Kenya entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel. This requirement has been in place since 2024.
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 | Finnish citizens must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official e-Visa portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/. The e-Visa is valid for a single entry; the maximum stay is determined at the port of entry. Processing times and fees are set by the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your planned return. At least 6 months remaining | Your Finnish 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 blank page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked departure flight helps show you intend to leave Kenya before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Although not explicitly required by the Kenyan e-Visa system, immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBe ready to show you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient funds for stay | While not a formal requirement for the e-Visa application, Kenyan immigration may request evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay. Carry bank statements or cash as a precaution. | Recommended |
| Visa extensionYou cannot extend your stay beyond the period granted on arrival. Not available | The e-Visa for Kenya is not extendable. You must leave Kenya before your authorized stay expires. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Kenya. The e-Visa application process covers the necessary pre-arrival documentation. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The eTA can take up to 72 hours to process. If you apply the day before your flight and it's delayed, you'll miss your trip. Apply at least one week in advance.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eTA approval, flight tickets, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone. Also take screenshots. If your phone dies or you lose signal, you'll still have access.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Pay the fee (approx. $30 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes within 72 hours.
2
Print or save eTA approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email. Print a copy and also save the PDF on your phone. You'll show this at check-in and upon arrival in Nairobi.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi)
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eTA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — usually takes 1-2 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry eTA (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$120
For frequent travellers; apply online.
Multiple-entry eTA (5 years)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity5 years
Cost$180
For frequent travellers; apply online.
Visa extension (in Kenya)
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityUp to 6 months from arrival
CostApprox. $50 per month
Apply at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi; must have valid passport and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €92) per year
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD (approx. €1,840) plus fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all Finnish passport holders; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)For transit through Kenya to a third country without entering Kenya. | $20 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 1 year)For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries within 1 year. | $120 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 5 years)For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries within 5 years. | $180 |
| Visa extension (in Kenya)Apply at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi; max 6 months total stay. | Approx. $50 per month |
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
Finnish citizens transiting through Kenya (e.g., at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) must obtain a transit eTA before travel, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 24 hours may qualify for the transit eTA.
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; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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 region visitors.
Practical information for FI 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
Yes, if you plan to leave the airport transit area. If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need an eTA. But if you have a long layover and want to enter Kenya, you must have an approved eTA.
The eTA fee is approximately $30 USD (about €28). You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional service fees if you apply directly on the official government site.
Most applications are processed within 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Some applications get approved in a few hours, but don't count on it.
No, the eTA does not allow extensions. You must leave before the 90-day period expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eTA with the new passport details.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. For most Finnish travellers coming directly from Finland, it's not mandatory. However, it's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis.
No, you must apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Finnish passport holders. Without an approved eTA, you won't be allowed to board your flight to Kenya.
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.