Kenya entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply for an e-Visa online 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 online before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. The application takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport scan, a passport photo, and flight itinerary. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before departure to be safe. The eVisa is valid for single entry up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Israeli passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Two blank pages are also required for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you're overlanding out, a bus ticket or ferry reservation works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple booking.com confirmation on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if you're staying a month or more, they may want to see you're not planning to work illegally. $500–$1,000 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-Visa system is reliable, but processing times can vary. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep your documents handy at the airport
Airlines may ask to see your e-Visa and return ticket before letting you board. Have them ready — either printed or on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to the official Kenya e-Visa website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport, have your passport, printed e-Visa, and return ticket ready. The airline may check these before letting you board.
4
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, e-Visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're in!
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Standard option for tourism; can be obtained on arrival or via eVisa.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within six months.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
Requires application at Kenyan embassy; proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) plus fees
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Allows residency and work.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) per year
For those enrolled in accredited Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, payable online or on arrival. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 KES) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | $500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Israeli passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa is required.
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 yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Rift Valley feverLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during heavy rainfall periods.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for most 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 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 Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Building, Nkrumah Road, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; bring passport and visa copies.
Practical information for IL 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
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $51 USD. There's also a transit visa for $21 USD if you're just passing through. Fees are paid online during the application.
Processing usually takes 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.
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The e-Visa is cheaper, faster, and avoids long queues. If you do opt for visa on arrival, expect to pay $50 USD and wait longer.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Israel is not on that list, so you likely don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to an affected country, you'll need proof of vaccination.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are granted for up to 3 months and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or incorrect. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information. If you're unsure, contact the Kenya High Commission in Tel Aviv for guidance.
It's not a strict requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is usually enough to satisfy them.
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.