Visa-free destinations for Kenyan Passport Holders

Kenyan citizens enjoy significant global mobility, allowing for seamless international travel for leisure or business. Many nations grant Kenyan passport holders entry without a prior visa application, simplifying the travel process.

Visa-Free Destinations for Kenyan Passport Holders

The following countries and territories allow Kenyan citizens to enter without a visa:

• Africa: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
• Americas & Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
• Asia & Oceania: Cook Islands, Fiji, Hong Kong, Kiribati, Malaysia, Micronesia, Niue, Philippines, Singapore, Vanuatu.

Countries Offering eVisas to Kenyan Passport Holders

Digital visas (eVisas) can be obtained online, bypassing physical embassies. Kenyan travellers can apply for eVisas to:

Albania, Bahrain, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Georgia, India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Mauritania, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Russia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saint Helena, Somalia, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival for Kenyan Passport Holders in Various Countries

A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is issued at the port of entry. Kenyan citizens can obtain a VOA in:

Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Laos, Macau, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Palau, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu.

Countries Requiring Visas for Kenyan Passport Holders

Approximately 142 destinations require Kenyans to obtain a traditional visa before departure. These include: 

Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Caribbean Netherlands, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Falkland Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, Guam, Guinea, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mayotte, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, North Macedonia, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Republic of the Congo, Réunion, Romania, Russia, Saint Martin, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, United States Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Vietnam, and Yemen.

How Kenyan Citizens Can Initiate a Visa Application at the Embassy

For countries requiring a traditional visa, follow these steps:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the relevant embassy or consulate in Kenya. Note that wait times for appointments can span several months.
2. Gather Documentation: Compile all required paperwork. Some documents may require official certification or apostille stamps.
3. Submit Application: Attend a visa interview and provide biometric data (fingerprints/photos). Ensure all documents are translated if required. Processing typically takes several weeks.

Essential Documents for Kenyan Citizens Applying for a Visa

Standard requirements for most visa applications include:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
• Completed Application Form: Accurate personal and travel details.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos.
• Health Insurance: Coverage for the duration of the trip.
• Financial Proof: Bank statements or sponsorship letters.
• Travel Plans: Flight itinerary, return ticket, and hotel bookings.
• Payment: Receipt for the visa application fee.

Entering Kenya Made Easy

Kenya has replaced its traditional visa system with a streamlined digital entry process for foreign visitors.

Kenya Entry Requirement

Most travellers now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

• eTA-Exempt: Citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states do not need an eTA.
• eTA-Required: Most other foreign nationals must apply online at least seven days before arrival. An eTA is valid for 90 days.
• Restrictions: The eTA is for tourism, transit, or short-term business only. Employment or long-term residency requires a specific work or residence permit.