke/ before you travel. The single-entry e-visa costs around $50 USD and is valid for 90 days from issue, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid stress. There's no expedited service, so don't leave it to the last minute.
No, Kenya has moved to an e-visa system. You must have your e-visa approved before you fly. Without it, you'll be denied boarding by the airline.
The e-visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for an extension or a different visa type, but the e-visa itself is not extendable.
The standard e-visa is single-entry. If you plan to leave Kenya and return (e.g., to visit Tanzania or Uganda), you'd need to apply for a new e-visa each time.
You'll be refused entry. Kenyan immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
No, not if you're flying directly from Spain. However, if you've visited a yellow fever risk country (most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America) within the 10 days before arriving in Kenya, you'll need to show a vaccination certificate.
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.