Kenya entry requirements for Hong Kong 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
Hong Kong passport holders need an eVisa to enter Kenya. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for HK passport holders. As of 2026, the process is entirely digital through Kenya's eVisa system.
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 | Hong Kong passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal (etakenya.go.ke). The e-Visa is typically valid for 90 days from issuance and allows a single entry. Processing time and cost are set by the Kenyan authorities; check the portal for current fees and processing times. | Required |
| Passport validityKenya enforces a 6-month passport validity rule to ensure your travel document remains valid throughout your stay. At least 6 months | Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officials need a blank page to stamp your passport when you enter and leave Kenya. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return or onward ticket helps demonstrate that you will not overstay your visit. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket to verify your intention to leave Kenya before your visa expires. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsShowing you have enough money for your trip can help avoid issues at immigration. May be requested | While not listed as a mandatory requirement, immigration officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kenya. Carry bank statements or cash in a readily accessible form. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration form for Kenya. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Hong Kong passport holders entering Kenya. | Not required |
Apply early — processing can be slow
eVisa processing can take up to 5 business days, sometimes longer. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight.
No visa on arrival for HK passports
Unlike some other nationalities, Hong Kong passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight to Kenya.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in the application, upload your passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing takes 2–5 business days, sometimes longer.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket if asked. They'll stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple entry eVisa (90 days)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$101
Allows multiple entries; good for business or frequent travel.
Multiple entry eVisa (6 months)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$151
For longer stays; must not exceed 90 days per visit.
Multiple entry eVisa (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$201
For frequent travelers; max 90 days per visit.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For foreign nationals employed in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course, renewable
~$200 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eVisa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for HK passport holders; payable online. | $51 |
| Kenya eVisa (transit, single entry)For transit stays up to 72 hours. | $21 |
| Kenya eVisa (multiple entry, 90 days)For frequent visitors; valid for 90 days from issue. | $101 |
| Kenya eVisa (multiple entry, 6 months)For longer stays; valid for 6 months from issue. | $151 |
| Kenya eVisa (multiple entry, 1 year)For long-term visitors; valid for 1 year from issue. | $201 |
| Visa extension (in-country)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; max 6 months total stay. | $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
Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Kenya require a transit eVisa if leaving the airport or staying more than 72 hours. Airside transit without a visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying in the international transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration may transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; vaccination may be considered.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 (Headquarters)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Building, Nkrumah Road
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for HK 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. Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Hong Kong passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa before you travel.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs around $50 (USD). Fees are paid online during the application. Double-check the current fee on the official eVisa site.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
A standard tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The exact duration is stamped on arrival by immigration.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra. It's easier to plan your trip within the initial 90 days.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Hong Kong is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently travelled to an affected area. Check current requirements before you go.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. The fee is non-refundable. Contact the eVisa helpdesk for guidance.
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.