Kenya (KE)

Required for all foreign nationals. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. Required at immigration checkpoints, hotel check-in and for opening bank accounts or applying for permits.

Since January 2024, Kenya uses an eTA system replacing most traditional visas. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke; fee USD 30; processing typically 72 hours. Citizens of EAC member states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC) enter visa-free.

Required for any paid employment in Kenya. Class G work permit for employees; Class I for self-employed persons. Apply via the Department of Immigration (ecitizen.go.ke). Cost KES 100,000–200,000+ for Class G. A Special Pass (valid 3 months) is issued while the main permit processes. The employer typically initiates and funds the application.

Mandatory for all foreign nationals residing in Kenya for more than 90 days. Issued by the Department of Immigration; required for bank accounts, SIM registration, property transactions and government services. Carry at all times. Apply via eCitizen; cost KES 500–5,000 depending on duration.

Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number — required for employment, bank accounts, property transactions, vehicle registration, business registration and most government services. Register free at itax.kra.go.ke; issued instantly online.

Required for dependant passes, school enrolment and family reunification. Kenya is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign birth certificates must be authenticated by the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin rather than by apostille. Kenya's official language is English; non-English documents require certified English translation.

Required for spouse and dependant residence permits. Kenya is NOT a Hague Apostille member; foreign marriage certificates must be authenticated by the Kenyan Embassy/High Commission in the country of origin. Non-English documents require certified translation.

Required for work permit applications and regulated profession licensing. Kenya is NOT a Hague Apostille member; foreign qualifications require consular authentication at the Kenyan Embassy/High Commission in the issuing country. Certain professions (medicine, law, engineering, teaching) also require recognition by the relevant Kenyan professional body (KMPDC for medicine, LSK for law, EBK for engineering, TSC for teaching).

Criminal record check from your home country required for work permit applications; must be recent (within 6 months). Kenya is NOT a Hague Apostille member; the certificate must be authenticated by the Kenyan Embassy/High Commission in the issuing country. Some employers also request a Kenyan DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) clearance for locally resident applicants.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination, yellow WHO card) is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Expats may need a medical fitness certificate for certain work permit classes. Keep vaccination records accessible.

A valid foreign driving licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for driving in Kenya for the first 90 days. After 90 days, obtain a Kenyan driving licence through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Obtain the IDP from a motoring association in your home country before travel.

Required before importing dogs or cats into Kenya. A veterinary health certificate, current rabies vaccination record, microchip documentation and an import permit from the Kenya Veterinary Board are required. Confirm current requirements with the Kenya Veterinary Board and the airline's cargo section before travel.