Kenya entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there are no visas on arrival for tourism. The process is straightforward, but you need to have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before boarding. Apply at the official Kenya eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs $30 USD. Approval usually comes within 48 hours, but apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your Spanish passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel booking. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD for a short trip. | Recommended |
Use the official e-Visa website only
There are many third-party sites that charge inflated fees. The only official portal is etakenya.go.ke. Stick to it to avoid overpaying or getting scammed.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa, passport, flight tickets, and accommodation confirmations as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your passport, these copies make replacement much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to the official Kenya e-Visa website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30-50 depending on visa type) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
2
Receive and save your e-Visa approval
You'll get an email with your e-Visa approval. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. Some airlines check this before you board.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
At immigration, join the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport, printed e-Visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport — check the stamp says the correct entry date and allowed stay (usually 90 days). The whole process takes 10-20 minutes if your documents are in order.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to declare goods over $500 or large amounts of cash. Green channel if nothing to declare, red channel if you do.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Standard option for tourism. Apply at embassy or online.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) plus processing fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD (approx. €1,840) plus processing fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus processing fees
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eVisa (Single Entry)Required for Spanish passport holders. Apply online before travel. | $51 USD (approx. €47) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, at embassy)Alternative to eVisa, processed at Kenyan embassy. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay FinePayable at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18), max $500 USD |
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
Spanish passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a 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 US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas. Use prophylaxis and mosquito repellent.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Avoid mosquito bites.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 (Head Office)
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 extensions for coastal visitors. Bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for ES 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
No. Kenya ended visas on arrival for most nationalities in 2021. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight. The only exception is for transit passengers staying under 24 hours and not leaving the airport.
The standard single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $30 (about €28). There's also a transit visa for $20. Payment is online by credit or debit card. Some third-party sites charge extra — always use the official portal at etakenya.go.ke.
Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but can take up to a week during peak season. Apply at least 7 days before your trip to avoid stress. You'll receive the approval by email.
The standard tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, so you must enter within that window. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Nairobi for an additional fee.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Spain is not a risk country, so you won't need it if you fly directly from Spain. But if you've recently been to a country in Africa or South America with yellow fever, you'll need to show the vaccination certificate. Check the latest requirements before you travel.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. The extension costs around $50 and can give you an additional 90 days. You'll need to show proof of funds, accommodation, and a valid passport. Apply at least 2 weeks before your current visa expires.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $20 per day for the first 30 days, and $50 per day after that. In extreme cases, you could be detained and deported. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
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.