Kenya Visa & Vaccination Requirements for Safari Travellers

Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel to Kenya

Planning a safari to Kenya involves more than packing your bags. Making sure your visa, passport, and vaccinations are in order well before departure will save you stress at the airport and ensure smooth entry. This guide covers everything travelers — including those from India, the UAE, and other international destinations — need to prepare.

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya. It must also have at least two blank pages available for entry stamps.

If your passport is close to expiry or running low on pages, renew it before applying for your ETA — an approved ETA linked to an expired or renewed passport will not be valid.

2. Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

Kenya replaced its old eVisa system with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in January 2024. All visitors — including infants and children — must have an approved ETA before the start of their journey. There is no visa on arrival.

How to apply :

• •Visit the official portal: www.etakenya.go.ke
• •Create an account and complete the application form
• •Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-size photo
• •Pay the fee online — currently USD 30 + processing fees for most nationalities
• •Receive your approved ETA by email, typically within 3 business days
• •Carry a printed or digital copy to present upon arrival

Important notes:

• •Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for processing time.
• •Only use the official government portal — applications via third-party sites will be automatically denied
• •The ETA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance; your duration of stay is confirmed at the point of entry
• •Children and infants require their own individual ETA

What does the ETA approval look like?

Once approved, you will receive an email from the official Kenya ETA portal containing a PDF approval letter. This document will show your name, passport number, nationality, and the validity period. Print a copy or save it clearly on your phone — immigration officers at Nairobi's JKIA airport will ask to see it at the point of entry.

What if your ETA is rejected?

If your ETA application is rejected, you will receive an email notification with a reason. Common reasons include unclear passport scans, mismatched personal details, or incomplete forms. You can reapply by correcting the issue and submitting a fresh application. Allow sufficient time before your travel date. If you believe the rejection was an error, contact the Kenya Immigration Service directly via the official portal.

What if you don't receive your ETA within 3 business days?

Check your spam or junk folder first. If it's still not there after 4–5 business days, log back into your account on etakenya.go.ke to check your application status. If it shows as pending, allow an additional day or two. If there is an error or it remains stuck, contact Kenya Immigration support through the portal. This is why applying at least 2 weeks before travel is strongly advised.

3. Required & Recommended Vaccinations

Yellow Fever — Mandatory in Some Cases

If you are arriving from — or have recently transited through — a country on Kenya's Yellow Fever risk list, you must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry.

Affected regions include:

• •Most of sub-Saharan Africa
• •Parts of South America
• •Parts of Asia

What to bring: The International Certificate of Vaccination, commonly known as the Yellow Card. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry into Kenya.

Check the full official list: WHO Yellow Fever Country List (PDF)

Does a transit count? Yes. Even if you are only passing through a Yellow Fever risk country for a few hours — for example, transiting via Addis Ababa or Entebbe — you may still be required to present your Yellow Card upon arrival in Kenya. Always check with your airline and a travel health clinic before departure.

Where to get the Yellow Fever vaccine: The Yellow Fever vaccine is only available at government-authorised vaccination centres. It must be administered at least 10 days before travel to be valid. The Yellow Card is issued at the time of vaccination and is valid for life.

For travellers from India, find your nearest authorised centre here: https://ihpoe.mohfw.gov.in/vaccination_centres.php

Recommended Vaccinations

While not mandatory for entry, the following vaccinations are commonly recommended by travel health professionals for Kenya:

A note on Malaria: Malaria is present in many parts of Kenya, particularly in safari areas such as the Masai Mara, Tsavo, and coastal regions. There is no malaria vaccine widely available, but there are effective prescription medications that significantly reduce your risk. The most commonly prescribed options include Doxycycline, Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil), and Mefloquine. Your doctor will recommend the best option based on your medical history, the duration of your trip, and the regions you are visiting. It is important to start the medication before you arrive in Kenya — the timing varies by medication, so consult your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure. In addition to medication, use DEET-based insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn, and sleep in screened or air-conditioned accommodation.

Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for any multi-dose vaccines.

4. Travel Insurance

While not a legal entry requirement, travel insurance is strongly recommended for all safari travelers — and at Marvels of Africa, we consider it an essential part of any trip, not an optional add-on.

