Kenya entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online for an eVisa before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few days. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs around $30 USD. Approval usually comes within 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Kenya. Immigration officers at JKIA check the expiry date — if it expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Kenya immigration requires proof of a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines at Bogotá and connecting hubs will check this before letting you board — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration officers may ask for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone — it speeds up the process if they ask. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers can ask for evidence you have enough money for your stay — roughly $200–$300 USD per day is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement or credit card showing available credit works fine. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required if coming from Colombia
If you're flying directly from Colombia or have been there recently, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
eVisa is the way to go
Applying online at etakenya.go.ke is faster, cheaper, and less stressful than a visa on arrival. Do it at least a week before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Kenya eVisa website (etakenya.go.ke) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa by email. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone. You'll show it at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The process is usually quick — 10-15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're free to go.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits within a year.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$200–$500 USD (approx. 26,000–65,000 KES)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution; apply at Kenyan embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (approx. 65,000–130,000 KES)
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course, up to 4 years
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
Up to 3 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 260,000 KES)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family dependents.
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. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 1-year validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay, with no official cap. | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 KES) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional fee for online visa application processing. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Colombia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kenyan airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA) · Kisumu International Airport (KIS)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Colombia). Must present a valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high throughout Kenya, including Nairobi and coastal areas. 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; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Regional Immigration Office
Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa issues for coastal region; bring all original documents.
Practical information for CO 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
Usually 2-3 business days, but it can take up to a week during peak times. Apply at least 7 days before your trip to be safe.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs about $51 USD. You pay online with a credit card. There are also transit and multiple-entry options.
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The online eVisa is faster, cheaper, and avoids long queues. If you do get a visa on arrival, expect to pay $50 USD and wait longer.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Colombia). You'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are usually granted for up to 3 months. The cost is around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
You'll be denied entry. Kenya strictly requires 6 months of validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is a good idea.
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.