Kenya entry requirements for Norway 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

Norwegian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel. This requirement is in place for 2026.

Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Kenya e-VisaYou must have an approved e-Visa before boarding your flight to Kenya.
Apply online before travel
Norwegian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal (etakenya.go.ke). The visa is single-entry and typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, but confirm the exact duration on approval. Processing time and fee vary; check the portal for current details.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned exit from Kenya.
At least 6 months
Your Norwegian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya.Required
Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival and departure; a blank page is needed.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketIt's wise to have a confirmed onward ticket to show if asked.
May be requested
Although not explicitly required by the database, Kenyan immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone.Recommended
Proof of sufficient fundsShowing you can support yourself financially during your visit is a good precaution.
May be requested
Immigration may request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Have bank statements or a credit card available.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your travel route includes a yellow fever risk country; if so, get vaccinated and carry the certificate.
Required if arriving from at-risk country
If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Norway is not a yellow fever risk country, but transit through an at-risk country may trigger this requirement.Required
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the e-Visa and immigration procedures.
Not required
Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration for Norwegian citizens.Not required
Apply for eTA Early
Don't wait until the last minute. eTA processing can take up to a week during peak travel seasons. Without an approved eTA, you won't be allowed to board your flight.
Keep Digital Copies
Save your eTA, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation as PDFs on your phone. Also print paper copies. Immigration officers at JKIA sometimes ask to see them, and phone screens can fail.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eTA Online
Go to www.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. Approval usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Pack Your Documents
Print your eTA approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Save digital copies on your phone. Also have your passport and insurance info accessible.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport, eTA printout, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then go through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Multiple-entry eTA (90 days)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100

Allows multiple entries; good for business or frequent travel.

Visa extension (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months total stay
ValidityUp to 6 months from arrival
CostKES 5,000 (approx. $40)

Must apply before current eTA expires; requires passport and proof of funds.

Visa extension (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months total stay
ValidityUp to 6 months from arrival
CostKES 10,000 (approx. $80)

For those with multiple-entry eTA; apply in person at immigration office.

work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) application fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all Norwegian passport holders; apply online before travel.$34
Kenya eTA (transit, airside)For transit passengers not leaving the airport.$20
Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 90 days)For frequent visitors; valid for 90 days from issue.$100
Visa extension (single entry, up to 6 months)Apply at Department of Immigration in Nairobi; subject to approval.KES 5,000 (approx. $40)
Visa extension (multiple entry, up to 6 months)For those with multiple-entry eTA; apply in person.KES 10,000 (approx. $80)
Exit fee (airport departure tax)No separate payment at airport for most airlines.Included in airfare

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

Transit visa required

Norwegian passport holders transiting through Kenya require a transit eTA even if staying airside. Apply online before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
  • Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration may still need 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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas and at lower altitudes.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in tourists, but outbreaks occur in areas with poor sanitation.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas and at altitudes below 2,500 meters. Use mosquito repellent and bed nets.

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, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Handles visa issues for coastal region visitors.

Practical information for NO 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police999
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Kenya

7,183 kmgreat circle distance
~10hfrom Norway
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is around $30 USD. You'll get an email with the approval.
No, the standard tourist visa is not extendable. For longer stays, you must apply for a different permit, such as a work permit (Class D, $500 USD application fee), investor permit (Class I, $1,000 USD application fee), or student pass (Class M, $150 USD application fee). These require sponsorship or enrollment and are processed by the Department of Immigration.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Norway is not a risk country, but if you've traveled to one recently, you'll need the shot and the yellow card. Check with your doctor.
No, the eTA is mandatory for Norwegian citizens. There is no visa on arrival option. You must have the eTA approved before you fly.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $20 USD per day for each day over the allowed stay, with no official cap. You may also be banned from re-entering Kenya. Apply for an extension before your visa expires, but note that the tourist visa is not extendable.
It's not a standard requirement for Norwegian tourists, but immigration officers can ask. Have a bank statement or credit card handy just in case. Showing you can support yourself (around $200 per day) is enough.

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.