Kenya entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel. The process is straightforward but requires careful document preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eVisa | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before departure. The eVisa costs around $30–$50 USD depending on type and is usually processed within 2–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at JKIA will ask to see it.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Airlines at NAIA check this before issuing a boarding pass — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Kenya. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around $500 USD equivalent) to cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if questioned about your financial means. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk last-minute rejection
eTA processing can take up to 3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. If you apply too close to departure and get rejected, you won't have time to fix it.
Keep your eTA on your phone and printed
You'll need to show your eTA at check-in, at the departure gate, and at immigration in Nairobi. A screenshot on your phone works, but a printed copy is a reliable backup.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to the official Kenya eTA website (etakenya.go.ke) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days.
2
Receive eTA approval
Check your email for the eTA approval. Print a copy and save a screenshot on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Kenya.
3
Prepare documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport, printed eTA, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eTA, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — usually takes 1–2 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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. 2,800 PHP)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 5,600 PHP)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 11,200 PHP)
Requires proof of business or investment.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 28,000 PHP) per year
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 8,400 PHP) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 56,000 PHP) per year
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Philippines passport holders. | $50 USD (approx. 2,800 PHP) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional service charge for online application. | $30 USD (approx. 1,680 PHP) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD (approx. 560 PHP) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Philippines passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Kenya, even if staying airside.
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in most regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended.
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.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for PH 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 = 129.47 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
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. In rare cases, it can take longer.
The eTA fee is around $30 USD (approximately 3,900 KES). Payment is made online during the application. There are no additional visa fees on arrival.
The eTA is typically valid for up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but must be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your current permit expires. There is a fee involved.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. The Philippines is not a yellow fever country, but if you transit through one, you'll need the certificate. Check the latest requirements before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or if there are errors. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Kenya eTA support team for guidance.
No. The eTA must be approved before you board your flight to Kenya. Airlines will not let you board without it.
It's not a standard requirement, but immigration officers may ask. It's wise to have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. A few hundred dollars in cash or available credit is usually enough.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.