🇰🇪 Kenya visa for Japan citizens

Most nationalities get 30 days on arrival in Kenya. Some need to apply first. Here's what to expect.

Who gets in visa-free, and who doesn't

Kenya splits visa rules by nationality. Most Western passport holders, including those from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia, get 30 days on arrival. You just need a passport valid for at least six months and an onward or return ticket. That's it.

A smaller group of countries get 90 days visa-free. Think of places like China, South Korea, and some South American nations. Again, check your specific passport. The official Kenyan immigration website is your best bet for a definitive list.

Then there are countries that must apply for a visa before arriving. This isn't a huge group, but it includes places like Nigeria and Iran. If you fall into this category, you'll need to complete an application through the Kenyan eVisa portal. Don't assume you're in the first two groups.

How long can you actually stay?

Your standard entry stamp is for 30 days. This is for a single entry. Want to leave and come back? You'll need a new visa or to have arranged a multiple-entry visa beforehand, which is a different process entirely. Most tourists don't bother with this.

Overstaying is where people get into trouble. The penalty is usually a fine of KES 5,000 (about $40 USD) per day you've overstayed. This sounds manageable, but they can also deport you. Getting an exit stamp is crucial; if you don't have one, they can argue you overstayed even if your passport entry stamp suggests otherwise. Keep all your travel documents, especially your entry and exit stamps, organised.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp

Can you work remotely from Kenya on a standard tourist visa? Officially, no. A tourist visa is for tourism. Working, even remotely for a company outside Kenya, technically falls under a different permit.

However, enforcement is… patchy. Most digital nomads I know work away on their tourist stamps without issue. Immigration officers at the airport are generally more concerned with your length of stay and your ability to support yourself than with what you're doing on your laptop. They want to see you're not planning to work for a Kenyan company or become a burden. As long as you're not drawing attention, you'll likely be fine. Just don't try to set up a local business or get a Kenyan job offer while on this stamp.

What's new with Kenya's travel rules?

Kenya rolled out its eVisa system a few years back. It was meant to streamline the process for those who need a visa beforehand. You apply online, pay the fee, and get an approval letter. This is now the standard way for those nationalities needing pre-approval.

There have been some fee adjustments. The tourist eVisa fee is currently around $50 USD, though this can fluctuate. Keep an eye on the official Kenyan government eVisa portal for the most current pricing and application procedures. They've also been expanding the types of visas available through the portal, so it's worth checking if you need something beyond a standard tourist entry. The system is generally efficient, but allow a few days for processing just in case.