Kenya entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You can apply online for an e-Visa before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few days. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Kenya eVisa | Apply online at the official Kenya eTA portal before you fly. The eTA costs $30 USD and is usually approved within 2–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at JKIA will ask to see it.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Canadian passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration can ask to see proof of funds for your stay. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival for Canadians
Kenya does not offer visa-on-arrival for Canadian passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight. Apply at www.etakenya.go.ke at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Kenya, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in the application, upload a passport-style photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee (around $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Print your e-Visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll show it at check-in and upon arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, join the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport, e-Visa printout, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually for up to 90 days.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're in.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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. $50 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry; can be obtained on arrival or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for travellers planning to leave and re-enter Kenya.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (typically $200–$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution; longer processing time.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee varies)
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized Kenyan educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable online or on arrival. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity period. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay, with no maximum cap specified. | $20 USD per day (approx. $20 USD) |
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 72 hours, a visa is required.
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during floods or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the coastal region.
Practical information for CA 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
Getting to Kenya
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most applications are processed within 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is www.etakenya.go.ke.
A single-entry tourist visa costs about $50 USD (roughly $70 CAD). You pay online by credit card during the application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need the vaccine and a valid certificate. Coming directly from Canada? Not required, but check your itinerary for any stopovers.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Canadian passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you travel.
Yes, the e-Visa is valid for entry at any Kenyan airport or land border. Just show the approval letter along with your passport.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in private hospitals can be high, and insurance covers evacuation, theft, and trip cancellation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.