Kenya entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few days. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress, especially if you're traveling in 2026.
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 | All Israeli passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/. The e-Visa is typically valid for 90 days from issuance and allows a single entry. Processing time and cost are determined by the portal; check current fees and processing times when applying. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned exit from Kenya. At least 6 months | Your Israeli 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; a blank page is needed for that stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is advisable to have more than one blank page to accommodate any additional stamps or visas. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return or onward ticket can help prove your intention to leave Kenya within the allowed period. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, Kenyan immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have a confirmed ticket to avoid any issues. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration officers may ask to see that you can support yourself financially during your visit. May be requested | While not explicitly required, you should be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Kenya. This could include cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your travel route includes any yellow fever endemic countries; if so, you need the certificate. Required if arriving from endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Israel is not currently a yellow fever endemic country, but this requirement applies if you have traveled through an endemic area. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration before landing. Not required | Kenya does not require an arrival declaration form for Israeli passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-Visa system is reliable, but processing times can vary. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep your documents handy at the airport
Airlines may ask to see your e-Visa and return ticket before letting you board. Have them ready — either printed or on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to the official Kenya e-Visa website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport, have your passport, printed e-Visa, and return ticket ready. The airline may check these before letting you board.
4
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, e-Visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're in!
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry e-Visa (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100
Allows multiple entries; useful for business or frequent travel.
Visa extension (in-country)
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityExtension granted for up to 3 months at a time
Cost$50 per extension
Must apply before current visa expires; approval not guaranteed.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) plus fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Allows residency and work.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) per year
For those enrolled in accredited Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for most nationalities; payable online. | $50 |
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, business)Same fee as tourist; business purpose must be stated. | $50 |
| Kenya e-Visa (transit)For transit through Kenya to a third country. | $20 |
| Kenya e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)For frequent travelers; requires justification. | $100 |
| Visa extension (in-country)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; max 6 months total stay. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Israeli citizens transiting through Kenya require a transit e-Visa, even if staying airside. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no intention to leave the airport may still need a transit visa; check with airline.
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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.
Rift Valley feverLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during heavy rainfall periods.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for most travellers.
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
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Building, Nkrumah Road, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; bring passport and visa copies.
Practical information for IL 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
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $51 USD. There's also a transit visa for $21 USD if you're just passing through. Fees are paid online during the application.
Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, but it can take up to a week during peak times. Apply at least 7 days before your trip to be safe.
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The e-Visa is cheaper, faster, and avoids long queues. If you do opt for visa on arrival, expect to pay $50 USD and wait longer.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Israel is not on that list, so you likely don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to an affected country, you'll need proof of vaccination.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are granted for up to 3 months and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or incorrect. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information. If you're unsure, contact the Kenya High Commission in Tel Aviv for guidance.
It's not a strict requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is usually enough to satisfy them.
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.