Kenya entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel. This requirement has been in place since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 90 days from issue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Finnish passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Kenya does not require 6 months validity beyond your stay — just enough to cover it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD for a short stay. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if you look under-prepared. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The eTA can take up to 72 hours to process. If you apply the day before your flight and it's delayed, you'll miss your trip. Apply at least one week in advance.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eTA approval, flight tickets, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone. Also take screenshots. If your phone dies or you lose signal, you'll still have access.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Pay the fee (approx. $30 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes within 72 hours.
2
Print or save eTA approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email. Print a copy and also save the PDF on your phone. You'll show this at check-in and upon arrival in Nairobi.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi)
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eTA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — usually takes 1-2 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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 eVisa for tourism, apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple trips within the validity period.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (e.g., work permit ~$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution in Kenya.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €92) per year
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD (approx. €1,840) plus fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry eVisa, valid for 90 days from issue, max stay 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days, max stay 90 days per entry. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; overstaying can also lead to deportation and bans. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46) |
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
Finland passport holders do not need a transit visa for Kenya if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or transiting through multiple airports, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Moi International Airport (MBA).
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; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for FI 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
Yes, if you plan to leave the airport transit area. If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need an eTA. But if you have a long layover and want to enter Kenya, you must have an approved eTA.
The eTA fee is approximately $30 USD (about €28). You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional service fees if you apply directly on the official government site.
Most applications are processed within 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Some applications get approved in a few hours, but don't count on it.
No, the eTA does not allow extensions. You must leave before the 90-day period expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eTA with the new passport details.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. For most Finnish travellers coming directly from Finland, it's not mandatory. However, it's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis.
No, you must apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Finnish passport holders. Without an approved eTA, you won't be allowed to board your flight to Kenya.
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.