Kenya entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. Plan ahead: the eVisa process takes a few days, and you'll need a few documents ready.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before departure. Processing takes 2–3 business days, and you need a digital passport photo and flight itinerary ready. The eVisa is valid for single entry up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at JKIA will deny entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may scan the barcode. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing at least $500 USD available for your stay. Immigration may ask for this if you look underfunded or if your trip is longer than a week. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply early
Kenya no longer offers visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you fly. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation on your phone. Immigration may ask to see any of these. A screenshot or PDF works fine.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Kenyan eVisa website (etakenya.go.ke) and fill out the application. You'll need a digital passport photo, your passport details, and flight/accommodation info. Pay the fee (around $51 for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll show this at the immigration counter when you land.
3
Arrive at a Kenyan airport
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (but you already have your eVisa). Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports' or 'eVisa holders'. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
4
Immigration interview
The officer will check your documents, ask the purpose of your visit, and may ask for your return ticket. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and let you through. Keep your eVisa copy with your passport for the duration of your stay.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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; non-extendable.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (e.g., work visa ~$200 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; longer processing.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) plus school fees
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) plus investment capital
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders; payable on arrival or via eVisa. | $50 USD (approx. 5,000 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 10,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 50,000 KES). | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,000 KES) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension may be possible at immigration offices; subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 5,000 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Kenya or a third country may transit without visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
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 (including Ethiopia). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic in most regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or 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 (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 visa issues for coastal region; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for ET 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
No. Kenya no longer offers visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs about $51 (USD). You pay online with a credit card during the application. There are also transit and multiple-entry options at different prices.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. During peak seasons it can take longer.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are typically granted for up to 3 months. The cost is around $50–$100 depending on the duration. Start the process before your current visa expires.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Ethiopia is not on the high-risk list, but if you have recently traveled to a risk area, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
You will be denied entry. Kenya strictly requires 6 months of passport validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
The standard eVisa is single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya (e.g., for a safari in Tanzania), you'll need a multiple-entry visa. Apply for that specifically on the eVisa portal — it costs more (around $100) and requires additional justification.
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.