Kenya entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No 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
Tanzanian passport holders can enter Kenya without a visa for up to 6 months per visit. No application or fee is needed. This policy has been in effect since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Kenya | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Kenya does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at JKIA and Mombasa routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Overland exits are accepted if you're leaving by bus to Uganda or Tanzania. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation or a letter from a friend in Kenya works. Have it on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Kenya does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but officers expect to see cash, card statements, or a bank letter showing you have enough for your stay. Around $200–$300 USD per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
East African Community freedom of movement
As a Tanzanian citizen, you benefit from the EAC protocol allowing visa-free travel and up to 6 months stay in Kenya. This applies to all EAC member states.
Yellow fever certificate required
If you are arriving from Tanzania or any country with yellow fever, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the border. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kenyan immigration
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA), follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'East African Citizens' or 'All Passports'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your passport
Hand your passport to the immigration officer. They will check your validity and may ask about the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 6 months). Check the stamp before walking away. If the date is wrong, ask them to correct it immediately.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You can now exit into the arrivals hall. No additional forms or fees are needed.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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 stay6 months
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not applicable)
Visa-free entry already covers tourism; no need for this visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity1 year
CostFree (not applicable)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries; no visa needed.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work/student)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (e.g., work permit ~$500 USD)
For stays beyond 6 months, apply for a relevant permit at Kenyan immigration.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For foreign nationals employed in Kenya. Requires a job offer and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable
~$150 USD application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate visa needed. | Free (not applicable) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within the validity period. | Free (not applicable) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stays are not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Free (not applicable) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply if you exceed the allowed stay; maximum cap may apply. | KSh 500 per day (~$4 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter Kenya (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you may need a visa or visa-free entry.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa even if entering Kenya.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA) · Eldoret International Airport (EDL)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Tanzania). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, 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
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including in Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural and lowland areas.
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
For permit applications and inquiries; bring all original documents.
Mombasa
Mombasa Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles permits and extensions for coastal region.
Practical information for TZ 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 = 129.44 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
No. Tanzanian passport holders are visa-free for Kenya. You do not need to apply for anything in advance. Just show up with your valid passport.
You can stay up to 6 months per visit. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your 6 months expire.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. The process takes a few days and costs around 5,000 KES (about $40 USD). You must apply before your current stay expires.
Kenya requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter. If it expires sooner, you may be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Tanzania). You must show a valid yellow fever certificate at the border. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. If you plan to work, you need a work permit from the Kenyan Department of Immigration.
Same as by air: a valid passport with 6+ months validity, and ideally a return ticket and proof of accommodation. Land border crossings (e.g., Namanga, Busia) are straightforward but can have long queues on weekends.
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.