Kenya entry requirements for India passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Indian passport holders need an e-visa to travel to Kenya. The application is done entirely online through the official eTA Kenya portal, and you'll need to have your documents ready before you fly. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you must apply before your trip.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must get this online before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens. Apply online before travel | Indian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal (etakenya.go.ke) at least a few days before departure. The e-Visa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months remaining | Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenya immigration will stamp your passport on arrival; a blank page is needed for that. 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 for any additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Kenya before your visa expires. This is commonly checked at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's not always asked, but having a bank statement or cash helps avoid issues. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kenya. This can be cash, traveler's cheques, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your transit or origin country requires this certificate; carry it if you have it. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. India is not currently on the endemic list, but this may apply if you transit through an endemic country. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before arrival. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Indian passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wait
The e-visa processing time is usually 2-5 business days, but it can stretch longer during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Yellow fever certificate is a must
If you're flying from India, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you risk being denied entry or facing quarantine at the airport. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online for your e-visa
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/ and create an account. Fill in the application form, upload your passport photo and passport details, and pay the fee (around $34 USD for a single-entry visa). The process takes about 15-20 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons. Check your email for the approval notice. You'll receive a PDF with your e-visa attached.
3
Print your e-visa
Print a copy of your approved e-visa to carry with you. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) or Mombasa.
4
Arrive in Kenya and go through immigration
At the airport, follow the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate ready. The officer will check your documents, take your fingerprints, and stamp your passport. You'll be allowed to stay for up to 90 days.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (eTA)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$34
Same eTA application; select 'Business' purpose.
Multiple entry eTA
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$100
For frequent travelers; apply at Kenyan embassy.
Special pass (longer stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityVaries
Cost$200+
For work, study, or residency; apply at immigration office.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. INR 83,000) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. INR 41,500) plus school fees
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD (approx. INR 166,000) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all visitors; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, 72 hours)For airside transit only; must not leave airport. | $20 |
| Visa extension (up to 6 months total stay)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; subject to approval. | $50 |
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Kenya require a transit eTA, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no intention to leave airport
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; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions below 2,500m, including Nairobi and coastal 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 (Head Office)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in coastal areas. Bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for IN 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
The single-entry e-visa costs around $34 USD (about ₹2,800). There's also a multiple-entry visa for around $100 USD if you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya. Payment is made online via credit/debit card.
Typically 2-5 business days. However, it's best to apply at least 2 weeks in advance to account for any delays, especially during holidays or peak travel seasons.
No. Kenya does not offer visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before allowing you to check in.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the 90 days allowed, you'll need to leave Kenya and apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Yes, if you're arriving from India (which is a yellow fever-endemic country), you must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated at the airport (which is not ideal).
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the application fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include incomplete forms, poor photo quality, or passport validity issues.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for entry through any international airport or land border in Kenya. However, you must enter through the port you specified in your application. If your plans change, contact the eTA Kenya support to update your entry point.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.