Kenya entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Icelanders. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. The process takes about 15 minutes and costs $30 USD. Approval usually comes within 2 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Kenya strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight booking out of Kenya within your visa validity period satisfies this requirement. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ask for this about half the time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient balance. Credit cards work at most hotels and safari lodges, but cash is king for park fees and local transport. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you fly. Processing can take up to 7 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa PDF, passport photo, return ticket, and hotel booking to your phone. If you lose your printed copies, you can show them digitally at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in the application form, upload a passport photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days.
2
Print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print at least one copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at JKIA or other entry point
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or any other port of entry, join the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport, e-Visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Standard option for short-term visits. Must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (typically $200–$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution. Apply at Kenyan embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized Kenyan educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class D)
3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Iceland passport holders applying for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap specified. | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 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
Iceland passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, 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 must be presented at entry.
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 is key.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; outbreaks occur sporadically.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for IS 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
Typically 2–5 business days, but it can take up to 7. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll get an email with the approved PDF.
The standard single-entry e-Visa costs around $51 USD (approx. 6,600 KES). Fees are paid online during the application. Check the official site for the latest amount.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or at a regional office. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Iceland is not a risk country, but if you've travelled to one recently, you'll need the certificate. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
There is no visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders. You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. The e-Visa must be approved before you travel.
The standard e-Visa is single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya (e.g., for a safari in Tanzania), you'll need a transit or multiple-entry visa. Apply for the correct type from the start.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is usually enough. Keep a bank statement handy if you're worried.
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.