Cyprus 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 Cyprus in 2026. You must apply for a Cyprus visa at the nearest Cypriot embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Kenyan nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Cyprus. Apply at the Cyprus embassy or consulate in Nairobi — processing takes 5–15 working days. Submit your application through the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal or in person.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Cyprus | Your Kenyan passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Cyprus enforces the 3-month validity rule strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at Larnaca and Paphos airports always ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cyprus. Border officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself — around €50–€100 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you are not working illegally. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Cyprus, and there is no e-visa system. You must apply for a physical visa sticker at a Cypriot embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan well ahead.
Schengen visa holders can enter
If you hold a valid Schengen visa (from any Schengen country), you can use it to enter Cyprus for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is because Cyprus is not yet in the Schengen area but accepts Schengen visas for short stays.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents listed above: passport, photos, application form, accommodation proof, flight booking, insurance, and bank statements. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Submit your visa application
Submit the application in person at the Cypriot embassy or consulate in your home country (or the nearest one if there is no embassy in Kenya). You may need to book an appointment online first. Pay the visa fee: €80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, free for children under 6.
3
Attend the visa interview (if required)
Some applicants are called for a short interview. Answer honestly about your travel plans, accommodation, and ties to Kenya. Bring all original documents.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days during peak seasons. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the dates, name, and passport number are correct. If denied, you will receive a reason and can appeal.
6
Travel to Cyprus
At Larnaca or Paphos airport, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Border officers may ask about your stay — answer clearly. Keep your documents accessible.
Download Cyprus 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Apply at Cyprus embassy or consulate. Requires proof of accommodation and funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Same fee as single entry, but valid for multiple visits within a year.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor and additional documents.
work visa
Cyprus Work Visa (Employment Permit)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Cyprus. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Cyprus Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment
Permanent residence, renewable every 5 years
€300,000 (approx. $330,000 USD) minimum investment
For high-net-worth individuals investing in real estate or business. Requires clean criminal record and health insurance. Fast track option.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | €60 (approx. $65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity period. | €90 (approx. $98 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by the visa application center. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying the visa validity period. | €50 per day (max €500) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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 Cyprus
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Cyprus, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsLarnaca International Airport (LCA) · Paphos International Airport (PFO)
Health & vaccines for Cyprus
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Rare cases reported; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but food hygiene is generally good.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nicosia
Cyprus Migration Department
Leoforos Lemesou 245, 2112 Nicosia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Appointments recommended.
Limassol
Limassol District Immigration Office
Leoforos Amathountos 11, 4520 Limassol
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern Cyprus. Bring all original documents.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalNicosia
LanguageGreek, Turkish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, UK standard)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended in rural regions.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
If you are a Kenyan passport holder and you are transiting through a Cypriot airport (e.g., Larnaca) to a non-Schengen country, you generally do not need a transit visa as long as you stay airside and do not enter Cyprus. However, if you need to leave the transit area or your layover is overnight, you will need a visa. Always check with your airline.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 30–45 days during busy periods (summer, holidays). Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
No, Cyprus does not allow visa extensions for short-stay visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from the Schengen area.
There is no Cypriot embassy in Kenya. You must apply at the Cypriot embassy in a neighbouring country or the nearest one that processes visas. Many applicants use the Cypriot embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or in Pretoria, South Africa. Alternatively, you can apply through a Schengen country that represents Cyprus (e.g., Greece). Contact the embassy directly for instructions.
The visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply if you use a visa application centre.
You will receive a written refusal letter stating the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Kenya, or incomplete documents. You can appeal the decision within 15 days, or reapply with stronger evidence.
Northern Cyprus (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) has separate entry rules. Kenyan passport holders can enter Northern Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to cross from Northern to Southern Cyprus (the Republic of Cyprus), you will need a valid Cyprus visa or a Schengen visa.
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.