Kenya entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Thai passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply for an eTA online before your trip. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to prepare a few documents and pay the fee in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. Processing takes 2–5 business days — do not book flights until approved. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 90 days from issue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6+ months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA check for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight booking out of Kenya within your eVisa validity period is mandatory. | 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 may ask for this at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Cash is not required but having a card with available credit helps. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
eTA processing can take up to a week. If you apply too close to your departure and it's delayed, you might miss your flight. Apply at least 7 days before you travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eTA approval, passport photo, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. If your phone dies, a printed backup is smart. Immigration at JKIA and Mombasa will ask for these.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to the official Kenya eTA website (etakenya.go.ke) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, accommodation info, and a digital photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive eTA approval
You'll get an email with your approved eTA. Print a copy or save it on your phone. Immigration officers at JKIA (Nairobi) and Moi International Airport (Mombasa) will ask to see it.
3
Arrive in Kenya
At immigration, present your passport, eTA approval, and return ticket. They'll stamp your passport with a visitor entry. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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. 1,800 THB)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB)
For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB)
Requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 18,000 THB) per year
For employment with a Kenyan company. Requires job offer and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Kenya Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB) per year
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Permit (Class I)
3 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 72,000 THB) initial fee
For investors with minimum $100,000 USD investment. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry, valid for 3 months from issue. | $50 USD (approx. 1,800 THB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months validity. | $100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional fee for online application, non-refundable. | $30 USD (approx. 1,080 THB) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $200 USD (approx. 7,200 THB). | $20 USD (approx. 720 THB) per day |
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
Thailand 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 valid US, UK, or Schengen visas 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 risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; urban areas at risk, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk from contaminated food/water in remote areas.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,500m, including Nairobi and Mombasa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for TH 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
Getting to Kenya
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Usually 1–3 business days, but it can take up to a week during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 7 days before your departure to be safe.
The eTA fee is around $30 USD (approximately 1,100 THB) as of 2026. You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional visa fees at the airport.
The eTA is typically valid for up to 90 days per visit. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to apply at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your current permit expires. The cost is around $50 USD.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Thai passport holders. You must have an approved eTA before you travel.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Thailand is not on that list, so you generally don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever endemic country, bring your vaccination certificate.
No, the standard eTA is for a single entry. If you leave Kenya and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eTA.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or suspicious. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Kenya eTA support team. There's no appeal process, so double-check everything before submitting.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.