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Visa requirements for Kenya

Who can enter Kenya, by nationality. Tourism. Data as of October 19, 2026.

Passport holders from 242 countries can enter Kenya without a visa in advance. 77 have full visa-free access; 165 more can get a visa on arrival or use an electronic travel authorisation.

77 visa-free
0 on arrival
165 eTA
0 e-visa
0 visa required

242 nationalities

Visa-free entry

77 nationalities

Electronic travel authorisation

165 nationalities

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya

Kenya has 9 sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Fort Jesus Museum
Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
Lake Turkana National Parks
Lamu Old Town
Mount Kenya National Park
Mwana Arafa Jambeni Building
Ruins of Gedi
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
Thimlich Ohinga

Source: Wikidata, community-maintained and not the official UNESCO count.

Nearby destinations

Uganda Tanzania Rwanda Burundi South Sudan Somalia

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?

It depends on your passport. 242 nationalities can enter Kenya without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA); everyone else needs a visa or e-visa. Use the tables below to check a specific passport.

What is the best time to visit Kenya?

May, October, December, based on Nairobi's climate normals: mild temperatures and below-average rainfall for the year.

What currency is used in Kenya?

Kenyan shilling (KES). 1 USD is approximately 129.79 KES.

What side of the road does Kenya drive on?

Kenya drives on the left.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Kenya have?

9: Fort Jesus Museum, Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Turkana National Parks, Lamu Old Town, Mount Kenya National Park, Mwana Arafa Jambeni Building, Ruins of Gedi, Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, and more.

What is the emergency number in Kenya?

112 / 999.

What time zone is Kenya in?

Nairobi (UTC+3).

What is the nearest airport to Nairobi?

Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), about 5 km away.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Kenya

Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. With an estimated population of more than 54.2 million as of mid-2026, it is the 26th-most populous country in the world and the seventh-most populous in Africa. Kenya's capital and largest city is Nairobi. The second-largest and oldest city is Mombasa, a port city located on Mombasa Island. Other major cities within the country include Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. Going clockwise, Kenya is bordered by South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, Tanzania to the southwest, and Lake Victoria and Uganda to the west. Its geography, climate and population vary. In western Rift Valley counties, the landscape includes cold, snow-capped mountaintops with surrounding forests, wildlife, and fertile agricultural regions in temperate climates. In other areas there are dry, arid, and semi-arid climates, as well as absolute deserts.

CapitalNairobi

RegionEastern Africa

Population57.5M

Area580,367 km²

CurrencyKenyan shilling (1 USD ≈ 129.79 KES)

LanguagesEnglish, Swahili

Calling code+254

Drives on theleft

TimezoneNairobi (UTC+3)

Nearest airportNairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), 5 km

Emergency number112 / 999

UNESCO sites9

Income levelLower middle income

GDP per capita$2,363 (2025)

Tourist arrivals2M (2019)

Climate in Nairobi

Warmest March, coolest July, driest July, sunniest December. Best time to visit: May, October, December.

Monthly climate normals for Nairobi, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	23.6°C	15.5°C	225mm	303h
February	25.1°C	15.5°C	180mm	313h
March	25°C	15.9°C	312mm	306h
April	23.9°C	16°C	325mm	269h
May	23.4°C	14.6°C	116mm	320h
June	22.6°C	13.3°C	44mm	292h
July	22.1°C	12.8°C	28mm	270h
August	23.7°C	12.9°C	40mm	275h
September	23.8°C	13.3°C	76mm	276h
October	25.5°C	14.7°C	93mm	325h
November	23.9°C	15.2°C	118mm	301h
December	24.9°C	14.6°C	37mm	345h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Kenya in East Africa is a pearl in sub-Saharan Africa. From the scenic sandy beaches at the coast, to the Nairobi National Park, to the majestic Rift Valley, the bird life in Lake Naivasha, the hot boiling springs of Lake Baringo, Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria, Kenya is a very beautiful country with lots of wildlife and scenic features, and is one of the major economic hubs in Africa. Fondly referred to as the "Jewel of Africa", Kenya is a dream destination for its Swahili heritage and the home of humankind and Safari industry.

Upcoming public holidays

October 20, 2026Mashujaa Day

December 12, 2026Jamhuri Day

December 25, 2026Christmas Day

Full source list on About.