Kenya travel requirements

All visitors need to research the Kenya travel requirements before starting their trip to avoid any issues when they try to enter the country. 

Here are the most important Kenya entry requirements.

What documents do you need to enter Kenya?

Most foreign travelers must have an approved Kenya ETA before arriving in the country. 

The best way to apply for a Kenya visa ETA is to do it online if your nationality is eligible: it’s easier and faster, it only takes a few minutes. 

If your nationality isn’t eligible, then you must apply in person at an embassy or consulate.

You can apply online for this travel document for Kenya:

Tourist Kenya ETA, a single-entry travel authorization valid for 90 days.

Even though having an approved travel document is probably the most important of all the travel requirements for Kenya, it’s not the only one that’s mandatory.

Kenya passport requirements

Foreign travelers must have a valid passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months from the day they arrive in Kenya. It must also have at least two blank pages available for stamps.

Do you need travel insurance to enter Kenya?

Even though it’s not one of the mandatory travel requirements for Kenya, it’s always wise to purchase travel insurance before visiting a foreign country. Most health providers in Kenya only accept payment in cash. 

For more information about international travel insurance, you can read this guide created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Discover the Kenya travel requirements for going on safari

Do you need vaccines to go to Kenya?

In some cases, showing a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate will be part of the Kenya entry requirements. It will depend on where you take your flight to Kenya. 

To know if this requisite applies to you, visit the website of TravelHealthPro. There you will find all the vaccination recommendations necessary to travel to Kenya. 

Besides being vaccinated against yellow fever, you need to make sure you’re up to date on all the routine vaccines recommended by the CDC.

It’s also crucial to bring anti-malaria medication when you travel to Kenya.

Do I need a PCR test to travel to Kenya?

No, the Kenyan government stopped demanding proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test on May 9th, 2023.

Currency travel requirements for Kenya

You can take out of the country up to 100.000 Kenyan shillings

You also need to provide proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself while in Kenya when you cross the border.

Before you travel, make sure you read our section about the Kenya currency. There you will find all the relevant information about how to exchange currencies, if you can pay with bank cards and more.

You need to learn about the travel requirements for Kenya to see the wildlife.

Do I need a PCR test to travel to Kenya?

No, the Kenyan government stopped demanding proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test on May 9th, 2023.

Currency travel requirements for Kenya

You can take out of the country up to 100.000 Kenyan shillings

You also need to provide proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself while in Kenya when you cross the border.

Before you travel, make sure you read our section about the Kenya currency. There you will find all the relevant information about how to exchange currencies, if you can pay with bank cards and more.

Other Kenya travel requirements

If you need to carry firearms when you travel to Kenya, then you need to get a specific permit. However, be aware that may be difficult to obtain. 

Another requirement for travelers staying for more than 90 days is to register at the nearest Directorate of Immigration Services. 

Lastly, people who wish or need to travel with cats or dogs need to follow certain regulations, in compliance with the Animal Disease Act. Travelers in this situation will need to get an import permit for their pet. To acquire it, the owner will need to provide a current vaccination certificate, a veterinary certificate, and a written statement from the captain or pilot (according to the transport used) that states that the animal in question hasn’t interacted with others and that it remained safely locked during the duration of the trip.

It’s crucial to stay informed about the travel requirements for Kenya to be aware of any changes that may occur before traveling. Adequate preparation will guarantee a pleasant and hassle-free travel experience. 

All regulations are subject to sudden changes

For more travel recommendations, read our Kenya Travel Advisory. You will learn about how to stay safe in Kenya, their cultural rules and way of life.