Kenya entry requirements for India 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
Indian passport holders require a visa for Kenya. Applying for an e-Visa online before travel is the easiest method, saving time at immigration. As of 2025, the e-Visa covers most tourist and business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal at least a few days before departure. The eTA costs around $30 USD and is usually processed within 2–3 business days.Apply for eTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Officers may ask for this during immigration questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD for your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Indians
Kenya ended visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. You must get an e-Visa before you travel. Airlines will check your e-Visa at check-in, so don’t assume you can sort it at the airport.
Print your e-Visa — digital copy not enough
Kenya immigration requires a printed copy of the e-Visa approval email. Showing it on your phone may cause delays or refusal. Print two copies: one for the officer, one for your records.
Yellow fever certificate is a life-saver
Having your vaccination certificate ready speeds up immigration. If you forget it, you’ll be sent to airport health office for vaccination, then back to queue. Avoid the hassle — get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for Kenya e-Visa online
Go to www.evisa.go.ke, create an account, and fill out the application. Upload a passport photo (digital, white background) and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee by credit/debit card. Processing usually takes 2–3 working days, sometimes faster. You’ll receive a PDF via email — print two copies.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Carry your printed e-Visa approval, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, hotel bookings, and yellow fever certificate. Keep these in a clear plastic folder in your hand luggage — you’ll need them at check-in and at immigration.
3
Arrival at Nairobi JKIA or Mombasa Airport
Follow signs to ‘Visitors’ or ‘Foreign Passports’. Join the queue for ‘e-Visa holders’. Hand over your passport, e-Visa printout, and boarding pass. The officer will check your details, take fingerprints, and stamp you in. Expect 15–45 minutes in peak hours.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. You may be stopped for a random customs check (declaration of cash over $10,000 or restricted goods). Otherwise, walk out into the arrivals hall.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · India 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 date
CostKES 4,500 (~$35 USD)
Standard option for tourism. Apply at Kenyan embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
CostKES 9,000 (~$70 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostKES 20,000+ (~$155+ USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution. Apply through Kenyan immigration.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. INR 83,000) 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
~$500 USD (approx. INR 41,500) plus school fees
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD (approx. INR 166,000) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | KES 4,500 (~$35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, each stay up to 90 days. | KES 9,000 (~$70 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. Pay at immigration office before departure. | KES 500 (~$4 USD) per day, max KES 50,000 (~$390 USD) |
| Visa extension (if applicable)Extensions are possible for tourist visas, subject to approval. Apply at immigration office. | KES 5,000 (~$39 USD) for 30 days |
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
Indian 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 residence permit for any country may transit without visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions below 2,500m, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 inquiries. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in coastal areas. Bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for IN 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 stopped issuing visas on arrival for Indian passport holders in 2021. You must have a pre-approved e-Visa before you board your flight.
Typically 2–3 working days, but it can take up to 7 days during peak seasons. Apply at least a week before to be safe. Some applicants get it within 24 hours.
The standard single-entry tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. You cannot extend it — if you want to stay longer, you’d need to leave and re-enter (or apply for a different permit while in Kenya).
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, must have their own e-Visa application. You’ll need their passport copy and photo.
Yes. India is considered a country with risk of yellow fever. You must carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival (cost ~$30–$50) or denied entry.
The e-Visa application asks about criminal convictions. If you have a record, it may be flagged. You can still apply, but approval is at the discretion of Kenya’s immigration. Some travellers with minor offences get approved; others are rejected. There’s no straight answer.
Your application fee is non-refundable. You can re-apply after correcting any errors or providing additional documents. Alternatively, you can visit the Kenyan embassy in New Delhi to apply for a visa in person.
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.