Kenya entry requirements for Qatar 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
Qatari passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel. As of 2026, the process requires a few specific documents.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | You need an eVisa to enter Kenya. Apply at the official eTA portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs $30 USD. Most applications are approved within 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your 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 onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they won't let you through without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready showing you have at least $500 USD available for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's a formal requirement. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk it
The eTA processing time is usually 72 hours, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons or if there are system glitches. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eTA approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking as PDFs on your phone. Also print a paper copy and keep it in your carry-on. Immigration officers may ask to see any of these documents.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to the official Kenya eTA website (etakenya.go.ke). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes within 72 hours.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eTA approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in a folder on your phone or in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Mombasa Airport
At immigration, hand over your passport and eTA approval. The officer will check your documents, take a fingerprint scan, and stamp you in. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. If you're carrying cash over $10,000 or restricted goods, use the red channel.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar 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; apply online or on arrival.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Good for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
Requires proof of funds and purpose; apply at Kenyan embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (approx. 65,000–130,000 KES)
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES)
For investors with at least $100,000 USD in a Kenyan business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| eVisa processing feeAdditional fee for online application processing. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | $1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Kenyan visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA) · Kisumu International Airport (KIS)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most regions, especially at altitudes below 2,500m. 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 (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 Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Building, Nkrumah Road
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for QA 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
Most applications are approved within 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. If it's urgent, you can pay an extra fee for expedited processing (24 hours).
No, the eTA is not extendable. You must leave Kenya before the 90-day period ends. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type (e.g., a visitor's pass) from the Department of Immigration in Nairobi.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need an eTA. But if you plan to leave the airport (e.g., for a layover in Nairobi), you need the eTA.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Qatar is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a risk country (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you'll need the certificate.
No, you must apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Qatari passport holders. If you arrive without an eTA, you'll be denied entry.
The standard eTA fee is approximately $30 USD (about 3,900 KES). This is paid online by credit card during the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eTA. You cannot enter Kenya with a passport that has less than 6 months validity.
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.