Egypt entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 Egypt, and you must arrange it before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival option for Kenyan nationals, and Egypt's eVisa system doesn't apply to you. Plan ahead and get your visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before you fly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Egyptian visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival or online — you must visit an embassy or consulate before your trip. Apply at an Egyptian embassy or consulate | Kenyan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Egypt. Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate in advance; an eVisa is not available for Kenyan citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Egypt. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page is needed for the Egyptian immigration officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Egypt. Proof of departure from Egypt | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Egypt within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationHaving this ready can speed up immigration and is often requested. Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Egypt, covering your entire stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration officers may ask how you'll fund your trip. Financial means for your stay | Be prepared to show bank statements, cash, or credit cards demonstrating you can support yourself during your time in Egypt. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtects you against unexpected medical costs or travel disruptions. Medical and trip coverage | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip interruption is strongly advised for Egypt. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Kenyan citizens entering Egypt. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Kenyans
Despite Egypt offering eVisa and visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, Kenyan passport holders are not eligible for either. Applying through an embassy is your only option — don't fall for online scams claiming otherwise.
Visa is not extendable
The Egyptian tourist visa for Kenyan citizens is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you'll have to exit and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate in Kenya (or in a neighbouring country if none exists). Call or check their website for visa application procedures, required documents, and fees. Some embassies require an appointment, so book one early.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather your passport, photos, completed application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, and bank statements. Make photocopies of everything — embassies often keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application in person
Visit the embassy/consulate on your appointment date. Submit your documents, pay the fee, and provide biometrics if requested. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — answer honestly.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, but it can take longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand. Some embassies offer expedited service for an extra fee — ask if you're in a hurry.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Return to the embassy to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa details — dates, name spelling, and validity — before leaving the embassy. Report any errors immediately.
6
Travel to Egypt
On arrival at an Egyptian airport (like Cairo International), go through passport control. Have your passport, visa, and possibly proof of accommodation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and note your entry date.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60
Available on arrival at major airports; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60
Requires a letter from the sponsoring Egyptian company; obtainable from Egyptian embassy or on arrival with approval.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100–$200 USD (approx. 13,000–26,000 KES)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Egypt. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Manpower. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–$100 USD (approx. 6,500–13,000 KES)
For those enrolled in an accredited Egyptian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200–$300 USD (approx. 26,000–39,000 KES)
Available for retirees with proof of sufficient pension or savings. Requires annual renewal and proof of income.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa on arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days; obtainable at major airports and seaports. | $25 |
| Visa extension (single 30-day extension)Apply at the Passport and Immigration Office in Cairo or other major cities. | $50 |
| Overstay finePayable at the airport when leaving if you overstay your visa. | $10 per day |
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 Egypt
Transit visa required
Kenyan passport holders transiting through Egypt require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Obtainable on arrival at the airport.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and a layover of less than 6 hours may be allowed to remain in the transit area without a visa, but this is at the discretion of the border officer.
Transit hubsCairo International Airport (CAI) · Hurghada International Airport (HRG) · Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
Health & vaccines for Egypt
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya). Must present certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Rift Valley fever)Moderate risk
Risk is present, especially in rural areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water (e.g., Nile); avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in urban areas but moderate in rural regions like the Nile Delta; consider prophylaxis if visiting rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cairo
Egyptian Passport and Immigration Office (Cairo)
Al Abageyah, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport, visa, and 2 photos.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El Horreya Road, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; less crowded than Cairo.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 49.11 EGP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European/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 Egypt
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Egypt — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Kenyan passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Egypt. You must obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Egyptian eVisa system does not accept Kenyan passports. You'll need to apply through an embassy or consulate instead.
Processing usually takes 5-10 working days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy's workload. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Single-entry tourist visas typically cost around $25-60, but check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
A standard tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days from the date of entry. The visa is not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't pass through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, even for a few hours, you'll need a visa. Check with your airline for specifics.
No border visa is available for Kenyan nationals. You can use a reputable visa service or travel agency to submit your application on your behalf, but the visa must be issued by an Egyptian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.