Kenya entry requirements for Russia 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
Russian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and supporting documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before departure. The application takes about 15 minutes and costs around $30 USD. Approval usually comes within 2-3 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Russian passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the counter — a printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means, especially for longer stays. | Recommended |
Apply early — no walk-in option
The eTA must be approved before you fly. There is no visa-on-arrival for Russian passport holders. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Kenya, not from when you apply. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to the official eTA Kenya website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $30 USD) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days.
2
Receive eTA approval
You'll get an email with your eTA approval document. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. The eTA is linked to your passport number.
3
Prepare for arrival
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA), head to immigration. Have your passport, printed eTA, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 4,500 KES)
Standard option for tourism. Apply at Kenyan embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 9,000 KES)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$500 USD (approx. 45,000 KES)
Requires business registration or investment proof. Apply through Kenyan embassy.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 90,000 KES) per year
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 180,000 KES) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Kenya Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$500 USD (approx. 45,000 KES) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 4,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. 9,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 45,000 KES). | $10 USD (approx. 900 KES) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
No transit visa needed
Russian passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 72 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 yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation. Drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) strongly 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 (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 Building, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors. Expect longer wait times during peak season.
Practical information for RU 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
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 trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eTA fee is approximately $30 USD (about 3,900 KES). You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional visa fees at the airport.
No, the eTA does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and reapply for a new eTA. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Russia is not a risk country, but if you transit through one (e.g., Ethiopia, Nigeria), you'll need the certificate. Check the latest requirements before travel.
Your eTA application will be rejected. You must renew your passport first. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No. The eTA must be approved before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Russian passport holders. Apply online in advance.
Have your passport, printed eTA approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. Immigration officers may also ask for proof of sufficient funds (around $200 USD per day). Keep a bank statement or cash handy.
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.