Kenya entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
South Korean passport holders need an e-visa to enter Kenya. The application is completed online before you travel, and approval typically takes 2-5 business days.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou need to get this online before you fly – there's no visa on arrival for South Korean citizens. Apply online before travel | South Korean passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official e-Visa portal (etakenya.go.ke) at least a few days before departure. The e-Visa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – Kenya requires a 6-month buffer. At least 6 months remaining | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the immigration stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It's safer to have 2 or more blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see that you plan to leave Kenya – have your flight booking ready. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Kenya, with a date before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's not always checked, but having evidence of funds helps avoid issues at the border. For your stay | You should be able to demonstrate you have enough money (e.g., cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your stay in Kenya. The exact amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities and length of stay. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you've been in a yellow fever zone – check your travel route. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Korea is not a yellow fever endemic country, but transit through an endemic country may trigger this requirement. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just your e-Visa and passport. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration for South Korean passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The e-visa system is reliable, but processing times can stretch to a week during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 10 days before your departure to avoid stress. Also, double-check that your passport has 6 months of validity — this is the #1 reason people get denied boarding.
Have your documents accessible on arrival
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you'll go through immigration before baggage claim. Keep your e-visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation proof in your hand luggage — not in your checked bag. This will save you time and hassle at the counter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, accommodation info, and a digital passport photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, though it can be faster. Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
When you land in Nairobi, follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Have your passport, e-visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will scan your passport, stamp it, and you're in. The process usually takes 10-15 minutes if you have all documents.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no restricted items. If you're carrying cash over $5,000 or goods above the duty-free limit, use the red channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days (multiple entries)
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100
Allows travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda; apply online or at Kenyan embassy.
Kenya Business Visa (eTA)
Max stay90 days (single entry)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$34.09
For business meetings, conferences, or short-term work; must have invitation letter.
Kenya Ordinary Visa (sticker)
Max stay90 days (single entry)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50
For those who prefer a physical visa; obtainable at Kenyan embassy/consulate.
Kenya Multiple Entry Visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months or 1 year
Cost$100 (6 months) / $150 (1 year)
For frequent travelers; apply at Kenyan embassy/consulate.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 50,000 KES) application fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 15,000 KES) application fee
For those enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Kenya. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 100,000 KES) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all visitors; apply online before travel. | $34.09 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)Required even for airside transit; valid for single transit within 72 hours. | $34.09 |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda)Optional; allows multiple entries to the three countries within 90 days. | $100 |
| Visa extension (Kenya Immigration Department)Apply at Nairobi HQ or regional offices; max extension up to 6 months. | Approx. $50 (KES 5,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
All transit passengers, including those staying airside, must obtain a transit eTA before travel. The eTA is valid for a single transit within 72 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration may still require the transit eTA.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Risk in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including urban areas. Prophylaxis is strongly 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 Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for KR 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
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can occasionally take longer. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
The cost is around $50 for a single-entry visa, but the exact fee is shown during the online application. Payment is made by credit or debit card on the e-visa website.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and reapply for a new visa. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Airlines check visa status before departure. If you somehow arrive without one, you'll be sent back on the next available flight at your own expense.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. South Korea is not a risk country, so if you fly directly from Seoul, you don't need the certificate. If you have a layover in a risk country (e.g., Ethiopia, Nigeria, or Brazil), you'll need to show the certificate at the border.
The standard e-visa is single-entry. If you plan to leave Kenya and return (e.g., for a safari in Tanzania), you'll need to apply for a new visa each time. There is no multi-entry option for South Korean citizens.
Have your passport, the e-visa approval (printed or on your phone), your return ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. The officer may also ask about your purpose of visit and how much money you have — answer confidently and honestly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.