Kenya entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online for an e-Visa before you travel — no need to visit an embassy. Plan ahead, as processing takes a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Kenya. Apply at the official eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs around $30 USD. Approval usually comes within 3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your stay | Your Portuguese passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — a booking confirmation email works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel booking. A printed hotel confirmation or an Airbnb receipt with the address and dates is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | You should be able to show you have enough money for your stay — roughly $200–$300 USD per day is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit works. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk last-minute
The e-Visa system can be slow, especially during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 7–10 days before departure to avoid stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa PDF, passport scan, and flight confirmation on your phone and email. If you lose the printout, you can show the digital copy at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to the official Kenya e-Visa website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on visa type) by credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, printed e-Visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to go.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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. €46)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Allows multiple entries within a year.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
Requires invitation letter and proof of purpose.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) application fee
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €92) processing fee
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) application fee
For investors with significant capital in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional processing fee for online application. | $30 USD (approx. €28) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $20 USD (approx. €18) per day, max $1,000 USD |
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
Portugal passport holders do not require a transit visa for airside transit through Kenyan airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; outbreaks occur periodically.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including Nairobi and highland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for PT 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
Typically 2–5 business days, but it can take up to 10 during busy periods. Apply at least a week before your flight.
No. As of 2026, Portuguese passport holders must have an approved e-Visa before boarding. No visa on arrival is available.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs around $30–$50 USD, payable online by credit card. The exact amount depends on the visa type and current exchange rates.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're flying directly from Portugal, it's not required. But if you've recently been to any African or South American country with yellow fever, you'll need the certificate.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are usually granted for up to 3 months. The cost is around $50–$100. Apply before your current visa expires.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Kenya e-Visa support team for guidance.
It's not routinely asked, but immigration officers can request proof that you can support yourself during your stay. Having a bank statement or credit card with sufficient limit is a good idea.
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.