Kenya entry requirements for Malaysia 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
Malaysian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and typically takes a few days to process.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a Kenya eVisa before you fly. Apply at the official eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs around $30 USD. Most applications are approved within 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before departure to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your Malaysian passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA will ask to see a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Kenya does not enforce a specific minimum amount, but showing at least $500 USD equivalent helps if questioned. | Recommended |
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 the official eTA Kenya website (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 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
Cost$50 USD
Standard option for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
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 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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 1 year, each stay up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extensions are possible up to 6 months total, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES). | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) per day |
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
Malaysia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kenya if staying within the airport and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Kenya or a third country may transit without visa.
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.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. The fee is about $50 USD. You must apply before your current visa expires.
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 June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.