Kenya entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
US passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. The simplest way is to apply for an eVisitor visa online before you travel. The process is straightforward and usually takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | Apply for your Kenya eTA at the official portal before departure. The eTA costs $30 USD and typically processes within 72 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at JKIA will ask to see it.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended departure date from Kenya | Your US passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Kenya strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Nairobi will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines like Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Avoid fake eVisa websites
Only use the official Kenya eVisa website: evisa.go.ke. Many third-party sites charge inflated fees and may not process your application correctly. The official fee for a single-entry tourist visa is $51. Ignore any site that asks for significantly more.
eVisa approval is sent by email
After you apply, you'll get an email confirmation. The approval letter is attached as a PDF (sometimes with a .odt file). Print the PDF and keep it with your passport. Check your spam folder if you don't see it within 24 hours.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Kenya eVisa website (evisa.go.ke). Complete the application form with your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload a digital passport photo (2x2 inches, white background) and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the $51 fee (plus small processing fee, total ~$55) by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email within minutes. The visa decision takes 2–5 business days; some applications are processed in 24 hours.
2
Print eVisa approval letter
Once your eVisa is approved, download and print the approval letter (also called the eVisitor visa certificate). Keep a paper copy with your passport. Some airlines will check this before boarding.
3
Arrival at Kenyan airport
Upon arrival at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Mombasa's Moi International Airport, proceed to the immigration queue for 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visitors'. Have your passport, printed eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer will scan your passport, stamp it, and usually ask a few questions (e.g., purpose of visit, where you're staying). The whole process takes 10–20 minutes if you have all documents.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel, then proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're now free to enjoy Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 date
Cost$50 USD
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or institution.
retirement visa
Kenya Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work.
digital nomad visa
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of income. Currently under discussion; check official sources for updates.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. $1,000 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Allows work and residency.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) per year
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for US passport holders applying online. | $51 USD (approx. $51 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applying at embassy)Alternative to eVisa; may have different processing times. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | KSh 5,000 (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | KSh 1,000 (approx. $10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
US citizens transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours under certain conditions.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne, outbreaks occur in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; vaccination may be considered.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, with highest risk in rural areas and during rainy seasons. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 inquiries. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for US 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 = 129.37 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
Yes, you can get a single-entry visa on arrival at major airports (Nairobi and Mombasa) for $50–100, paid in USD, euros, or Kenyan shillings. You'll need to fill out an arrival card and present passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. However, this process is slower and often involves long queues. It's strongly recommended to apply for an eVisa beforehand to save time and avoid uncertainty.
Officially, 2–5 business days. In practice, many applicants receive approval within 24–48 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official Kenya eVisa site says up to 3 working days.
Rejection is rare for US citizens with proper documents. If denied, you'll receive an email with a reason (e.g., incomplete information). You can reapply after correcting the issue, or you may need to apply for a visa at the Kenyan embassy. Alternatively, you can try a visa on arrival. For most straightforward tourist trips, rejection is unlikely.
Not for US citizens entering directly from the US. However, if you have recently traveled to a country with yellow fever, you may need a vaccination certificate. It's not a visa requirement per se, but health officials can ask. Check the CDC and Kenyan health ministry for latest recommendations.
The standard eVisa allows up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are possible for up to 6 months total stay. Visit immigration.go.ke for details on fees and forms.
You'll need your passport with at least 6 months validity, a printed eVisa approval letter, a return or onward ticket (printed or accessible offline), and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host's letter). Some officers may ask to see proof of sufficient funds — having a credit card or a few hundred USD in cash works.
Yes, the eVisitor visa is valid for all points of entry, including land borders from Tanzania or Uganda. Just present the printed approval letter along with your passport. However, most US travelers fly into Kenya.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.