Kenya entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply online for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and usually takes a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for a Kenya eVisa before travel | You need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal — it's a straightforward form that takes about 10 minutes. Pay the visa fee (around $30 USD) and you'll usually get approval within 2–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Italian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Kenya. Immigration officers at JKIA check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Also have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration will ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. This is standard for most visa-required countries — have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you're staying more than a few days. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your trip. There's no fixed minimum, but around $500 USD for a short stay is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The eTA can take up to 5 business days during peak season. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eTA approval, passport photo, and flight details on your phone and email. If you lose your phone, you can still access them from another device.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to the official Kenya eTA website (etakenya.go.ke) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive eTA approval
You'll get an email with your eTA approval. Print a copy or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Mombasa Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eTA approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Then proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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 option for tourism; apply online or on arrival.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must have valid passport.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) application fee
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, up to 4 years
~$200 USD (approx. €184) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) application fee
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 Italian passport holders, payable online or on arrival. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
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
Italian passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
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.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas. Prophylaxis 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
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Building, Moi Avenue
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for IT 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
Usually 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll get an email with the approval.
The eTA fee is around $30 USD (approximately €28). You pay online during the application.
The eTA is typically valid for 90 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'd need to visit the immigration office in Nairobi or Mombasa before your eTA expires. Fees apply.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Italy is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it. But check with your doctor.
You may be denied boarding or entry. There is no visa-on-arrival for Italian passport holders. You must have an approved eTA before you travel.
The standard eTA is for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya (e.g., for a safari in Tanzania), you'll need a new eTA for each entry.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), eTA approval, return or onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them together in a folder or on your phone.
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.