Kenya entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Swedish passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Kenya. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply online in advance. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisAYou must have an approved electronic visa before you board your flight to Kenya. Apply online before travel | Swedish passport holders must obtain an eVisA before departure. Apply at the official Kenya eVisa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/) at least a few days before travel. The eVisa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months remaining | Your Swedish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a clean page for it. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is safer to have 2 blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary handy — you may be asked to show it when you arrive. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Kenya before your eVisa expires. Immigration may ask to see it at the border. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | You should be able to demonstrate you have enough money to cover your stay in Kenya. The amount is not fixed, but it should be proportionate to your planned activities and length of stay. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you've been in a yellow fever risk country just before coming to Kenya. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Sweden is not a yellow fever endemic country, so this only applies if you travel from an affected area. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online arrival form for Kenya. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Swedish passport holders. The eVisa and passport checks suffice. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Kenya has no visa-on-arrival for Swedish citizens. If you show up without an approved e-visa, you will be sent back. Apply at least 1 week before your flight, and do not book non-refundable travel until it is approved.
Print your e-visa
You must have a printed copy of your e-visa. A digital copy on your phone is not accepted at check-in or immigration. Print two copies and keep one in your carry-on.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/ and create an account. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Double-check everything before submitting — mistakes can delay approval.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the ~$50 USD fee with a credit or debit card. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Keep the payment confirmation — you will need it if there is an issue.
3
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons. Check your email and the e-visa portal for updates. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa approved.
4
Print your e-visa
Once approved, you will receive an e-visa document. Print a physical copy — do not rely on your phone. You will need to show it at check-in and at Kenyan immigration.
5
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
At Nairobi's main airport, head to the immigration hall. Have your passport, printed e-visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and typically grant a 90-day stay. The process is usually quick — 10-20 minutes if you have all documents.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business eTA
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$34
Same fee as tourist eTA; allows business activities but not employment.
Multiple entry eTA
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$100
For frequent travellers; apply at Kenyan embassy or online if eligible.
Special pass (e.g., work, study, volunteer)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityVaries
Cost$200–$500
Requires sponsorship and in-person application at immigration office.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all visitors; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)Required even for airside transit; valid for 72 hours. | $34 |
| Visa extension (single entry, up to 6 months)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; subject to approval. | $50 |
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
Transit visa required
All transit passengers, including those staying airside, must obtain a transit eTA before travel. It is valid for 72 hours and allows only airside stay.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID and on duty
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; 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 = 129.25 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 days during busy periods. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The portal at etakenya.go.ke shows your application status.
The single-entry tourist e-visa is about $50 USD. You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional fees at the airport if you have paid correctly.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply. Plan your trip within the 90-day limit.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Swedish citizens. Do not risk it — apply online before you travel.
Only if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Sweden is not endemic, so if you are flying directly from Sweden, you do not need it. But if you have been in an endemic country (like parts of sub-Saharan Africa or South America) within 6 days before arrival, you must show a yellow fever certificate.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for entry at all Kenyan ports of entry, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), Moi International Airport (Mombasa), and land border crossings. Just have your printed e-visa ready.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are unclear or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You will get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information — you will need to pay the fee again.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.