What documents do I need at the airport in Kenya?
When traveling to or from an airport in Kenya, it's essential to have the correct documentation. Here's a breakdown of the key documents you'll likely need:
For Arrival (Entering Kenya):
- Passport:
- Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.
- Should have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):
- Required for almost all foreign nationals since January 2024, replacing the previous visa system, is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
- Apply for a Kenya ETA online at least three days before your travel date through the Kenya Immigration Services website. The Kenya ETA permits a single entry for up to 90 days.
- Exemptions from the ETA requirement include citizens of East African Community countries (e.g., Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda) for stays up to six months, and certain diplomatic/official passport holders on official duty.
- Children under the age of 16 accompanying their parents are also exempt
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate:
- Mandatory if you are arriving from or have transited (more than 12 hours) through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission (consult the WHO list for details).
- Not required if your travel originates from a non-endemic country and your transit is brief.
For Transit (Passing Through Kenya):
- If Staying in the Airport (Airside):
No Kenya eTA is required if you remain within the international transit area and do not proceed through immigration. However, you will need your onward boarding pass and a valid passport.
- If Leaving the Airport:
A Kenya eTA is required, even for short layovers outside the airport precincts, unless you’re exempt (e.g., East African Community citizens).
For Departure (Leaving Kenya):
- Passport:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Kenya.
- Ensure your passport has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps
- eTA or Visa:
If your stay was authorized by an electronic travel authorization (eTA), verify that it has not expired (eTAs are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance). Visas issued prior to the implementation of the eTA system remain valid until their expiration date
Special Cases:
- Kenyan citizens require only a valid Kenyan passport or National ID card for entry or exit, according to court decisions.
- Diplomats and other exempt travelers holding diplomatic, official, or service passports while on duty, or specific UN/AU laissez-passer holders, may be exempt from the eTA fee, but must still apply for one.
- Minors under the age of 16 traveling with parents do not require an eTA, but must possess their own passport, unless otherwise exempt
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