Kenya entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Thai passport holders need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward, but make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eVisasYou need to get this online approval before you fly; it is not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Thai citizens must obtain an eVisas before arriving in Kenya. Apply at the official eVisa portal (https://etakenya.go.ke/) at least 7 days before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it is too close, renew it before applying for the eVisa. At least 6 months remaining | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is safer to have 2 blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Kenya. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Kenya, valid for your intended departure date. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt is not always checked, but having proof avoids problems at the border. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., cash, credit card, or bank statement) to cover your stay in Kenya. There is no fixed minimum amount, but you should have enough for accommodation, food, and transport. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateThis is only needed if your travel history includes certain countries, but it is wise to have it. If arriving from an endemic country | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Thailand is not currently on the endemic list, but carry the certificate if you have been in such a country within the last 10 days. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra online form before arrival. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Thai citizens. The eVisa and passport are sufficient. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Thai passport holders. If you show up without an approved e-visa, you'll be turned away. Apply at least a week before your flight.
Use the official e-visa portal only
Only apply through https://etakenya.go.ke/. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or be scams. The official site is the only one you need.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://etakenya.go.ke/, create an account, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. The process takes about 15-20 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the e-visa in hand.
3
Print or save your e-visa
Once approved, print a copy of the e-visa or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at Kenyan immigration.
4
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
At immigration, join the queue for 'Visitors'. Have your passport, e-visa, return ticket, and proof of funds ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Expect a short wait — the process is usually smooth.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$34
Same as tourist e-Visa; requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
Multiple entry visa (business)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$100
For frequent business travelers; apply at Kenyan embassy or via eCitizen.
Special pass (work/residence)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500)
For employment or long-term residence; requires sponsor and approval.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 18,000 THB) per year
For employment with a Kenyan company. Requires job offer and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Kenya Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB) per year
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Permit (Class I)
3 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 72,000 THB) initial fee
For investors with minimum $100,000 USD investment. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Paid online via eCitizen portal before travel; valid for 3 months from issue. | $34 |
| Kenya e-Visa (single entry, business)Same fee as tourist; requires invitation letter. | $34 |
| Kenya e-Visa (transit)For transit stays up to 72 hours; must show onward ticket. | $20 |
| Visa extension (single entry)Apply at immigration in Nairobi; allows up to 6 months total stay. | $50 |
| Visa extension (multiple entry)For longer stays; conditions apply. | $100 |
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
Thai passport holders transiting through Kenya require a transit e-Visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry (which Thai nationals do not). The transit visa allows a stay of up to 72 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Holders of valid residence permits from certain countries (check with Kenyan immigration)
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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; urban areas at risk, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk from contaminated food/water in remote areas.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,500m, including Nairobi and Mombasa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, 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 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 Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Nairobi.
Practical information for TH 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 2-5 business days, but it can be longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee is around $50 (USD) for a single-entry visa, but check the official portal for the current amount — it can change. Payment is made online during the application.
No. Kenya does not offer visa-on-arrival for Thai nationals. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight.
No, the standard e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and reapply, or check with Kenyan immigration for special circumstances.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Thailand is not on that list, so if you're flying directly from Thailand, you don't need it. But if you've been to a risk country recently, bring the certificate.
The standard e-visa is single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Kenya, you'll need to apply for a new visa each time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.