Kenya entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online for an e-Visa before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few days. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou need to get this online before you fly – there's no visa on arrival for New Zealand citizens. Apply online before travel | New Zealand passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Kenya e-Visa portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/. The visa is valid for entry within 90 days of issue, but the maximum stay is determined at the port of entry. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – Kenya requires 6 months of validity left. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenya needs a clean page to stamp when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It's wise to have more if you travel frequently. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a flight out of Kenya booked – they often ask to see it. Proof of departure | Although not explicitly stated in the database, immigration officials typically require proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you will leave Kenya before your visa expires. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHave some proof you can support yourself – like bank statements or credit cards – just in case. Sufficient funds for stay | While not specified in the database, you may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry cash or cards, and be ready to show bank statements if requested. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online forms – the e-Visa is enough. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for New Zealand citizens. The e-Visa application covers entry requirements. | Not required |
Apply for e-Visa well in advance
Processing times can vary, and there's no visa on arrival for New Zealanders. Don't leave it until the last minute — apply at least a week before departure.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa, passport, and booking confirmations as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Also email them to yourself. If you lose your phone, you can still access them.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $50 USD). Processing usually takes 2–3 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: your approved e-Visa, passport, return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Keep them together in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa)
Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and e-Visa ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're in.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry e-Visa (annual)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$101
Best for repeat visitors; allows multiple entries.
Business e-Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$51
For business meetings, conferences, or trade activities.
Special pass (e.g., work, study, volunteer)
Max stayVaries
ValidityVaries
CostVaries
Requires sponsorship and in-person application at immigration.
retirement visa
Kenya Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year
~$1,000 USD
Currently under consideration. Would allow remote workers to live in Kenya with proof of income.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD
For professionals with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from immigration.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$3,000 USD
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry e-Visa (tourist)Standard fee for most visitors; payable online. | $51 |
| Multiple-entry e-Visa (annual)For frequent travellers; valid for 12 months. | $101 |
| Transit e-VisaFor airside transit up to 72 hours. | $21 |
| Emergency/express processing (optional)May be available at extra cost; not guaranteed. | Varies |
| Visa extension (in-country)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; subject to approval. | Approx. $50 |
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
A transit e-Visa is required for airside transit unless you qualify for visa-free transit (e.g., diplomats). Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 72 hours may still need the transit e-Visa; no general exemption for NZ citizens.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk throughout Kenya, especially in rural and 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 (Head Office)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for extensions and permits. Arrive early.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa, Kenya
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for NZ 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
No. New Zealand passport holders must have an approved e-Visa before boarding their flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for NZ citizens.
Typically 2–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is about $50 USD, paid online by credit card.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival in Kenya.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're flying directly from New Zealand, it's not required. Check your itinerary.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra. It's better to apply for the correct visa length upfront.
You'll be fined per day overstayed, and it could affect future travel to Kenya. The fine is typically around $50 USD per day. Avoid it.
It's not a standard requirement for short tourist visits, but immigration officers can ask. Having a credit card or a bank statement on your phone 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.