Kenya entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ghanaian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Ghanaian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs around $30 USD. Approval usually comes within 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Ghanaian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA (Nairobi) and Mombasa routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if you are questioned about your purpose of visit. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Ghana (a yellow fever endemic country), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Apply early for your e-Visa
Processing times can vary. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress. The official website is etakenya.go.ke — avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to the official Kenya e-Visa website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in the application form, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but can take up to a week. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get an e-Visa by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
At immigration, join the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport, printed e-Visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. The process usually takes 10-20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and clear customs
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you're carrying cash over $10,000 or restricted goods, use the red channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Standard option for tourism; apply online or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) plus processing
For foreign employees with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 260,000 KES)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Ghana passport holders, payable on arrival or online. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay FinePayable at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 KES/day), max $1,000 USD |
| Stay ExtensionFor extension of tourist visa up to 30 days, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 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
Ghana passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, 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 yellow fever risk (including Ghana). 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
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas. Use repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions except Nairobi and highlands. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Building, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for GH 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
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
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $51 USD. You pay online with a credit or debit card during the application. There are also transit visas ($21 USD) and multiple-entry visas ($101 USD) available.
Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but can take up to a week. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the visa by email.
No. Kenya ended visa-on-arrival for most nationalities in 2021. You must have an approved e-Visa before you travel. Without one, you'll be denied boarding.
The single-entry tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. Extensions are possible but must be applied for at the immigration office in Nairobi.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (Ghana is one). You'll need to show a valid yellow fever certificate (the 'yellow card') on arrival. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
Your e-Visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. The cost is around $50 USD for an additional 3 months. Apply before your current visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.