Kenya entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Irish passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online for an eVisa before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few days. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress, especially during peak travel seasons in 2026.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before departure. Processing takes 2–3 business days, and you need a digital passport photo and flight details. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they rarely accept verbal explanations. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel 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 Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing at least $500 USD equivalent. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay without working. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing times vary
The eVisa portal says 2–5 days, but during holidays or system glitches it can take longer. Don't leave it until the night before your flight.
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Kenya no longer issues tourist visas on arrival. Airlines check for an approved eVisa before you board. If you don't have one, you'll be turned away at the gate.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in the application, upload a passport-style photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2–5 working days, but can be faster.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them together in a folder or a dedicated phone album.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
Follow signs to 'Visitors' or 'Foreign Passports'. Join the queue, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp you in. Expect 20–40 minutes in line during busy hours.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; can be obtained on arrival or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of business or investment in Kenya.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) per year
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
€1,000 (approx. $1,100 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass (Class S)
Duration of course, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for most applicants; payable online or on arrival. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanusRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; food and water precautions reduce risk.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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 Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; similar requirements as Nairobi.
Practical information for IE 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
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs $51 USD (about €47). You pay online by credit or debit card when you apply. There are also transit and multiple-entry options — check the official portal for current fees.
Most applications are processed within 2–5 working days. In busy periods it can take up to 7 days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
Kenya officially ended visa on arrival for most nationalities in 2021. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Without it, you may be denied boarding.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate. Ireland is not a risk country, so you won't need it if you fly directly from Ireland. But if you've recently travelled to a risk area, get the vaccine and carry the certificate.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Your eVisa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. If you're already in Kenya, you'll need to leave and re-enter with a valid passport — extensions won't fix an expiring passport.
It's not a standard requirement for Irish passport holders, but immigration officers can ask. Have a bank statement or credit card ready just in case. A few hundred euros in cash or available credit is usually enough.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.