Kenya entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ethiopian passport holders can travel to Kenya without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026, so you can head to Nairobi, Mombasa, or the Maasai Mara without any prior paperwork.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. Visa-free entry | Ethiopian citizens do not need a visa for Kenya for stays up to 90 days. No eVisa application is required. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel dates. At least 6 months | Your 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 and departure. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry a printed or digital copy of your onward travel booking. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Kenya before the 90-day period ends. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration officers may ask to see that you can support yourself during your visit. Financial means | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or cash, if requested by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Kenya for Ethiopian passport holders. | Not required |
| Yellow fever vaccinationHave your yellow fever vaccination card ready to show at Kenyan border control. Health requirement | Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ethiopia is considered a risk country, so carry your certificate. | Required |
Visa-free entry confirmed
Ethiopian passport holders can enter Kenya without a visa for up to 90 days. No prior application is needed — just show up with a valid passport.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's shorter, you'll be turned away — no exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa). Follow the signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Immigration'.
2
Join the immigration queue
Queue at the 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports' counter. Have your passport, boarding pass, and any supporting documents ready.
3
Present your documents
Hand your passport to the immigration officer. They will likely ask about the purpose of your visit and where you'll be staying. Answer clearly and confidently.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay duration (up to 90 days). You're now free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
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:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostApprox. $100
For business activities; must be applied for at a Kenyan embassy or high commission.
Special pass (longer stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityAs granted
CostVaries
For work, study, or residence; apply through the Department of Immigration.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) plus school fees
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) plus investment capital
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (beyond 90 days)Apply at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your current stay expires. | Approx. $50 (KES 5,000) |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Overstay penalties are charged per day; pay at immigration before departure. | Varies |
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Kenya do not require a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, 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 (including Ethiopia). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic in most regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is 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 (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 visa issues for coastal region; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for ET 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, Ethiopian citizens are visa-free for Kenya. You can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and re-enter, or apply for a different type of permit from Kenyan immigration before your 90 days are up.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Kenyan immigration. It's best to renew your passport before traveling.
Kenya requires a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ethiopia is not on that list, but if you've recently traveled to a risk country, you'll need the certificate. Always check current health requirements before you go.
No, since you're visa-free, there's no visa on arrival. If you want to stay beyond 90 days, you must apply for a special pass or permit from the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your entry expires.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Any form of employment requires a valid work permit, which you must apply for before starting work.
Have your passport, return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. These are the most commonly requested items.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.