Kenya entry requirements for Japan 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
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.
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 Japanese passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Kenya e-Visa portal at https://etakenya.go.ke/. The visa is valid for a single entry; the maximum stay is determined at the port of entry (typically up to 90 days). | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Japanese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a confirmed onward ticket helps demonstrate your intention to leave Kenya. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsShowing you have money to support yourself can ease entry. May be requested | While not explicitly required, you may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry bank statements or cash (Kenyan Shillings or major currencies) to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccinationCheck if your travel history includes any yellow fever endemic countries. Required for some travellers | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Japan is not a yellow fever risk country, but if you have travelled to such a country before entering Kenya, the certificate is required. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional online arrival forms. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Japanese citizens. The e-Visa and passport are sufficient. | Not required |
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Kenya eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Visa extension (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityGranted for specific period
CostApprox. $50–$100
Must apply before current visa expires; requires passport and proof of funds.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kenya eVisa (single entry, 90 days)Standard tourist/business eVisa fee; payable online. | $50 |
| Kenya eVisa (multiple entry, 90 days)For travellers needing multiple entries. | $100 |
| Visa extension (up to 6 months total stay)Apply at Department of Immigration in Nairobi; fees vary. | Approx. $50–$100 |
| Airport departure taxNo separate exit fee at airports. | Included in airfare |
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
Japanese passport holders transiting through Kenya (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must obtain a transit visa or eVisa.
- If you have a connecting flight to a different country, ensure you have valid documents for that destination.
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 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 = 129.25 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
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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.