Kenya entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — it's straightforward and avoids queues at the airport. As of 2026, the process is fully digital.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before departure. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue and allows a single entry.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 require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines may still enforce 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at JKIA ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. Overstaying the eVisa's 90-day validity costs 500 KES per day. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration may ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have at least $500 USD per person for your stay. Carry a printed bank statement or a credit card with a visible limit. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Kenya stopped issuing visas on arrival. You must have an approved e-Visa before you fly. Airlines check this at check-in. Apply at least 7 days before departure.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa PDF, passport photo, return ticket, and accommodation booking in a cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox). If you lose your phone or papers, you can still access them.
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 details, upload a passport photo and your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2-5 business days.
2
Print your e-Visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF via email. Print two copies — one for the airline check-in desk and one for Kenyan immigration.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At immigration, present your passport, printed e-Visa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes if you have all documents ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to show your accommodation booking at customs — have it ready on your phone.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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$50 USD
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply through Kenyan embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES)
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES)
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES)
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 a single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, each stay up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES). | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) per day |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 yellow fever risk (Madagascar is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during floods or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions except Nairobi and high-altitude areas; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) 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 – Nyayo House
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 Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for MG 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
The standard single-entry tourist e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. You cannot extend it beyond that — you'd need to leave and re-enter.
The single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $51 USD (about 6,600 KES). You pay online by credit card during the application.
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Rush processing is not available.
No. Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival for most nationalities, including Madagascar passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Madagascar is not on that list, but if you've recently traveled to a risk country, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Kenya immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa.
No. The e-Visa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Kenya and re-enter with a new visa.
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.