Most visitors to Kenya need an electronic travel authorisation, applied for online through the official government portal before they travel. Requirements differ by nationality and can change, so this guide to Kenya visa requirements gives the general picture only. Always check the official immigration site and your own government’s travel advice before you book, and apply well before your departure date.
The electronic travel authorisation
Kenya replaced the old visa on arrival system with an online travel authorisation. Most travellers apply through the official government portal, enter their passport and trip details and receive an approval by email. Print a copy or keep one on your phone and carry it with your passport.
Use only the official website, since look-alike sites exist and may charge extra. We do not quote fees here because they vary, and the portal shows the current amount at the time of your application. Some nationalities are exempt from the authorization, so check whether you are one of them.
Passport validity and documents
Your passport should be valid for the period required by the authorities, which is commonly at least six months beyond your arrival date and it should have blank pages. Check the exact rule for your nationality on the official site. If your passport is close to expiry, kindly renew it before you apply.
You may be asked for proof of onward travel, accommodation details and sometimes proof of funds, so keep these ready. Keep copies of your passport and approval in a separate place from the originals. We send you a clear document checklist once your safari is booked.
Yellow fever and health entry rules
A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on where you travel from and through. Travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever may be asked to show a valid certificate and rules can change. Check the current requirement with the official health authority and your doctor or travel clinic.
See a doctor or travel health clinic six to eight weeks before you travel, as some vaccines need time. Our guide to vaccinations for Kenya covers the general picture. Offmap is not a medical provider and recommendations change, so always follow professional advice.
Transit passengers, long stay visitors and people who plan to work or study may face different rules from short stay tourists, so choose the right category on the application. A safari trip does not cover business, study or work travel. If you are unsure which category fits your plans, ask the official helpline or the nearest Kenyan mission rather than guessing and keep any reply you receive.
Children travelling with one parent or with adults who are not their parents, may be asked for extra documents such as a birth certificate or a letter of consent. Rules differ, so check the official site and your own government’s advice early. Travellers with dual nationality should use the same passport for the application, the flights and the border.
The East Africa Tourist Visa in general terms
Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have offered a joint tourist visa for visitors who travel between the three countries. The idea is to avoid buying separate visas for each. The scheme and its rules have changed over time, so check the current position on the official sites before you rely on it.
If your trip includes Tanzania or another country, the entry rules for that country apply separately. Our visa & entry requirements guide covers the next country on many routes. We can tell you what each country asks, but you are responsible for confirming the rules for your passport.
Keep in mind that the authorization is separate from the final decision at the border. Officers make that call, so carry your supporting papers, answer questions politely and be ready to say where you are staying. If you travel in a group, each person needs their own application and children need one too, so start early and check each name carefully.
If you plan to visit another country on the same trip, such as Tanzania or Uganda, apply for each entry document separately and check the dates match your route. Overland crossings have their own checks and we can explain what to expect at each border, though the rules themselves come from the governments concerned.
Applying and practical tips
Apply as soon as your dates are firm and well before departure. Check that every name and passport number matches your passport exactly since mistakes can cause delays at the airport. Save the approval and carry your return or onward ticket.
Travel with a printed copy of key documents, your insurance details and our emergency contacts. Tell your bank you are travelling. Always check the official government site and your government’s travel advice before booking, because facts change. We guide you through the steps, but we cannot apply on your behalf for a final decision.
We start with your dates, then choose lodges, guides and transport to suit you. We explain what is fixed and what can change, and our team monitors and looks after the safari from the first message to the last transfer. Browse our Kenya safaris, or tell us your plans on the Plan My Safari page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
Most visitors need an electronic travel authorisation applied for online through the official government portal before they travel. Some nationalities are exempt, and rules can change. Check the official immigration site and your government travel advice before you book.
How do I apply for a Kenya travel authorisation?
Apply online through the official government portal, enter your passport and trip details and wait for approval by email. Keep a printed or digital copy with your passport. Use only the official site, as look-alike sites exist. Apply well before departure.
How long must my passport be valid for Kenya?
Many countries require validity of at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages for stamps. The exact rule depends on your nationality, so check the official site. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before you apply.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Kenya?
It depends on where you travel from and through. Travellers arriving from countries with a yellow fever risk may be asked to show a valid certificate. Rules change, so check with the official health authority and your doctor or travel clinic before you travel.
Is there an East Africa Tourist Visa?
Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have offered a joint tourist visa for travellers who move between those countries. The scheme and its conditions have changed over time. Check the current position on the official government sites before you rely on it for your trip.
