Kenya entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online before you travel — it's straightforward, but you must do it in advance. The e-visa is valid for tourism, business, and other short stays.
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 | British passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official e-Visa portal (etakenya.go.ke) at least a few days before departure. The e-Visa is single-entry and cannot be extended. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months | Your UK 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 a blank page is mandatory. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need evidence that you will leave Kenya before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket leaving Kenya. This is checked by airlines and may be requested by immigration. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to prove you can support yourself. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kenya. The amount is not fixed, but you should have access to cash or cards for your planned expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your travel route includes any yellow fever endemic countries. 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. It is not required when travelling directly from the UK. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional health or customs declaration before arrival. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for UK passport holders. The e-Visa and passport are sufficient. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-visa system is generally reliable, but processing times can stretch. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress. If your application is delayed, you won't be able to board your flight without the approval.
Have your documents ready at immigration
At Nairobi (JKIA) and Mombasa, immigration queues can be long. Have your passport, e-visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation details in your hand — not buried in your bag. This speeds things up and makes a good impression.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/ and create an account. Fill in your details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa) and submit. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days, but apply at least a week before to be safe.
2
Receive your e-visa approval
You'll get an email with your e-visa approval. Print it out and also save a copy on your phone. Double-check your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa)
Follow the signs to 'Visas' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, e-visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. You'll get a stay of up to 90 days (check your stamp).
4
Exit the arrivals hall
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Then you're free to start your trip.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$60
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Visa extension (in-country)
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityUp to 3 months per extension
Cost$50 per extension
Apply at immigration office in Nairobi or Mombasa; must have valid passport and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Kenya Retirement Visa (Class M)
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD per year (approx. £400)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings. Requires a local sponsor and health insurance. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa (e-Residence)
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD per year (approx. £800)
For remote workers with proof of income ($3,000+/month). Includes tax benefits. Apply online through e-Residence program.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. £1,600) plus investment
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and local partner.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$1,500 USD (approx. £1,200) plus processing
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Kenyan employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all visitors; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)For transit passengers not leaving the airport. | $20 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 90 days)For frequent travellers; valid for 90 days from issue. | $60 |
| Visa extension (in-country)Available at immigration offices; max 6 months total stay. | $50 |
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
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 at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons. Use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including Nairobi and major tourist areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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
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 Building, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for coastal visitors.
Practical information for GB 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, which you must apply for online before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival for UK passport holders.
The single-entry tourist e-visa costs around $50 (USD). There are also other categories like transit and business visas, which may cost more. You pay online when you apply.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. However, it can take longer during peak travel seasons, so apply at least a week in advance. Some travellers report getting it in 24 hours, but don't rely on that.
The single-entry tourist e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days. The exact duration is stamped on your passport on arrival. It's not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
No. Kenya stopped visa-on-arrival for most nationalities, including British citizens. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Without it, you'll be denied boarding.
You should not travel without an approved e-visa. If your application is still pending, contact the Kenya e-visa support team via the etakenya.go.ke portal. In rare cases, you might be able to apply for a visa on arrival, but it's not guaranteed and could result in being sent back.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from the UK, you don't need it. But if you've been in a risk country (e.g., parts of Africa or South America) within 6 days before arrival, you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate. It's also recommended to have it for your own health.
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.