Kenya entry requirements for Mexico 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
Mexican passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few days. Plan ahead and have your documents ready before you book flights.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Mexican passport holders need an eVisa to enter Kenya. Apply at the official eTA portal at least 3 business days before departure. The fee is $30 USD for single entry, and approval is usually emailed within 48 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — showing a card or cash is usually enough. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The e-Visa system can be slow, especially during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 7 days before your flight. If you apply too late and it's not processed, you may be denied boarding.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa, passport, and flight confirmations as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your printed copies, you can still show them on your phone at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but can be faster.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-Visa certificate. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (though you already have your e-Visa). Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, e-Visa printout, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes per person.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico 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. 6,500 KES)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES)
For extended stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) per year
For foreign nationals employed in Kenya. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES) per year
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) per year
For individuals investing at least $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. 5,000 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, each stay up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. 10,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $1,000 USD (approx. 100,000 KES). | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,000 KES) |
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
Mexico passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DPT, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during outbreaks or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in all regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 visa issues for coastal region; bring all required documents.
Practical information for MX 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
Most applications are processed within 2–5 business days, but it can take up to 7. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll get an email with the approved e-Visa.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $51 USD (about 6,600 KES). You pay online by credit card when you apply. There are no additional fees at the airport if you already have the e-Visa.
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The e-Visa is cheaper, faster, and avoids long queues. Visa on arrival costs $50 USD but you'll need cash (USD) and may wait 30–60 minutes. Most airlines also require an approved e-Visa before boarding.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The system will reject applications with insufficient validity.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one). Mexico is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever zone, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Mexico.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are usually granted for up to 3 months and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Have these ready: your passport (with e-Visa sticker or printout), return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), and sometimes proof of sufficient funds (cash or card). Keep them in a folder for quick access.
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.