Kenya entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online before you travel through the eVisa system. The process is straightforward but requires careful document preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Kenya. Apply at the official eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs $30 USD. Most applications are approved within 2 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your Nigerian 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 will ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. If you are overlanding out of Kenya, show a bus ticket or a visa for the next country. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers sometimes ask for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. If staying with friends, a letter with their contact details works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — at least $500 USD equivalent in cash, bank statements, or a credit card. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Yellow Fever Vaccine Required
If you're arriving from Nigeria (a yellow fever endemic country), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at Kenyan immigration. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa Only — No Visa on Arrival
Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders. You must apply and receive approval through the official eVisa portal (www.etakenya.go.ke) before you travel. Apply at least a week in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $51 for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing takes 2-5 business days. Print the approval letter.
2
Prepare Your Documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at JKIA or Other Entry Point
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or other border crossings, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short queue — 15-30 minutes typically.
4
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then pass through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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. 6,500 KES)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES)
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. 26,000 KES)
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES)
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 single entry, valid for 3 months. | KES 5,000 (~$40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months. | KES 10,000 (~$80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | KES 500 (~$4 USD) per day, max KES 50,000 (~$400 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible for up to 6 months total stay, subject to approval. | KES 2,500 (~$20 USD) per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 yellow fever risk (Nigeria is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for NG 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
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 Nigerian citizens. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. The application is at www.etakenya.go.ke and costs around $51 for a single-entry tourist visa.
Processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid delays. You'll receive an approval letter by email — print it and carry it with you.
You will be denied entry. Kenya requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Nigeria is on that list). You'll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and cost around $50. Apply before your current visa expires.
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity), printed eVisa approval letter, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. Immigration officers may ask for any of these, so keep them easily accessible.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Kenya can be high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance also covers trip cancellations and lost luggage.
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.