Kenya entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Kenya, which you can obtain online before traveling — no embassy visit required. The process typically takes 2–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight to avoid delays.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisasYou must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight to Kenya. Apply online before travel | Portuguese citizens must obtain an eVisas before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official eVisa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/) well in advance of your departure. The eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue and allows a single entry. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date – it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months remaining | Your 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 blank 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 more than one blank page to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's safer to have a booked ticket out of Kenya to show if asked. May be requested | Although not explicitly required, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket to verify your intention to leave Kenya before your stay expires. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kenya. The amount is not fixed, but having access to cash or cards is advisable. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateThis is only needed if you come from a yellow fever endemic area – otherwise it's not required. Required if arriving from at-risk country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Portugal is not currently a yellow fever risk country, but if you have traveled recently, check requirements. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any additional online arrival forms. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Portuguese citizens at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk last-minute
The e-Visa system can be slow, especially during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 7–10 days before departure to avoid stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa PDF, passport scan, and flight confirmation on your phone and email. If you lose the printout, you can show the digital copy at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to etakenya.go.ke. Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on visa type) by credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, printed e-Visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to go.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple entry e-Visa (tourist)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers.
Multiple entry e-Visa (business)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100
For business activities; requires invitation letter.
Visa extension (beyond 90 days)
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityVaries
CostApprox. $50
Must apply in person at immigration office; not guaranteed.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) application fee
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €92) processing fee
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) application fee
For investors with significant capital in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for Portuguese citizens; payable online. | $50 |
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, business)Same fee as tourist e-Visa for single entry. | $50 |
| Kenya e-Visa (transit, 72 hours)For transit through Kenya to a third country. | $20 |
| Visa extension (up to 6 months total stay)Apply at Department of Immigration in Nairobi; subject to approval. | Approx. $50 |
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
Transit visa required
Portuguese citizens transiting through Kenya require a transit e-Visa unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration. However, Kenya's e-Visa system requires a visa for all arrivals, including transit, so it is safest to obtain a transit e-Visa in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside may be allowed without a visa, but this is not guaranteed and is subject to airline and immigration discretion.
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
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; outbreaks occur periodically.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Kenya, including Nairobi and highland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for PT 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
Typically 2–5 business days, but it can take up to 10 during busy periods. Apply at least a week before your flight.
No. As of 2026, Portuguese passport holders must have an approved e-Visa before boarding. No visa on arrival is available.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs around $30–$50 USD, payable online by credit card. The exact amount depends on the visa type and current exchange rates.
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're flying directly from Portugal, it's not required. But if you've recently been to any African or South American country with yellow fever, you'll need the certificate.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions are usually granted for up to 3 months. The cost is around $50–$100. Apply before your current visa expires.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Kenya e-Visa support team for guidance.
It's not routinely asked, but immigration officers can request proof that you can support yourself during your stay. Having a bank statement or credit card with sufficient limit is a good idea.
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.