Kenya entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA online before you travel. As of 2026, the process takes about 2–3 business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. The application takes about 15 minutes — have your passport scan and a recent photo ready. Approval usually comes within 2 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your South African passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Kenya does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it's valid for the full duration of your trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/train ticket to a neighboring country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about $500 USD. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines flying into Kenya sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Apply early — no rush option
The eTA takes 2–3 business days to process. There's no expedited service. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep a digital copy of everything
Save your eTA approval, passport photo, and return ticket as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. If you lose internet access, you still have proof.
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, and accommodation info. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days.
2
Receive eTA approval
You'll get an email with your eTA approval. Print it or save a copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport, eTA approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process is usually quick — 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Standard tourist visa for a single visit.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries (up to 2 years)
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) and up
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
retirement visa
Kenya Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
digital nomad visa
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa (e-Residence)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 39,000 KES) per year
For remote workers with proof of income. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Includes work rights.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 260,000 KES) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Kenyan employer. Requires sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders applying for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional fee for online visa application processing. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
| Stay extension feeFor extending stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) per day |
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
South African 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 a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a 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 yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in most regions, especially lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural and lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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 Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 129.33 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
Typically 2–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eTA fee is around $30 USD (about R550). You pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the eTA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. South Africa is not considered a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for South Africans. You must have the eTA approved before you travel.
The standard eTA is for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya (e.g., for a safari in Tanzania), you'll need a new eTA each time.
Renew your passport first. Kenya strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry.
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.