Kenya entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya in 2026. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. The process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online at the Kenya eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs $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 cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Kenya does not formally require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines sometimes enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will ask for it | Kenya immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from your host with their address and phone number is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit — $500 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark for a short trip. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Kenya stopped visa-on-arrival for all nationalities. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass.
e-Visa is straightforward
The online application is simple and takes about 15 minutes. Just have your passport, a photo, and a credit card ready. Approval comes by email.
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 details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the visa fee (around $51 for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 2–3 business days. You'll get an email with your approved e-Visa as a PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport, printed e-Visa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. You'll pass through customs — declare any items over $500 or restricted goods. Then you're free to go.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. 5,000 KES)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 10,000 KES)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (typically $200-$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 50,000 KES) application fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 15,000 KES) application fee
For those enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Kenya. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 100,000 KES) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. 5,000 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 10,000 KES) |
| Visa extension feeExtensions are possible for up to 6 months total stay. | $30 USD (approx. 3,000 KES) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of $1,000 USD (approx. 100,000 KES). | $20 USD (approx. 2,000 KES) per day |
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
South Korea passport holders do not require a transit visa for airside transit through Kenya's international airports, provided they remain in the transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Risk in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including urban areas. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all 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 (Head Office)
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 extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for KR 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 no longer offers visa on arrival for South Korean citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs about $51 (approximately 6,600 KES). Fees are paid online by credit card during the application.
Processing typically takes 2–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid delays.
The standard tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Nairobi, but it's not automatic.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. South Korea is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct entry from Korea.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. It costs around $50 and processing takes a few days. You'll need a valid reason and proof of funds.
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.