Kenya entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Japanese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Kenya in 2026. There is no visa on arrival, so you must apply and get approval before you fly. The online process is straightforward, but plan for at least a week to avoid last-minute stress.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Japan passport holders need a visa for Kenya. Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal at least 3 business days before travel. The eTA costs $30 USD and is valid for 90 days from issue — single entry only.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Kenya does not enforce the 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will ask for it | Kenya immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at the counter. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — showing a booking on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check at check-in. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Japanese passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Kenya, not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Kenya eVisa website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, but can be faster. Print the approval email and keep a digital copy on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, make sure you have: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return/onward ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation. Save screenshots of everything on your phone in case you're asked at check-in or immigration.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eVisa approval, and boarding pass ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs — green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're now free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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
CostKES 4,000 (~$35 USD)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Kenyan embassy or online.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
CostKES 8,000 (~$70 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (e.g., work permit ~$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For foreign nationals employed in Kenya. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Kenya Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD 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 a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | KES 4,000 (~$35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period, typically 90 days. | KES 8,000 (~$70 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of KES 50,000 (~$450 USD). | KES 500 (~$4.50 USD) per day |
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
Japan passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Kenyan airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA) · Kisumu International Airport (KIS)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all 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 (Head Office)
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 Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Building, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for JP 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 = 129.17 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
Most applications are processed within 2–3 business days, but it can take up to 7 days during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. Kenya no longer offers visa on arrival for Japanese citizens. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs $51 USD (around ¥7,500 JPY). You pay online by credit or debit card during the application.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you travel directly from Japan, you don't need it. But if you've been in any African or South American country before Kenya, you may need the certificate.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. The standard tourist visa allows up to 90 days total. Extensions cost around $50 USD and take a few days to process.
Rejections are rare for Japanese passport holders. If it happens, you'll receive an email with the reason. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Kenya High Commission in Tokyo for help.
It's not routinely asked, but immigration officers can request proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Having a credit card or a bank statement on your phone is enough.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.