Kenya entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply online for an eVisa before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Vietnamese citizens as of 2026. The process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal at least a few days before departure. The eVisa is mandatory for Vietnamese passport holders — there is no visa on arrival. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, and you'll receive an approval letter via email to present at check-in and upon arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Kenya strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kenya | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | 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 cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. The exact amount isn't published, but $500–$1,000 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk it
The eVisa can take up to 5 business days. Don't wait until the last minute. If you apply on a Friday, you might not get approval until the following Wednesday. Plan ahead.
Keep a digital copy of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport scan, and return ticket in a cloud folder (Google Drive, iCloud). If your phone dies or gets lost, you can still access them from any device.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, fill in the application, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry tourist visa) by credit card. You'll get a confirmation email within 2–5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print the eVisa approval email, or save it on your phone. Also have your passport, return ticket, and first night's hotel booking ready. Keep them together in a folder or a clear phone album.
3
Arrive at the airport in Kenya
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready to hand over.
4
Go through immigration
The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and ask a few questions — typical ones are 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where are you staying?'. Answer honestly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Unless you're carrying restricted items, you'll walk straight through. Then you're in Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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 (approx. 1,180,000 VND)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Kenyan embassy or online.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 2,360,000 VND)
Ideal for multiple trips; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. 2,360,000 VND)
Requires invitation letter from Kenyan company.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$150 USD (approx. 3,540,000 VND)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 11,800,000 VND) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 23,600,000 VND) plus investment capital
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass (Class M)
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
~$150 USD (approx. 3,540,000 VND) per year
For full-time students at accredited Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 1,150,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 90-day validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 2,300,000 VND) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at major airports for pre-approved applicants; must apply online before travel. | $50 USD (approx. 1,150,000 VND) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; maximum cap may apply. | $10 USD per day (approx. 230,000 VND) |
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar to dengue, with joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions below 2,500m; use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for VN 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. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive an email with the approval — print it or save it on your phone.
No. Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Vietnamese citizens. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs around $51 USD. You pay online by credit card during the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
The eVisa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nairobi.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Kenya.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including some parts of Africa and South America). If you're flying directly from Vietnam, it's not required, but it's recommended to have the vaccine anyway — carry the yellow card as proof.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor's pass extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. The process takes a few days and costs around $50 USD. You'll need a valid reason and proof of funds.
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.