Kenya entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Hong Kong passport holders need a visa 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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. The application 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 cover your entire stay | Your Hong Kong passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Kenya does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it's valid for the full duration of your trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about $500 USD for a short stay. Immigration may ask to see you can support yourself during the trip. | Recommended |
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 May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$51 USD
Apply online via eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$101 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-Stay Visa (Special Pass)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200 USD)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Immigration.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard tourist visa for up to 90 days. | $51 USD (approx. 6,600 KES) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | $101 USD (approx. 13,100 KES) |
| Transit VisaFor airside transit up to 72 hours. | $21 USD (approx. 2,700 KES) |
| Overstay FineMaximum fine cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. 1,300 KES) |
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
No transit visa needed
Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and leaving within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have a confirmed onward ticket.
- Must not leave the airport transit area.
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 = 129.47 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
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 May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.