Kenya entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya. You must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard entry requirement for tourism and business visits.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must have an approved e-Visa before boarding your flight to Kenya. Apply online before travel | All Dutch passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before departure. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/). The e-Visa is typically valid for 90 days from issue and allows a single entry. Processing time and fee are set by the Kenyan authorities; check the portal for current costs and processing times. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months | Your Dutch passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival; a blank page is needed. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a confirmed departure ticket helps show you intend to leave Kenya before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed or digital copy of your travel itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient funds for stay | While not explicitly required, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). The amount is not fixed, but you should have enough to cover accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccinationOnly needed if your travel itinerary includes a stopover in a yellow fever risk country. If arriving from an endemic country | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The Netherlands is not a yellow fever endemic country, so this is not required for direct travel from the Netherlands. | Optional |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional online arrival form. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Dutch passport holders. | Not required |
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry eTA
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$60
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travelers.
Visa extension (in-country)
Max stayUp to 6 months total per visit
ValidityGranted for 1-3 months at a time
CostApprox. $50 per month
Must apply before current eTA expires; requires valid passport and proof of funds.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourism/business)Mandatory for all Dutch passport holders; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)For transit through Kenya to a third country without entering Kenya. | $20 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 90 days)For frequent visitors; valid for 90 days from issue. | $60 |
| Visa extension (in-country)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi or Mombasa; max stay 6 months per visit. | Approx. $50 per month |
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
Transit visa required
Dutch passport holders transiting through Kenya (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) must obtain a transit eTA before travel, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration may still require transit eTA.
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 = 129.25 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
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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.