🇰🇪 Kenya visa requirements

Most Western passports get you 90 days visa-free in Kenya. But honestly, the real question is what you can do on that stamp.

Who Gets a Free Pass (and Who Doesn't)

If you've got a passport from the US, UK, EU, Canada, or Australia, you're in luck. You get a 90-day tourist visa stamp on arrival. No application needed beforehand. Easy peasy. Other countries fall into different categories. Some need to apply for a visa beforehand, while others can get a visa on arrival. It's a bit of a lottery based on your nationality, so definitely double-check the official Kenyan immigration website for your specific country before you book anything. Don't rely on outdated blog posts.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

That 90-day tourist stamp feels generous, but there are rules. You can extend this stay for another 90 days, but you must apply for the extension before your initial 90 days expire. If you leave and come back, it doesn't reset your clock unless you get a specific type of re-entry pass, which isn't standard for tourists. And overstaying? It's not cheap. Fines can be up to $100 USD per day, and you could get deported. Worse, you might be banned from re-entering Kenya for a period. It's not worth the risk. Make sure you have your exit stamp verified.

What's New with Kenyan Visas?

Kenya rolled out an eVisa system a while back, which was meant to streamline things. It's now the primary way many nationalities apply for visas if they aren't eligible for the visa-on-arrival for 90 days. Fees can change, so always check the official portal. They've also been tweaking entry requirements and processing times. For instance, there was a push to expand the eVisa to more nationalities and integrate it with other East African tourist visas. Keep an eye on the Directorate of Immigration Services website for the absolute latest announcements. It's the only place you should trust for current rules and fees.