Kenya entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders can travel to Kenya without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with at least one blank page for the entry stamp you'll receive on arrival.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. Visa-free entry for South African citizens | South African passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. No evisa application is required. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel dates. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesKenyan immigration will stamp your passport on arrival and departure, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page (not the endorsement page) for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Kenya before your 90 days expire. Proof of departure from Kenya | You must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Kenya within the 90-day visa-free period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry documents that show you can support yourself financially during your visit. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kenya (e.g., bank statements, cash, or credit cards). | Required |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your travel route includes any yellow fever risk countries; if so, get vaccinated and carry the certificate. Required if arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Africa is not currently a yellow fever endemic country, but transit through endemic areas may trigger this requirement. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before traveling. Not required | Kenya does not require a separate arrival declaration for South African passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Kenyan immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Even if you're only staying a week, a passport expiring sooner will get you turned away at the airport.
No eTA or online form needed
Unlike some other countries, Kenya does not require South African citizens to complete an online travel authorization. You simply arrive and get stamped. Don't pay any third-party websites for 'visa processing' — it's free and done on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page. Have your return ticket and proof of funds ready. If you have a yellow fever certificate, keep it handy.
2
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Most South African travellers land at Nairobi's main airport. Follow the signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visitors'. There's no visa to process, so you just wait for the immigration officer.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about your accommodation, purpose of visit, and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly and honestly. They'll stamp your passport with an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Single Entry Visa (for longer stays)
Max stay6 months
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50 (approx.)
For those who need to stay longer than 90 days or require a formal visa for work/study. Apply at Kenyan embassy or online.
Multiple Entry Visa
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$100 (approx.)
Suitable for frequent travellers. Must be applied for in advance.
retirement visa
Kenya Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
digital nomad visa
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa (e-Residence)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 39,000 KES) per year
For remote workers with proof of income. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Kenya Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Kenya. Includes work rights.
work visa
Kenya Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx. 260,000 KES) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Kenyan employer. Requires sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) / online registrationKenya requires all visitors to obtain an eTA before travel, even if visa-exempt. Apply via official Kenya eTA portal. | $30 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (beyond 90 days)Extensions are granted at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi. Apply before your current stay expires. | Approx. $50 (KES 5,000) per extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
South African passport holders transiting through Kenya do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, an eTA is still required for entry into Kenya, including for transit passengers who will leave the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a transit visa or eTA.
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no checked luggage may remain airside without a visa.
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 yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in most regions, especially lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural and lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Regional Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal region visitors.
Practical information for ZA 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
No. South African passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. You just get a stamp on arrival.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Kenya and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa from a Kenyan embassy before your 90 days are up.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Kenyan immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, there's no mandatory online declaration for South African citizens. You just arrive and go through immigration. However, some travellers choose to have a printed copy of their return ticket and hotel booking ready.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from South Africa, you don't need it. But if you've been to a risk country (like parts of West Africa or South America) within 6 days before arrival, you must show the certificate.
You'll face a fine of about $500 USD (or equivalent in Kenyan shillings) and possible deportation. Overstaying can also get you banned from re-entering Kenya. Don't risk it — leave before your 90 days are up.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. If you plan to work or volunteer, you need a work permit or special pass from the Kenyan Department of Immigration.
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.