Kenya entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online before you travel, and it's a straightforward process that takes about 15 minutes to complete.
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 | Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official e-Visa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/) at least a few days before departure. The e-Visa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months from entry | Your Sri Lankan 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 — you need a blank page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 or more blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound ticket to confirm you intend to leave. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Kenya before your e-Visa expires (typically 90 days from entry). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always asked, but having proof of funds can help if questioned by immigration. For your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Kenya. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be denied entry without a valid yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country. Required for travelers from Sri Lanka | Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Sri Lanka. Carry the certificate with you. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the e-Visa. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration for Sri Lankan passport holders. The e-Visa and passport are sufficient. | Not required |
Apply early — no exceptions
The e-visa is mandatory and there's no visa-on-arrival. If you show up without it, you'll be put on the next flight home. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid any processing delays.
Yellow fever certificate — don't skip it
Even if you're not coming from a risk country, carry your yellow fever certificate. Kenyan officials may ask for it randomly, and lacking it can lead to a fine or refusal.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and your passport bio page, and pay the fee. The process takes about 15 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Most e-visas are processed within 2-5 business days, but it can take longer. Check your email for the approval notice. Print a copy to carry with you.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
When you land in Nairobi, follow the signs to 'Immigration'. Have your passport, e-visa approval, and yellow fever certificate ready. The officer will check your documents, take your fingerprints, and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you can use the green channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple Entry eTA
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60
Ideal for frequent travelers; allows multiple entries.
Business eTA (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$34
For business meetings, conferences, or short-term work assignments (not employment).
Business eTA (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60
For business travelers needing multiple entries.
Special Pass (for longer work/residence)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Kenya's Department of Immigration.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. $1,000 USD)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For full-time students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit (Class R)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows stay without work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – single entryMandatory for all visitors, including Sri Lankan passport holders. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – transit (airside)For transit passengers not leaving the airport. | $20 |
| Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – multiple entry (up to 90 days)For those planning multiple entries within the validity period. | $60 |
| Visa extension (at immigration office in Nairobi)For stays beyond the initial 90 days; apply before expiry. | 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
Sri Lankan passport holders transiting through Kenya must obtain a transit eTA before travel, even if staying airside.
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 yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 LK 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
Typically 2-5 business days, but it can take up to 10 days during peak times. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The standard single-entry e-visa fee is $50 USD. You pay online when you apply. There are no additional fees at the airport.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever risk country, so you don't need the certificate for departure. However, if you transit through a risk country (like Ethiopia or Nigeria), you'll need it. Check the current list before you fly.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. Don't risk it.
No. The e-visa must be approved before you board your flight. Airlines check this before allowing you to check in.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Kenya and want to come back, you'll need to apply for a new one.
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.