Kenya entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online for an eVisa before you travel. This requirement is in place for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisa (eTA) Apply before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa (officially called an Electronic Travel Authorisation) at the official eTA portal. The application takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport scan, a passport photo, and your flight itinerary. Approval usually comes within 2–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6+ months validity | Your Swedish passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Kenya. Immigration officers at JKIA check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding in Europe. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Nairobi JKIA always asks for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass in Sweden. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your trip. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having a statement with at least $500 USD equivalent avoids any hassle. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Kenya stopped issuing visas on arrival for Swedish passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least a week before travel.
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. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the Kenyan eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal (etakenya.go.ke) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print it out and keep a digital copy 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. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport. The process is usually straightforward — expect 15-30 minutes in the queue.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green/red channel system. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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, non-extendable.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD
Allows multiple visits within 1 year.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD
For extended tourism or business, requires proof of funds and itinerary.
Work visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost$500 USD
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
retirement visa
Kenya Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record.
digital nomad visa
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa (e-Residence)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income (min. $2,000/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD
For investors with minimum $100,000 investment in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Kenyan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 1 year, each stay up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 KES) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum penalty for overstay, regardless of duration. | $500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional fee for online visa application processing. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
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
Sweden passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa may be required.
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) · Kisumu International Airport (KIS)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk from contaminated food/water in remote areas.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Kenya, especially in rural and lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 - Nyayo House
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 visa extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for SE 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 = 129.19 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
The standard single-entry eVisa costs around $51 USD (approx. 6,600 KES). Fees are paid online during the application. Double-entry and transit visas are also available at different rates.
Processing usually takes 2-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid delays. During peak seasons, it can take longer.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are typically granted for up to 3 months. The cost is around $50 USD. You'll need to show proof of funds and a reason for the extension.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a valid yellow fever certificate. Sweden is not a risk country, but if you've traveled to one recently, you'll need proof. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Sweden.
You will be denied entry. Kenyan immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
No, Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival for Swedish passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Kenyan embassy in Stockholm for guidance if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.