Kenya entry requirements for Senegal passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
60 days
Max stay
60 days
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 an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. 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

RequirementDetailsStatus
Kenya eVisAYou must get this online approval before you board your flight; it is not issued on arrival.
Apply online before travel
Senegalese passport holders must obtain an eVisA before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official eVisA portal (etakenya.go.ke) at least a few days before departure. The eVisA allows a stay of up to 60 days and is not extendable.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry.
Must be valid for 6 months beyond entry
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kenya. Check your passport's expiry date before booking.Required
Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged.Required
Return or onward ticketA ticket out of Kenya proves you intend to leave within the allowed period.
Proof of departure from Kenya
You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Kenya before the end of your 60-day stay. Immigration may ask to see it.Required
Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself; having proof avoids issues.
For your stay
Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Kenya. The exact amount is not fixed, but you should have access to at least $500 or equivalent.Required
Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be refused entry or required to vaccinate on arrival.
Required for travelers from Senegal
Because Senegal is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Kenya. Carry the original certificate.Required
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online health or customs form before arrival.
Not required
Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration for Senegalese passport holders. No additional form is needed beyond the eVisA and standard immigration procedures.Not required
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 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 $30 USD fee 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 August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa (e-Visa)
Max stay60 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50

Same fee as tourist e-Visa; requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.

Multiple entry visa (e-Visa)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$100

For frequent travelers; apply online.

Special pass (longer stay)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityVaries
Cost$50

Issued by Department of Immigration for research, volunteer, or long-term work; requires supporting documents.

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
ServiceCost
Kenya e-Visa (single entry, 60 days)Mandatory for Senegalese citizens; apply online before travel.$50
Visa extension (up to 6 months)Apply at Department of Immigration 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

No transit visa needed

Senegalese citizens transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a standard e-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 (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 = 129.25 KES
updated Jul 3
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
Police999
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

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 August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.