Kenya entry requirements for Norway passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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

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.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. Processing takes 2–5 business days, and you need a digital passport photo and flight itinerary. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
6 months validity required
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Carry at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or card
Have at least $500 USD equivalent in cash, traveler's cheques, or a credit card statement. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay.Recommended
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 May 17, 2026
Download PDF

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 option for tourism, no extension possible.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)

Ideal for frequent travellers, allows multiple visits.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)

Requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.

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
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry, valid for up to 90 days.$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 1 year.$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
eVisa processing feeMandatory online application fee, non-refundable.$30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 65,000 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

Norway 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 staying overnight, 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)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 May 19
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.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. The process takes a few days and costs about $50 USD. You'll need a valid reason, like volunteering or a longer safari.
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 $50 USD per day for the first 30 days, and more after that. You may also be banned from re-entering Kenya. Apply for an extension before your visa expires.
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 May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.