Kenya entry requirements for Laos 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
Lao passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online for an eVisa before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Lao citizens as of 2026. The process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
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. The application takes about 15 minutes — you'll need a passport scan, a passport-style photo, and flight details. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they won't accept a verbal explanation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the counter — a printed copy is safer than showing your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing you have at least $500 USD available. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, you'll need to show it on the spot. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Lao passport holders. Do not book a flight without an approved eVisa. Airlines will deny boarding if you don't have one.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Kenya, not from the day you apply. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the Kenya eVisa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke and fill out the application. You'll need a digital passport photo, your passport details, and your flight and accommodation info. Pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. You'll show this at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Laos, the airline will check your passport validity (6+ months), your eVisa, and your return ticket. Have them all ready in a folder.
4
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport — that's your entry permit.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos 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)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$51 USD
Standard tourist visa for Laos holders.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$101 USD
Allows multiple entries; good for frequent travelers.
Long-Stay Visa (Special Pass)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $500 USD)
For work, study, or investment; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For employment in Kenya. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Pass
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For investors with significant capital (min. $100,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Laos passport holders, payable on arrival or via eVisa. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (including transit >12 hours).
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 rural areas. Mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travelers; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,500m, including Nairobi. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for LA 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. Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Lao citizens. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs $51 USD (about 6,600 KES). You pay online with a credit or debit card during the application.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Some applications are approved in 24 hours, but don't count on it.
The standard tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The exact duration is decided by the immigration officer at the airport, so have your travel plans ready.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are granted case by case and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Rejections are rare if you provide correct documents. Common reasons: passport photo not meeting specs, unclear passport scan, or missing flight details. You can reapply after fixing the issue. Contact the Kenya eVisa support team for guidance.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Laos is not on that list). But if you've recently traveled to a risk country, you'll need the certificate. Check the Kenya Ministry of Health website for the latest list.
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.