Kenya entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days — do not book flights until approved. Single-entry eVisa costs $30 USD, transit eVisa costs $20 USD.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Have at least two blank visa pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA will ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. The official minimum is $500 USD per person, but officers rarely check if you look well-prepared. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The e-Visa system can be slow during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 7 days before your flight to avoid stress. If your application is rejected (rare but possible), you'll need time to reapply or adjust your plans.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone. If you lose the printed copies, you can still show them at immigration. Also email them to yourself as a backup.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee (around $51 for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2–3 business days.
2
Print your e-Visa and pack documents
Once approved, print the e-Visa letter. Also print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance certificate. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, present your passport, e-Visa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The queue can be 20–40 minutes during peak hours. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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$51 USD (approx. 19 BHD)
Standard option for tourism; apply via eVisa.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$101 USD (approx. 38 BHD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-Stay Visitor Visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 75 BHD)
Requires sponsorship and proof of purpose; apply at Kenyan embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 188 BHD) application fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 376 BHD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants residency.
student visa
Student Pass (Class S)
Duration of course, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 75 BHD) application fee
For full-time students at accredited Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 19 BHD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 1-year validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 38 BHD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay, with no official cap. | $20 USD per day (approx. 7.5 BHD) |
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
Bahrain 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 Kenyan visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
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 may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most regions, especially at altitudes below 2,500m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
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 (Head Office)
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 Building, Nkrumah Road, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for BH 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs about $51 (USD). You pay online by credit or debit card when you apply. There are no additional fees at the airport.
Processing usually takes 2–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. In busy periods it can take up to 5 days.
No. Kenya ended visa on arrival for most nationalities. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight.
The single-entry tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but you must apply at the immigration office in Nairobi before your visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Kenyan immigration. Renew your passport first, then apply for the e-Visa.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Bahrain is not a risk country, but if you transit through an affected country (e.g., Ethiopia, Uganda), you may need the shot. Check with your airline.
Yes. Visit the Department of Immigration in Nairobi (Nyayo House) to apply for an extension. It costs around $50 and can give you up to 90 more days. Apply before your current visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.