United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates in 2026. Apply online before you travel; approval usually takes 1–3 business days. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for UAE eVisa | Kenyan passport holders must apply for a UAE eVisa before travel. Submit your application through the UAE ICA Smart Services portal at smartservices.ica.gov.ae. Processing typically takes 2–5 working days, and you need a confirmed flight booking and hotel reservation to attach to the application.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers in the UAE routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready. If you are transiting to another country, show the next boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation for your entire stay. If staying with friends or family, bring a copy of their Emirates ID and a letter of invitation. Immigration may ask for this at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. UAE immigration rarely asks for this, but it helps if you are questioned about your purpose of visit. A balance of around 3,000 AED per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early—don't wait until the last minute
eVisa processing can take up to 3 business days, and delays happen. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and ticket as PDFs on your phone and email them to yourself. If you lose the printout, you can still show them.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services portal (smartservices.ica.gov.ae) and fill out the eVisa application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the fee online (approx. 100–150 AED). Processing usually takes 1–3 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in the UAE.
3
Arrive at the airport in the UAE
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, head to the immigration counters. Have your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, total validity 60 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Good for multiple short trips.
Long-Term Tourist Visa (5 years)
Max stay90 days per entry, multiple entries
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)
Requires proof of funds and prior travel history.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + medical insurance
For residents aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) + property value minimum AED 1 million
For those investing in UAE real estate. Requires property worth at least AED 1 million and proof of ownership.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored, typically AED 5,000–10,000)
Sponsored by a UAE employer. Requires job offer and labor contract. Includes residency permit.
student visa
UAE Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + tuition fees
For enrollment in accredited UAE universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Kenya passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days from issue. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged after visa expiry; no official cap but can accumulate. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
| Visa extension (30 days)Possible once via immigration office or online; subject to approval. | AED 600 (~$163 USD) |
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 United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Kenya passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 96h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessesHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke and dehydration.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but risk exists from street food or untreated water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can exacerbate respiratory issues.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa services and long-term residency applications.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Arab Emirates
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee varies but expect around 100–150 AED.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa or check with the ICA for other options.
If you're staying in the airport and your layover is under 8 hours, you usually don't need a visa. For longer layovers or if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a transit visa. Check with your airline.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced—if your passport expires sooner, your visa will be rejected.
No. Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may also ask for proof of funds or travel insurance, so keep those handy.
It's not always required, but strongly recommended. If you're asked and don't have it, you could be denied entry. Better to have it.
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.