Kenya entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Malta passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online for an eVisa before you travel. This requirement applies in 2026.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eVisa (eTA) | Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal before departure. The eTA costs $30 USD and is valid for 90 days from issue. Processing takes up to 3 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Kenya strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Minimum $500 USD or equivalent | Have bank statements, a credit card, or cash showing you can support yourself during your stay. $500 USD per person is the informal threshold — officers rarely ask but can. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Malta passport holders
You cannot get a visa at the airport in Kenya. You must apply and receive approval for the eVisa before you fly. Airlines check this before boarding.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport photo, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation on your phone. If you lose the printed copies, digital versions can save you at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for Kenya eVisa online
Go to the official Kenya eVisa website (etakenya.go.ke) and complete the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around $51 for a single-entry tourist visa) and upload a passport-style photo. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Print the approval letter and keep it with your passport.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: your printed eVisa approval, passport with 6+ months validity, return/onward ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance if you have it. Save digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport — check the stamp says the correct entry date. Then collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Standard tourist visa for a single visit.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Ideal for frequent travellers, allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (typically $200–$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460)
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €184)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Kenya. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, each stay up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. €460). Pay at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD (approx. €18) per day |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional fee for online application, non-refundable. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kenya if staying within the international transit area and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists, but risk increases with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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 visa extensions for visitors in the coastal region.
Practical information for MT 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs around $51 (about €47). Fees are paid online during the application. Check the official eVisa site for the latest amount.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. In peak season it can take longer.
No, the standard tourist eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Malta is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Maltese passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
The standard single-entry eVisa is for one entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya, you'll need a multiple-entry visa or apply for a new one each time.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.