Canada entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Canada in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or eTA options for Kenyan nationals. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Canada. Canadian immigration officers do not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but airlines may still check for at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa before travel | Kenyan passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal at least 4–6 weeks before your trip — processing times vary. You will need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in Nairobi or another designated location.Apply for visa | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing you will leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or an invitation letter from your host in Canada. Border officers may ask where you will stay, especially if you are visiting friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements, pay slips, or a credit card statement showing you have enough money for your trip. Officers may ask for proof of funds at the port of entry — a common threshold is CAD $1,000–$2,000 per month depending on your itinerary. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing takes weeks
Canadian visitor visa processing from Kenya can take 2–8 weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved. Rush processing is not available for visitor visas.
Biometrics are required
After submitting your online application, you'll get a letter asking you to visit the Canada Visa Application Centre in Nairobi (Sarit Centre) for fingerprints and a photo. You must do this within 30 days.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online for a visitor visa
Go to the IRCC website (Canada.ca/immigration) and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, proof of funds), and pay the CAD 100 fee. Processing takes 2–8 weeks depending on your home country and time of year.
2
Wait for approval and submit your passport
Once approved, IRCC will ask you to send your physical passport to the nearest visa application centre (VAC) — in Nairobi, that's the Canada Visa Application Centre at the Sarit Centre. You'll get it back with the visa sticker inside.
3
Arrive at a Canadian port of entry
When you land at Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, or Montreal, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport with the visa. The border officer may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Get your entry stamp and collect luggage
If cleared, the officer stamps your passport with a visitor record or entry stamp. That's your legal stay period — usually up to 6 months. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (parent/grandparent)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Work Permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for employer compliance fee; work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 1,575 (~USD 1,180) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and language proficiency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension (visitor record)Fee to apply for extending stay beyond initial authorized period. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; may also lead to removal. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) 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 Canada
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders generally need a transit visa to pass through Canada en route to another country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions (e.g., same-day connection).
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months in some regions.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter months; dress warmly and limit exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa Office
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main processing center; applications are mostly online or by mail.
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Toronto Pearson Airport
6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
24/7
For immigration clearance at the airport; not for extensions.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing times vary, but expect 2 to 8 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website for Nairobi.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Kenyan passport holders. You must apply and receive approval before you travel.
The application fee is CAD 100 (about KES 10,000 as of 2026). This is non-refundable even if your visa is refused. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) cost an additional CAD 85.
Yes. Most applicants from Kenya need to provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). In Nairobi, go to the Canada VAC at the Sarit Centre. You'll do this after submitting your online application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. File online through IRCC, pay the fee (CAD 100), and explain why you need more time. Overstaying without permission can get you banned.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason — often insufficient ties to Kenya, unclear travel purpose, or weak finances. You can reapply with stronger documents, but the fee is non-refundable. Consider addressing the refusal reason in a new application.
No. A visitor visa only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. To work or study, you need a separate work permit or study permit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.