Kenya entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Saudi citizens as of 2026. The process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal before you fly. The process takes a few minutes and approval is usually emailed within 48 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Kenya. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Kenyan immigration, but some airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Nairobi and Mombasa airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card showing available credit works. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
e-Visa is mandatory — no exceptions
Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders. You must apply and receive approval online before you fly. Print the approval or save it on your phone.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Kenya, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa Online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing takes 2–7 days. Print the approval email.
2
Pack Your Documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: printed e-Visa approval, passport, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance (if you have it). Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and e-Visa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp valid for up to 90 days.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-Stay Visitor Visa
Max stay6 months
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
Requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES)
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
3 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 260,000 KES)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Pass (Class S)
Duration of course, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Kenya. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist Visa (eVisa)Standard fee for most tourists, payable online before travel. | $51 USD (approx. 6,600 KES) |
| Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (eVisa)Allows multiple entries within the validity period. | $101 USD (approx. 13,100 KES) |
| Transit VisaFor travellers transiting through Kenya to a third country. | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day over the allowed stay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | $10 USD (approx. 1,300 KES) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia 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
- If leaving the airport, 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists, but outbreaks occur. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 - 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 Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for SA 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
No. Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Saudi citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel.
The single-entry tourist e-Visa costs around $51 USD (about 6,600 KES). Fees are paid online during the application. Double-entry and transit visas are also available at different rates.
Processing usually takes 2–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Some applications are approved in 24 hours, but delays happen.
The standard tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The immigration officer at the airport will stamp your passport with the exact validity. You cannot extend this visa beyond 90 days.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Saudi Arabia is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it if you fly directly from Saudi. But if you've recently traveled to an affected country (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you'll need the certificate.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process — just submit a new application. The fee is non-refundable.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the e-Visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.