Kenya entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Apply online for an e-Visa before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few days. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need a Kenya eVisa (single entry, up to 90 days). Apply at the official 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 New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from 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 routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket showing you'll leave Kenya before your visa expires. A flight booking or bus ticket to a neighboring country works — just have it ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers sometimes ask for it at the counter, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for your trip. There's no fixed minimum, but $500 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark for a short visit. | Recommended |
Apply for e-Visa well in advance
Processing times can vary, and there's no visa on arrival for New Zealanders. Don't leave it until the last minute — apply at least a week before departure.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa, passport, and booking confirmations as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Also email them to yourself. If you lose your phone, you can still access them.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee (around $50 USD). Processing usually takes 2–3 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: your approved e-Visa, passport, return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Keep them together in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa)
Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and e-Visa ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're in.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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$51 USD (approx. $51 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$101 USD (approx. $101 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Long-Stay Visa (Special Pass)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
Requires sponsorship or special reason.
retirement visa
Kenya Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year
~$1,000 USD
Currently under consideration. Would allow remote workers to live in Kenya with proof of income.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD
For professionals with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from immigration.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$3,000 USD
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry Tourist)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders. | $51 USD (approx. $51 USD) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry Tourist)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $101 USD (approx. $101 USD) |
| Stay Extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD (approx. $20 USD) |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk throughout Kenya, especially in rural and lowland areas. Prophylaxis 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 extensions and permits. Arrive early.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa, Kenya
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for NZ 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. New Zealand passport holders must have an approved e-Visa before boarding their flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for NZ citizens.
Typically 2–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is about $50 USD, paid online by credit card.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival in Kenya.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're flying directly from New Zealand, it's not required. Check your itinerary.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra. It's better to apply for the correct visa length upfront.
You'll be fined per day overstayed, and it could affect future travel to Kenya. The fine is typically around $50 USD per day. Avoid it.
It's not a standard requirement for short tourist visits, but immigration officers can ask. Having a credit card or a bank statement on your phone is enough.
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.