Kenya entry requirements for Malaysia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Malaysian passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya. Apply online before you fly. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and typically takes 2-3 business days.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entryYou do not need to apply for a visa before traveling. No visa required for stays up to 90 days | Malaysian citizens can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. No evisa application is needed. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months from date of arrival | Your Malaysian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival and departure. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked return flight helps avoid issues at the border. May be requested by immigration | Although not explicitly required, Kenyan immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket to confirm your departure within the 90-day stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry a credit card or some cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. May be requested by immigration | You may be asked to show sufficient funds for your stay in Kenya. No specific amount is set, but having access to cash or cards is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before traveling. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Malaysian citizens. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The eTA processing time can be unpredictable. Apply at least 7 days before your flight. If you apply too close to departure and it's delayed, you may miss your trip.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eTA approval, passport, and return ticket as PDFs on your phone and email. Also keep a printed copy in your carry-on. Power outages and network issues happen — don't rely solely on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to etakenya.go.ke and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, accommodation info, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive eTA approval
You'll get an email with your eTA approval. Print a copy or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, present your passport, eTA approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Single Entry Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50
For those who prefer a traditional visa instead of eTA; apply at Kenyan embassy.
Multiple Entry Visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$100
For frequent travelers; apply at Kenyan embassy.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50
For business activities; may require invitation letter.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) per year
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. 130,000 KES) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Pass
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.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for all Malaysian passport holders; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya Airport Departure TaxNo separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
| Visa Extension (up to 6 months)Apply at Department of Immigration in Nairobi; subject to approval. | Approx. $50 |
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
Malaysian passport holders transiting through Kenya do not require a visa or eTA if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a standard eTA 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, including transit over 12 hours.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in most regions, especially lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,500 meters, including Nairobi and Mombasa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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 (Headquarters)
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 Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for MY 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 2-3 business days, but it can take up to a week during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 7 days before your departure to avoid stress.
The eTA fee is around $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) as of 2026. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eTA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and apply for a new eTA. For longer stays, consider a work permit, investor visa, or student pass, which require separate applications.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Kenya does not issue visas on arrival for Malaysian passport holders. You must have an approved eTA before you travel.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Malaysia is not a yellow fever country, but if you've recently traveled to one, bring your certificate.
No, the eTA is valid for a single entry. If you leave Kenya and want to return, you need to apply for a new eTA.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing info. You can reapply with corrected details. If rejected again, contact the Kenyan embassy in Kuala Lumpur for guidance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.