Visa-free destinations for Kenyan Passport Holders

Beautiful nature, rich wildlife, and outdoor adventure activities lure travellers to Kenya. Its equally great to know that many Kenyans can travel to different countries without having to acquire a visa. This freedom translates into easy movement among countries, whether for leisure, business, or otherwise.

Visa-Free Destinations for Kenyan Passport Holders

Here is a list of countries and territories that Kenyan passport holders can visit without a visa:

Countries Offering eVisas to Kenyan Passport Holders

Kenyan passport holders have the advantage of obtaining eVisas from the following countries:

Applying for an eVisa is a relatively straightforward process, resembling the conventional visa application procedure. The key distinction lies in the convenience of applying online, eliminating the need to visit a physical visa application centre. The online application process includes online payment for the visa.

Visa on Arrival for Kenyan Passport Holders in Various Countries

Kenyan passport holders have the privilege of obtaining a visa on arrival (VOA) in different countries, simplifying their travel arrangements. These countries include:

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. 

Travellers from Kenya can easily initiate the visa process upon arrival at the designated entry points of these nations, making it more convenient to explore their unique cultures and attractions.

Countries Requiring Visas for Kenyan Passport Holders

A Kenyan passport necessitates a valid visa for entry into 142 countries. These countries include a diverse range of destinations across the globe. Some of the nations that require Kenyan citizens to obtain visas before travelling to them are: 

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, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.

Kenyan travellers must adhere to the respective visa requirements of these countries to ensure smooth entry and a hassle-free travel experience.

How Kenyan Citizens Can Initiate a Visa Application at the Embassy

The visa application process for Kenyan citizens unfolds as follows:

• Schedule an Appointment at the Visa Center

  To start your visa application process, first arrange an appointment with the visa application centre situated in Kenya. This crucial step necessitates contacting a local visa application centre within your home country. It's important to note that securing an appointment may require patience, as it can take several months to secure a meeting with the relevant embassy or consulate.

• Gather Your Documentation

  To ensure a successful visa application, meticulous preparation of the required documents is imperative. These essential documents may include your passport, duly filled-out application form, proof of health insurance, and various other pertinent papers. Some of these documents may need to be officially verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office.

• Submit Your Visa Application

  You can then proceed with your visa application, which will likely include a visa interview and possibly the provision of biometric information. Your application can only be formally accepted once your documents have been translated in accordance with the requirements set out by the embassy or consulate and properly verified with an apostille stamp, where applicable. Then, after submitting this, be patient and wait for your visa to be processed, as it may take several weeks for a decision to be made.

Important Documents for Kenyan Citizens Applying for a Visa

A Kenyan citizen planning to travel abroad usually needs the following documents if the country to which they are travelling requires an entry visa: 

• Valid Kenyan passport (and a photocopy): Your passport should not be older than 6 months on the date of travelling.
• Visa Application Form: A completed form with your personal and travel details is required for visa application purposes.
• Passport-Sized Pictures: Typically, two current photographs, not older than six months, are required. Ensure they comply with the requirements for photographs of the country of destination.
• Travel Health Insurance: Proof of insurance cover against illness throughout the trip may be required.
• Visa Fees payment receipt: For some countries, it is a requirement to provide proof of payment for the visa application.
• Travel Itinerary: A document stating your travel package, including the places you intend to visit and the date.
• Invitation letter (if applicable): You may need to present an invitation letter should you be invited by a friend or company.
• Return flight ticket: A confirmed return ticket indicates intention to return to Kenya at the conclusion of the trip.
• Proof of hotel or accommodation booking: Documents indicating the place of stay, such as a hotel booking or the address of the host.
• Proof of funds: You may need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds for your sustenance while in the country, which can be demonstrated through bank statements or sponsorship letters.

Entering Kenya Made Easy

Traveling to Kenya has become much easier with an uncomplicated online entry process. Kenya opens its doors to many travellers and makes it easier for tourists and short-term travelers to have a smooth experience while in the country. 

Kenya Entry Requirement

Whether you need pre-travel authorization to enter Kenya depends on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries do not require an eTA for Kenya and can enter without having to apply beforehand. 

However, most travelers need to have an Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) ahead of their trip. The eTA replaces the old visa-on-arrival and eVisa systems and is required for tourism, family visits, and short-term business or transit stays.

Here are the basic categorisations: 

Important Note: No Work Permits on eTA

The Kenya eTA (or visa exemption) is only permissive for tourism, transit, or short-term travel purposes. Under this entry status, visitors are not permitted to work or take up employment. A separate work or residence permit will be required for carrying out a job, internship, or staying in Kenya for an extended period.

FAQS

Are Kenyan citizens required to obtain a visa for any destination they wish to visit?

No, Kenyan citizens can access quite a range of countries around the world without a visa. The number of specific countries differ with time as the visa policies change, and the length of stay also varies, but there are numerous destinations where Kenyan passport holders don't need visas for short stays.

How can I find out which countries I can visit without a visa with my Kenyan passport?

You can visit our sources or the embassies or consulates of the countries you wish to visit for a quick check on their visa requirements for Kenyan citizens. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is likely to provide updated information on visa requirements for Kenyan passport holders.

What should I do if I want to visit a country that requires a visa for Kenyan citizens?

If you plan to visit a country that requires a visa for Kenyan citizens, you will need to apply for a visa through the respective country's embassy or consulate in Kenya. Be prepared to provide the necessary documents, pay the required fees, and follow the application process outlined by that specific country.

Can I travel for work or business purposes to visa-free destinations with my Kenyan passport?

Visa-free access typically applies to tourist or short-term visits. If you plan to work, conduct business meetings, or engage in employment activities in a foreign country, you may need a different type of visa or work permit, even in visa-free destinations. There are various types of visas specific to the intended purpose of travel, so it's best to check.

What limitations or restrictions do visa-free countries impose on Kenyan passport holders? 

Visa-free access for a Kenyan citizen is generally a straightforward affair, although in some countries, limitations or restrictions may still exist. These may include maximum stay durations, return ticket requirements, or evidence of sufficient funds for the trip. It is important to research and comply with the specific entry and stay requirements for each visa-free destination. 

How do I get hassle-free travel using my Kenyan passport to visa-free countries? 

To ensure hassle-free travel, one should familiarize oneself with the entry and exit requirements of the visa-free countries they intend to visit: a valid passport, proof of return tickets (if necessary), evidence of sufficient money available, and the purpose of the visit. Also, any changes in the visa policies and regulations are important to know before the trip itself.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in August 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.