Kenya entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Kenya. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you must apply online through the official eTA portal before you fly. The process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival for your passport. Apply online before travel | Saudi Arabian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official e-Visa portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/. The visa is single-entry and typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, but the exact duration is determined at the port of entry. Processing times and fees are set by the Kenyan immigration authorities. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months | Your Saudi Arabian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 or more blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a flight booking out of Kenya ready in case an officer asks to see it. Proof of departure | Although not explicitly required by Kenyan immigration, you may be asked to show proof of a return or onward ticket at the border. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsBring a bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. Financial evidence | Kenyan immigration may request evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. The amount is not fixed, but carrying cash or a bank statement showing access to at least $500 is advisable. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateIf you've been to a yellow-fever-risk country recently, you'll need the certificate; otherwise it's a good idea to have it anyway. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Saudi Arabia is not currently on the risk list, but if you have recently visited a risk country, you must present a certificate. It is always recommended to carry one. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical care can be expensive; insurance protects you from unexpected costs. Medical coverage | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for all visitors to Kenya. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before you arrive. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Saudi Arabian citizens. The e-Visa application itself serves as the entry authorization. | Not required |
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 up to 3 business 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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry eTA
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$114
For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries
Business eTA
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 6 months
Cost$114
For business-related activities; requires invitation letter
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 |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (e-Visa) feeStandard single-entry fee for Saudi Arabian passport holders | $34 |
| Kenya eTA processing feeNon-refundable service charge | $1 |
| Visa extension (if staying longer than 90 days)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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabian passport holders transiting through Kenya (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, an eTA may be required if leaving the airport or if the transit exceeds 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain an eTA before travel.
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 = 129.25 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. 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 up to 3 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.