SomaliaKenya: eTA

SomaliaKenya

Do Somalia passport holders need a visa for Kenya?

eTA

Somalia passport holders need an approved electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya, but no embassy visa.

An electronic travel authorisation must be approved online before departure. No embassy visit.

Source: etakenya.go.ke (checked July 18, 2026).

RequirementeTA

Maximum stayLength of stay varies

ScopeTourism, ordinary passport

Action before travelYes, arrange in advance

Data as of2026-10-14

Distance1,017 km, straight line (~1h 42m nonstop)

Visa-free access to Kenya242 of 242 nationalities tracked

Travelling the other way? Kenya passport holders visiting Somalia: e-Visa.

Kenya drives on the left, the opposite side to Somalia. If you're renting a car, budget extra care at first, especially at junctions and roundabouts.

Other visa-free destinations for Somalia passport holders

See all Somalia destinations →

Frequently asked questions

Do Somalia passport holders need a visa for Kenya?

Somalia passport holders need an approved electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya, but no embassy visa.

How far is Kenya from Somalia?

About 1,017 km in a straight line, roughly ~1h 42m nonstop by air.

What currency is used in Kenya?

Kenyan shilling (KES).

What is the emergency number in Kenya?

112 / 999.

Does Kenya drive on the same side of the road as Somalia?

Kenya drives on the left, the opposite side to Somalia. If you're renting a car, budget extra care at first, especially at junctions and roundabouts.

What time zone is Kenya in?

Nairobi (UTC+3).

What is the nearest airport to Nairobi?

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

How many countries can enter Kenya without a visa?

242 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter Kenya visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.

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 Somalia

Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is the easternmost country in continental Africa. Stretching across the Horn of Africa, it borders Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, and the Indian Ocean to the east. Somalia has the longest coastline on Africa's mainland. Somalia has an estimated population of more than 19 million, of which 2.7 million live in the capital and largest city, Mogadishu. As one of Africa's most ethnically homogeneous countries, around 85% of its residents are ethnic Somalis. The official and national language of the country is Somali, and Arabic is recognised as a second language. The overwhelming majority of the population are Sunni Muslims.

CapitalMogadishu

RegionEastern Africa

Population19.7M

Area637,657 km²

CurrencySomali shilling (1 USD ≈ 571.74 SOS)

LanguagesArabic, Somali

Calling code+252

Drives on theright

TimezoneMogadishu (UTC+3)

Nearest airportAden Adde International Airport (MGQ), 7 km

Emergency number555 / 888 / 999

Income levelLow income

GDP per capita$661 (2025)

Travel guide

Somalia is a country on the Horn of Africa. Once the centre of many powerful sultanates and an Italian colony, the country has been in a state of chaos and turmoil since the 1980s. The country suffers from a myriad of social problems such as warfare, terrorism, corruption, political instability, and general lawlessness, and it isn't exactly your typical family destination.

Upcoming public holidays

January 1, 2027New Year's Day

May 1, 2027Labour Day

June 26, 2027Independence Day

Full source list on About.

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 ≈ 129.73 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	15.6°C	225mm	303h
February	25°C	15.6°C	180mm	313h
March	24.9°C	16°C	312mm	306h
April	23.9°C	16.1°C	324mm	269h
May	23.4°C	14.7°C	117mm	320h
June	22.6°C	13.4°C	44mm	292h
July	22.1°C	13°C	28mm	270h
August	23.6°C	13.1°C	40mm	275h
September	23.8°C	13.3°C	76mm	276h
October	25.5°C	14.8°C	93mm	325h
November	23.9°C	15.3°C	118mm	301h
December	24.9°C	14.7°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.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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

Upcoming public holidays

October 10, 2026Mazingira Day

October 20, 2026Mashujaa Day

December 12, 2026Jamhuri Day

Full source list on About.