Kenya entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No 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
Ugandan passport holders can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism, business, or transit. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026 and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. No advance application or fee is needed — just show up with the right documents.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the period you plan to stay in Kenya. Airlines at Entebbe check this before boarding. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Kenyan immigration, but carry a copy of your passport data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers at JKIA and Mombasa routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Jambojet and Fly540 enforce this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Kenya. Officers at land borders like Busia and Namanga are more likely to ask for this than at airports. A simple booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least $200 USD or equivalent in cash, or a bank statement showing recent transactions. Kenyan immigration rarely asks for this for short visits, but having it avoids delays. ATMs at JKIA dispense Kenyan shillings at fair rates. | Recommended |
Visa-Free Entry Confirmed
Ugandans do not need a visa for Kenya in 2026. No application, no fee, no waiting. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Yellow Fever Certificate Required
If you're arriving from Uganda (a yellow fever endemic country), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination card at Kenyan immigration. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
Keep Your Return Ticket Handy
Immigration officers at JKIA and Mombasa often ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready to show.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kenyan Immigration
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Moi International Airport (MBA), follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Present Documents to Officer
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents. The officer will check your passport validity, ask about the purpose of your visit, and may request proof of onward travel or accommodation.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with a 'Visitor' entry stamp valid for up to 90 days. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
4
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 · Uganda 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostKES 5,000 (~$40 USD)
For those who prefer a formal visa; not necessary for visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostKES 10,000 (~$80 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Work visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostKES 100,000 (~$800 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, renewable
Validity1 year typically
CostKES 10,000 (~$80 USD)
Requires admission to a recognized Kenyan institution.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
KES 100,000 (~$800 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
KES 10,000 (~$80 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized Kenyan educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
2 years, renewable
KES 150,000 (~$1,200 USD) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
KES 50,000 (~$400 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry) - if neededNo visa required for short stays; this is for reference only. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you overstay the permitted period; maximum cap may apply. | KSh 500 per day (~$4 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Uganda passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Kenya, as they can enter visa-free for up to 6 months. However, if transiting without entering, no visa is needed.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA) · Eldoret International Airport (EDL)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Uganda). Must have valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
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.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; mosquito bite prevention key.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most areas, including Nairobi and coastal regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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
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 UG 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
No. Uganda is visa-free for Kenya. You can enter without any prior application or fee. Just show your valid passport at immigration and you'll get a visitor entry stamp.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer, but the standard is 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your 90 days expire.
Yes, but you need to apply for a visitor pass extension at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi (Nyayo House, 4th Floor). The process takes a few days and costs around KES 5,000–10,000 (approx. $40–80). Overstaying without permission can result in fines or a ban.
You will likely be denied entry. Kenyan immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport has less than 6 months left, renew it before traveling.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Uganda). You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be quarantined, vaccinated on the spot, or denied entry.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or transit only. You cannot take up employment or run a business without a proper work permit. Doing so can lead to deportation and a ban.
Overstaying is a violation of Kenyan immigration law. You may be fined (around KES 10,000–20,000 per month overstayed), detained, and/or banned from re-entering Kenya for a period. Always apply for an extension before your stamp expires.
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.