Kenya entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Senegalese passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Senegalese passport holders need a visa for Kenya. Apply through the official Kenya eTA portal at least a few days before departure. The eTA costs $30 USD and is usually approved within 72 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Kenya strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask for this, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD for a short visit. Immigration officers may ask to see proof of sufficient funds. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Senegalese passport holders. You must have an approved eTA before you board your flight. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eTA confirmation, passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Also keep printed copies in your carry-on. Immigration officers may ask to see any of these.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to the official Kenya eTA website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes within 3 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: the approved eTA confirmation, your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a folder or a notes app for quick access.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and eTA confirmation. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 90 days stay.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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 (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus school fees
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 600,000 XOF) plus business registration
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa valid for 3 months. | $50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months. | $100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF). | $20 USD per day (approx. 12,000 XOF) |
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
Senegal passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is 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)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (Senegal is considered endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas and at lower altitudes.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; outbreaks occur periodically.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa CBD, near Treasury Square
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for SN 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
Yes. You need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you travel. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke. There is no visa-on-arrival for Senegalese passport holders.
Typically 1-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is about $30 USD, paid by credit card.
Up to 90 days per visit. The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so you must enter within that window.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are granted in increments of up to 3 months, costing around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eTA. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Senegal is not on that list, but if you've recently traveled to a risk country, you'll need the certificate. Check the latest requirements before you go.
Yes. You can buy a local SIM at the airport (Safaricom, Airtel) or get an eSIM from providers like Airalo before you travel. eSIMs activate on landing — no queue needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.