Kenya entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel. The process is straightforward but requires careful document preparation.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival for Philippine citizens. Apply online before travel | Philippine passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Kenya. Apply at the official e-Visa portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/. The visa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days (unless otherwise stated on the visa). | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before applying for the e-Visa. At least 6 months remaining | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a clean page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have two blank pages to be safe. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked onward flight helps show you intend to leave Kenya before your visa expires. May be requested | Although not always required, Kenyan immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to prove you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Kenya. The amount is not fixed, but having access to at least $500 USD (or equivalent) is advisable. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your travel history includes any yellow fever risk countries; if so, get vaccinated and carry the certificate. Required if arriving from endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The Philippines is not currently listed as a yellow fever endemic country, but if you have traveled to an endemic country within 6 days before arrival, the certificate is required. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online forms before you arrive. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Philippine passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk last-minute rejection
eTA processing can take up to 3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. If you apply too close to departure and get rejected, you won't have time to fix it.
Keep your eTA on your phone and printed
You'll need to show your eTA at check-in, at the departure gate, and at immigration in Nairobi. A screenshot on your phone works, but a printed copy is a reliable backup.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to etakenya.go.ke and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days.
2
Receive eTA approval
Check your email for the eTA approval. Print a copy and save a screenshot on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Kenya.
3
Prepare documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport, printed eTA, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eTA, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — usually takes 1–2 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry eTA (1 year)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$100
For business or frequent travel; allows multiple entries.
Multiple-entry eTA (5 years)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity5 years
Cost$200
For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries.
Business eTA
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$100
For business activities; requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 28,000 PHP) per year
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 8,400 PHP) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 56,000 PHP) per year
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA (single entry, tourist)Mandatory for all Filipino passport holders; apply online before travel. | $34 |
| Kenya eTA (transit, single entry)For transit through Kenya to a third country; valid for 72 hours. | $20 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 1 year)For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries within 1 year. | $100 |
| Kenya eTA (multiple entry, 5 years)For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries within 5 years. | $200 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi; max 6 months total stay. | $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax; departure taxes are included in airline tickets. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Transit visa required
Filipino citizens transiting through Kenya require a transit eTA, even if staying airside. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline crew ID may be exempt.
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in most regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for PH 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
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. In rare cases, it can take longer.
The eTA fee is around $30 USD (approximately 3,900 KES). Payment is made online during the application. There are no additional visa fees on arrival.
The eTA is typically valid for up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but must be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your current permit expires. There is a fee involved.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. The Philippines is not a yellow fever country, but if you transit through one, you'll need the certificate. Check the latest requirements before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or if there are errors. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Kenya eTA support team for guidance.
No. The eTA must be approved before you board your flight to Kenya. Airlines will not let you board without it.
It's not a standard requirement, but immigration officers may ask. It's wise to have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. A few hundred dollars in cash or available credit is usually enough.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.