Kenya entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Vietnamese passport holders need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online through the official Kenyan e-visa portal, and approval typically takes 2-5 business days. Plan ahead so your e-visa is ready before you fly.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisasYou must get this online approval before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. Apply online before travel | Vietnamese citizens must obtain an eVisas before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official Kenya eVisa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/) at least several days before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months of your arrival, renew it before traveling. Valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenya immigration needs a clean page to stamp you in. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration wants to see you plan to leave — have your flight itinerary ready. Proof of departure | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket out of Kenya before boarding and at immigration. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if questioned. For your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your stay in Kenya. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities and duration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGet vaccinated and carry the certificate if you've been in or transited through a yellow-fever zone. Required if arriving from endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Vietnam is not currently on the endemic list, but transit through an endemic country may trigger this requirement. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra health or customs declaration before arrival. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Vietnamese citizens at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Vietnamese citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Kenya. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Use the official e-visa site only
Only apply through https://etakenya.go.ke/. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or be scams. The official site is the only one you need.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print it out and also save a copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visas' or 'Immigration'. Have your passport, e-visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After the immigration stamp, collect your bags and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy in case they ask to see them again.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business eTA (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100
For business activities; requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
Work permit (Class D)
Max stay2 years (renewable)
Validity2 years
Cost$500
Requires job offer and approval from Kenya's Department of Immigration; apply before arrival.
Resident pass (Class K – investor)
Max stay2 years (renewable)
Validity2 years
Cost$1000
For investors with minimum capital; requires proof of funds and business registration.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 11,800,000 VND) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 23,600,000 VND) plus investment capital
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
~$150 USD (approx. 3,540,000 VND) per year
For full-time students at accredited Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist/business)Mandatory for all visitors; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, airside)For transit passengers not leaving the airport. | $20 |
| Extension of visitor stay (up to 3 months)Apply at immigration office in Nairobi; max total stay 6 months per visit. | $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
Transit visa required
All transit passengers, even those staying airside, must obtain a transit eTA before travel. The eTA is valid for a single transit within 72 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and staying in the international transit area for less than 24 hours may be eligible for a free transit pass, but must still apply for a transit eTA online.
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; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar to dengue, with joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions below 2,500m; use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for VN 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
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
Official processing time is 2-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your flight. You'll receive the decision by email.
The standard single-entry e-visa fee is around $50 USD, but check the official site (https://etakenya.go.ke/) for the current fee. Payment is online via card.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and reapply for a new visa from outside the country.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the e-visa.
You'll be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There's no visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens. Don't risk it.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for all entry points, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Mombasa's Moi International Airport, and land borders like Namanga or Busia.
Kenyan immigration will refuse entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa, as the visa is linked to your passport number.
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.