Kenya entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Iraqi nationals. Plan ahead and have all documents ready before you fly.
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. The application takes about 15 minutes and costs around $30 USD. Approval usually comes within 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in and will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. If you're overlanding out, show a bus ticket or a letter explaining your exit plan. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers sometimes ask for the first night's booking address, especially if you're arriving without a fixed itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you'll cover your stay, especially for longer trips. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Iraqi nationals
Unlike many other nationalities, Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Kenya. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass.
e-Visa application tips
Use the official Kenya e-Visa site (www.etakenya.go.ke). Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees. Upload a clear, colour scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Double-check your name and passport number — mistakes can cause delays or rejection.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa Online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in the application, upload your passport photo and passport scan, 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 flight.
2
Prepare Your Documents
Print your e-Visa approval, keep a digital copy on your phone. Have your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance ready. Organise them in a folder or a clear plastic sleeve for quick access.
3
Arrival at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and e-Visa. The officer may ask about your stay, hotel, and return plans. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp — check the date is correct.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Then proceed to customs (green channel if nothing to declare). Exit into the arrivals hall where you can get a taxi or meet your driver.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Single Entry Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$51 USD
Standard visa for tourism; apply online via eVisa portal.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$101 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-Stay Visitor Visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx.)
For extended stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. KES 65,000) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed in Kenya. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. KES 13,000) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. KES 130,000) plus fees
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 single entry, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional fee for online application processing. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Transit visa required
Iraqi passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Kenya, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours.
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 (including Iraq if transiting through endemic areas).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
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.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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 (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 Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for IQ 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. There is no visa on arrival for Iraqi nationals. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel. The only exception is if you hold a valid residence permit from certain countries — but even then, check with the Kenyan embassy first.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $51 USD (about 6,600 KES). You pay online during the application. There's also a transit visa for $21 USD if you're just passing through. Fees are subject to change, so check the official site.
Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email — print it and keep a digital copy.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Kenyan immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of arrival in Kenya.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Iraq is not on that list, so you likely don't need it. But if you've recently travelled to a risk country (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you must show the certificate. Check the WHO list before you go.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments, up to a maximum of 6 months total. The cost is around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $50 USD per month (or part thereof) and may be banned from re-entering Kenya. If you realise you'll overstay, apply for an extension before your visa expires.
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.