Here's why:
Safari packages to Kenya represent a significant financial investment. Unforeseen external factors — global health events like Covid-19, regional conflicts, political instability, or natural disasters — can force last-minute cancellations or curtailments with little warning. Without insurance, you risk losing the full cost of your trip with no recourse.

Air Evacuation — Already Covered With Us: If you book your safari through Marvels of Africa, air evacuation cover is taken care of. We include AMREF Flying Doctors insurance as an opt-in within our safari packages. AMREF is East Africa's leading air ambulance service, operating across Kenya and the wider region — so in the event of a medical emergency in a remote park or conservancy, you are in the best possible hands. Speak to our team when booking to add this to your package.

• •Trip cancellation or curtailment due to unforeseen events including pandemics, war, or civil unrest
• •Emergency medical treatment
• •Lost or delayed luggage
• •Flight delays or missed connections

What to look for in a policy:

• •Ensure it explicitly covers safari activities and game drives — some standard policies exclude adventure or wildlife activities
• •Check for "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage if you want maximum flexibility
• •Confirm the policy covers pandemics and travel advisories — not all policies do
• •If you are bringing expensive camera equipment or electronics, check that these are covered

Approximate cost: Travel insurance for a 10–14 day Kenya safari typically costs between USD 80–200 per person — a fraction of what a safari package costs. Think of it as a hedge: a small, certain cost that protects you against a much larger, uncertain one.

Where to find a policy: Compare options through trusted aggregators such as World Nomads, InsureMyTrip, or your bank or credit card provider — some premium cards include travel insurance as a benefit. Always read the fine print, particularly around war, pandemic, and evacuation clauses, before purchasing.

What to Expect at Nairobi Airport (JKIA)

Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the main entry point for international safari travelers. Knowing what to expect on arrival will help you move through the process smoothly.

Step 1 — Health Screening: Depending on your country of origin and current health advisories, you may pass through a health screening checkpoint before immigration. If you are required to present a Yellow Fever certificate, this is typically checked here. Have your Yellow Card and ETA easily accessible.

Step 2 — Immigration: Proceed to the immigration counters. An officer will verify your ETA approval, passport validity, and blank pages. Have your printed or digital ETA ready, along with your passport and return ticket if requested. The process is generally straightforward for travelers with all documents in order.

Step 3 — Baggage Collection: Collect your luggage from the designated carousel for your flight. JKIA can be busy, so allow some time here, particularly on peak travel days.

Step 4 — Customs: Pass through customs after collecting your bags. Most safari travelers have nothing to declare and proceed through the green channel. If you are carrying large amounts of cash or restricted items, use the red channel to declare.

Step 5 — Arrivals Hall: Your safari operator or transfer driver will typically be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name board. If you have arranged a private transfer, confirm the meeting point with your operator before travel. Forex bureaus are also available in the arrivals area if you need to exchange currency on arrival.

Pre-Travel Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you are fully prepared before departure:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
• At least 2 blank pages in passport
• Kenya ETA approved and saved (printed or digital)
• Yellow Fever certificate (Yellow Card) if traveling from a risk country
• Recommended vaccinations completed at least 4–6 weeks before travel
• Malaria prophylaxis prescription obtained and started as advised
• Travel insurance purchased and policy document saved
• Return or onward ticket confirmed
• Emergency contacts and safari operator details saved

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Most nationalities are required to obtain a Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travel. There is no visa on arrival. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least 2 weeks before your departure date.

2. Is Yellow Fever vaccination mandatory for Kenya?
It depends on your route. If you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country, a valid Yellow Fever certificate (Yellow Card) is mandatory. Travelers from India and many UAE routes are affected — check with your airline and doctor before travel.

3. How long does Kenya ETA take to process?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 business days. It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for any delays.

4. How much does the Kenya ETA cost?
The Kenya ETA currently costs USD 30 + processing fees for most nationalities, payable online at the time of application.

5. Do children need a Kenya ETA?
Yes. All visitors including infants and children require their own individual ETA before travel to Kenya.

6. What happens if I arrive without an ETA?
You will not be allowed to board your flight to Kenya. Airlines are responsible for verifying ETA approval at check-in and may deny boarding without it.

Ready to Plan Your Kenya Safari?

Staying connected is just one part of the journey. If you are ready to start planning, our team at Marvels of Africa will take care of everything — from lodges with the best connectivity to guides who know every corner of the parks.

Need help planning your trip to Kenya? Get in Touch