Kenya entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Zimbabwean passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online before you travel through the eVisa system. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eVisa (eTA) | Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal before departure. The eTA costs $30 USD and is usually approved within 2–3 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Zimbabwe passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your flight out of Kenya. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, or have a bank statement showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have proof. | Recommended |
Apply for eVisa well in advance
Processing times can vary. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your flight to avoid stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and booking confirmations on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your passport, these copies make replacement much easier.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, fill in the application form, upload your passport photo and passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Immigration will check it when you arrive.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe 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
Cost$50 USD
Standard visa for tourism, non-extendable.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Allows multiple entries, suitable for frequent travellers.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) plus processing
For foreign nationals employed in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of study, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) per year
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) plus fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Zimbabwe passport holders, payable on arrival or via eVisa. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of $1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES). | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 KES) |
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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Kenya do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is needed.
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)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Zimbabwe.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; vaccination recommended for high-risk travellers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most regions, including Nairobi and Mombasa. 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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa issues for coastal region. Expect longer wait times.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 129.41 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 2-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You can check status on the same website.
No. Zimbabwe passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option.
The standard single-entry eVisa fee is around $30-$50 USD, depending on the current rate. Payment is online via credit or debit card.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into Kenya.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Zimbabwe is not on the high-risk list, but it's recommended to get the vaccine and carry the certificate. Immigration may ask.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your visa expires. The process can take a few days and costs around $50 USD.
Overstaying incurs a fine of about $500 USD per month. You may also be banned from re-entering Kenya. Always leave before your visa expires.
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.