Kenya entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard entry requirement for tourism and business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need a Kenya eVisa before you fly. Apply at the official eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs $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 Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Dutch 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 Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you are overlanding to Uganda or Tanzania, show your bus ticket or border crossing plan. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple booking.com confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD for a short stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, a credit card and a few hundred dollars in cash will satisfy them. | Recommended |
Apply for eTA early
Don't wait until the last minute. The eTA can take up to 3 business days to process. If you apply too close to your flight, you risk being denied boarding.
Keep digital copies
Save your eTA approval, flight booking, and hotel confirmation as PDFs on your phone. You may not have internet access at immigration, so offline access is key.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to etakenya.go.ke, fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $30 USD). Approval typically takes 1–3 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: eTA approval, return flight booking, first night hotel confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them together in a folder.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and eTA approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 90 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Then proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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. €46)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
Requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. €460) per year
For those with a job offer from a Kenyan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. €920) per year
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
$150 USD (approx. €138) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Kenya. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional fee for online application. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged per day overstay, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD (approx. €18) |
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside 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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in most regions, especially lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Mosquito avoidance measures advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists, but outbreaks occur. Food and water precautions essential.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
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. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region.
Practical information for NL 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 = 129.19 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
The eTA allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your 90 days expire.
The eTA fee is approximately $30 USD (about €28). You pay online during the application. There are no additional visa fees at the airport.
Most applications are processed within 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor's pass extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments. The cost is around $50 USD per extension. You must apply before your current visa expires.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're flying directly from the Netherlands, it's not required. But if you've recently been to any African or South American country, bring your yellow card.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Dutch passport holders. You must have an approved eTA before you fly.
The standard eTA is valid for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya (e.g., for a safari in Tanzania), you'll need a new eTA each time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.