Kenya entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Sri Lankans. The process is straightforward, but plan ahead: processing takes up to 3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eVisa | Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal before departure. The eVisa is mandatory for Sri Lankan passport holders. Processing takes up to 3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA ask for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Jambojet and Fly540 also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof of funds for your stay. | Recommended |
Apply for your eVisa early
The Kenya eVisa can take up to 3 business days to process. Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least a week before your flight. If you apply too close to departure and it's delayed, you won't be allowed to board.
Transit without a visa is possible
If you're transiting through Kenya and staying airside (not passing through immigration) for less than 12 hours, you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or your layover is longer than 12 hours, you'll need a transit visa or a full eVisa.
Malaria is a real risk
Malaria is high risk throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent. Medical facilities outside Nairobi and Mombasa are limited — travel insurance with evacuation coverage is a smart move.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to etakenya.go.ke and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel itinerary. Pay the $51 USD fee by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email — the eVisa is usually approved within 3 business days.
2
Check in for your flight
At the airport, the airline will check your passport validity (6 months from entry) and your eVisa. They may also ask for your return ticket. If everything's in order, you'll get your boarding pass.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visas'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask about your accommodation and funds — answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed to customs — if you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Outside arrivals, you'll find taxi booths, SIM card vendors, and currency exchange.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For business-related visits, requires invitation letter.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions.
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 |
|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist Visa (eVisa)Standard fee for a single entry tourist visa. | $51 USD (approx. 6,600 KES) |
| Multiple Entry Tourist VisaAllows multiple entries within validity period. | $101 USD (approx. 13,100 KES) |
| Transit VisaFor airside transit only. | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap may apply; check with immigration. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Kenya do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a layover over 12 hours, you may need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
- Diplomatic passport holders may transit without visa.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA) · Kisumu International Airport (KIS)
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 = 129.47 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
No. Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. The only exception is if you're transiting airside for less than 12 hours and don't need to pass through immigration.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs $51 USD (about 6,600 KES). A multiple-entry tourist visa costs $101 USD (about 13,100 KES). You pay online by credit card when you apply.
Processing usually takes up to 3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. During peak seasons (December, July–August) it can take longer.
Overstaying costs $50 USD (about 6,500 KES) per day. There's a maximum fine cap, but it's best to avoid it. If you need more time, visit the Department of Immigration Services at Nyayo House in Nairobi before your visa expires to apply for an extension.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever country, so you won't need it if you're flying directly from Sri Lanka. But if you've been in a risk country recently, you'll need the certificate. It's recommended anyway — carry your yellow card.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi (Nyayo House) or at regional offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, or Nakuru. Visit before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around $50 USD.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), your eVisa printout, your return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. Occasionally they ask for proof of funds — at least $500 USD equivalent. Keep everything in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
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.