Kenya entry requirements for Zambia 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
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you prepare the required documents in advance.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Kenya eVisa at the official eTA portal. Processing takes 2–5 business days, so apply at least a week before departure. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue and allows single entry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | 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 will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at JKIA routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. A bus or ferry ticket to a neighboring country also counts. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means, especially for longer stays. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
The e-Visa processing time is usually 2–5 business days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons or if there are errors in your application. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid stress.
Keep your documents accessible at the airport
At check-in and immigration, you'll need to show your printed e-Visa, passport, and return ticket. Have them in your hand luggage, not in checked bags. A digital backup on your phone is useful, but a printed copy is more reliable.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to www.etakenya.go.ke, create an account, fill in the application, upload your passport scan and a passport-sized photo, and pay the fee (around $51 USD for a single-entry visa). Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Print your e-Visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Kenya.
3
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visas'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, printed e-Visa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes per person.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to go.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia 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; must apply before travel or on arrival.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent visitors; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
For extended stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. ZMW 12,500)
For foreign nationals employed by a Kenyan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. ZMW 3,750)
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Kenyan institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit (Class I)
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. ZMW 25,000)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Kenya. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES). | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Kenya do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, 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 yellow fever risk (Zambia is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Kenya, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during floods or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in all regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. 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 Immigration Office
Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for ZM 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. Kenya does not offer visa on arrival for Zambian citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel. The application takes a few minutes, and approval usually comes within 2–5 business days.
The single-entry e-Visa costs $51 USD (about 800 ZMW as of 2026). You pay online by credit or debit card during the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
The standard single-entry e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. You cannot extend it beyond that — if you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Kenya. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. Immigration will deny entry otherwise.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Zambia is not on the list, but if you've recently travelled to an affected country, you need proof of vaccination). Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Zambia. Check the latest WHO guidelines before your trip.
Yes. The e-Visa is valid for entry at any Kenyan port of entry — airports and land borders. Just show the printed approval along with your passport.
Rejections are rare if you provide correct documents. Common reasons: blurry passport scan, incorrect photo, or incomplete information. You can reapply with corrected details. The fee is non-refundable, so double-check everything before submitting.
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.