Kenya entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
UK passport holders need a visa for Kenya and must obtain it before travel – there is no visa on arrival for British citizens. Apply online for an e-Visa; processing takes a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal before departure. The application takes about 15 minutes and costs around $30 USD. Most applications are approved within 2 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in and immigration officers enforce it strictly at Nairobi JKIA. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at JKIA ask for a return or onward ticket from every visitor. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have access to at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks for this, but it helps if you're staying longer than a week or arriving without a return ticket. | Recommended |
Only use the official e‑Visa website
There are many third‑party sites that charge extra fees. The only official portal is evisa.go.ke. Do not submit your passport details anywhere else.
Arrival card handed out on the plane
Fill it in before you land – it saves time in the queue. Keep your flight number, passport details, and hotel address handy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e‑Visa
Go to evisa.go.ke (the only official site). Complete the application, upload a passport‑style photo and a scan of your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $51 for a tourist visa). Processing takes 2–5 working days. You’ll receive a PDF approval – print it out.
2
Prepare your documents pack
Put your printed e‑Visa, passport, return ticket confirmation, hotel bookings, and proof of funds together in a travel wallet. Have a pen handy for the arrival card.
3
Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Follow the signs to ‘Immigration’. Join the queue for foreign passports. You’ll hand over your passport, e‑Visa printout, and the filled‑in arrival card (distributed on the plane or at the desk). They will take a digital fingerprint and photo. The officer stamps your passport – that’s it.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then pass through customs. Keep your passport accessible – you might need to show it again if randomly selected.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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
CostKES 5,000 (~$50 USD)
Standard visa for tourism, single entry only.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
CostKES 10,000 (~$100 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostKES 20,000–50,000 (~$200–500 USD)
Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
retirement visa
Kenya Retirement Visa (Class M)
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD per year (approx. £400)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings. Requires a local sponsor and health insurance. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa (e-Residence)
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD per year (approx. £800)
For remote workers with proof of income ($3,000+/month). Includes tax benefits. Apply online through e-Residence program.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. £1,600) plus investment
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and local partner.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$1,500 USD (approx. £1,200) plus processing
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Kenyan employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For single entry, valid for 3 months from issue. | KES 5,000 (~$50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for 6 months. | KES 10,000 (~$100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | KES 1,000 (~$10 USD) per day, max KES 50,000 (~$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
UK passport holders transiting through Kenya (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, 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) · Eldoret International Airport (EDL)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisRecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons. Use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including Nairobi and major tourist areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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
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 Building, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for coastal visitors.
Practical information for GB 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
The official fee for a single‑entry tourist visa is about $51, paid by credit or debit card on the evisa.go.ke portal. There are no extra charges if you use the official website.
Typically 2 to 5 working days, though it can take up to 7. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email as a PDF.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi (Nyayo House). Extensions cost about $50 and are usually granted for up to 3 more months. You must apply before your current visa expires.
No – if you fly directly from the UK and have not recently visited a yellow‑fever endemic country, the vaccine is not required. But bring your certificate if you have a layover in an endemic country.
You will likely be denied boarding at the UK airport or refused entry at immigration in Kenya. UK citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You’ll be sent back on the next flight at your own cost.
No – the standard tourist e‑Visa is single‑entry only. If you leave Kenya (e.g. a day trip to Tanzania) you’ll need a new visa to re‑enter. For multiple entries, apply for a multiple‑entry visa via the embassy beforehand.
Yes, the e‑Visa is valid at all official entry points – airports, seaports, and land borders. Just have a printed copy ready for the immigration officer.
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.