Kenya Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK citizens require a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. The ETA costs $51 USD, is valid for 90 days, and is applied for online at etakenya.go.ke. Kenya offers world-class safari experiences including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Diani Beach, and Lamu Island.
United Kingdom passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Kenya.
Apply for the Kenya ETA at etakenya.go.ke before you travel; you cannot apply on arrival.
How to apply:
1. Visit etakenya.go.ke and create an account
2. Complete the online application form
3. Upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page
4. Pay the $51 USD fee by debit or credit card
5. Wait for approval, processing typically takes 3 working days
6. Download and print your ETA approval letter to present at the airport
- Printed ETA approval letter (or accessible on your phone)
- Valid UK passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended stay)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country
What to bring to the border:
East Africa Tourist Visa alternative: If you are also visiting Uganda or Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covers all three countries for $100 USD and is valid for 90 days. Apply through the embassy or e-visa portal of your first country of entry (Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda).
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Kenya ETA approval
Apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. The ETA costs $51 USD and covers stays of up to 90 days (single and multiple entry). Processing typically takes 3 working days. Download and print the approval letter once issued.
Valid UK passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Kenya and have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.
Debit or credit card
Required to pay the $51 USD ETA fee during the online application. Visa and Mastercard are accepted on the ETA portal.
Digital passport photo
A recent passport-style photograph in digital format is required during the ETA application. Follow the standard passport photo guidelines (white background, neutral expression, no glasses).
Required at Entry
Valid UK passport with linked ETA
Present your passport at border control. Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport number. Carry a printed or digital copy of the ETA approval letter as a backup.
Return or onward ticket
Proof that you will be leaving Kenya before your 90-day authorisation expires. A confirmed flight booking is standard.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation, lodge reservation, or a letter of invitation from a host in Kenya showing where you will be staying.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate Recommended
Required if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a yellow fever endemic country (including many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America). Not required for direct travel from the UK.
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Kenya: What You Need to Know
Kenya introduced its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in late 2023, replacing the former e-Visa. All UK passport holders must obtain an ETA before travelling to Kenya; there is no visa on arrival option.
The standard ETA covers both single and multiple entries, allows stays of up to 90 days, and costs $51 USD.
If you plan to visit Uganda or Rwanda on the same trip, consider the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD) instead. This single application covers all three countries and represents excellent value for multi-country itineraries. Apply for it through the same ETA portal at etakenya.go.ke.
Kenya remains one of Africa's top travel destinations, home to the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara (peak season July to October), Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the white-sand beaches of Diani on the coast, and the historic UNESCO-listed island of Lamu.
How to Get There
The main gateway is Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), with a second international airport at Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA) serving the coast.
- British Airways (LHR to NBO): direct, approximately 8.5 hours
- Kenya Airways (LHR to NBO): direct, approximately 8.5 to 9 hours
Direct flights from London:
- Emirates via Dubai (DXB)
- Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH)
- KLM via Amsterdam (AMS)
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa (ADD)
One-stop options (often cheaper):
Flying time from London is roughly 8.5 to 9 hours direct, or 10 to 14 hours with a connection depending on the layover. Kenya Airways also offers regional connections to Mombasa, Kisumu, and Malindi from Nairobi.
Money & Banking
Kenya's official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). As of early 2026, approximately 165 to 170 KES equals 1 GBP.
ATMs and cards:
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at ATMs in Nairobi, Mombasa, and major tourist towns. Stick to ATMs inside banks or well-lit hotel lobbies where possible. Beware of dynamic currency conversion (DCC), always choose to be charged in KES, not GBP, to avoid poor exchange rates imposed by the ATM.
Cash:
Carry some cash (KES or USD) for smaller guesthouses, local markets, minibuses (matatus), and rural areas where card machines are rare. Many safari lodges and camps accept USD directly.
M-Pesa:
Kenya runs on M-Pesa mobile money, used by locals for almost everything. As a UK visitor you will not typically need it, card and cash will cover your trip, but it is useful to know it exists if a local seller mentions it.
Tipping:
Tipping safari guides is customary: $10 to $20 USD per guide per day is standard. Restaurant service charges are sometimes included; if not, 10% is appreciated.
Practical Tips
- Malaria prophylaxis is essential for coastal areas and most national parks. Consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a yellow fever endemic country (much of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America).
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Check the NHS Fit for Travel website for the latest advice.
- Drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice in drinks outside of reputable hotels.
Health:
- Nairobi has areas of elevated petty crime. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use reputable taxi apps (Bolt, Uber) rather than hailing vehicles on the street.
- In national parks and reserves, never exit the vehicle outside designated areas and do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Hire reputable, licensed safari operators, ask for KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators) membership as a quality indicator.
Safety:
- When visiting Maasai villages, always seek permission before photographing people and offer a fair contribution to the village.
- Dress modestly in coastal Muslim communities such as Lamu.
- Kenya's national parks charge a conservation fee (payable via the eCitizen portal or Mpesa at the gate), budget for this in your safari costs.
Culture:
Travel insurance:
Medical facilities outside Nairobi and major towns are limited. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Yes. UK passport holders must obtain a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to Kenya. Kenya abolished visa on arrival in 2023 and moved entirely to an online pre-travel authorisation system. The ETA costs $51 USD, is valid for 90 days (single and multiple entry), and must be applied for at etakenya.go.ke.
How do I apply for the Kenya ETA?
Apply online at etakenya.go.ke before your trip -- you cannot apply at the border.
1. Create an account on the portal
2. Fill in the application form with your travel details
3. Upload a digital passport photo and your passport bio page
4. Pay the $51 USD fee by card
5. Wait for approval (usually 3 working days)
6. Download and print your ETA approval letter
Bring the printed approval letter (or have it accessible on your phone) when you check in and arrive at Kenyan immigration.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a single visa valid for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on one application. It costs $100 USD and is valid for 90 days. If you are planning a multi-country safari that includes any combination of these three nations, it is significantly better value than applying separately.
Apply for it through the same etakenya.go.ke portal and select the East Africa Tourist Visa option when prompted.
Do UK bank cards work in Kenya?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are accepted at ATMs in Nairobi, Mombasa, and most major tourist areas. When withdrawing cash, always choose to be charged in Kenyan Shillings (KES) rather than GBP -- selecting GBP triggers dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and gives you a worse exchange rate.
Carry some cash for smaller vendors, local transport, and rural areas. Many safari lodges also accept USD directly. M-Pesa (Kenya's mobile money system) is widely used locally but is not needed by most visitors.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Kenya?
Yes. British Airways and Kenya Airways both operate direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO), with a flying time of approximately 8.5 to 9 hours.
One-stop options are also available with Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), KLM (via Amsterdam), and Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), often at lower fares. Mombasa on the coast can also be reached via a short connecting flight from Nairobi.
What vaccinations are needed for Kenya?
The yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. It is not required for direct travel from the UK, but is strongly recommended if your itinerary includes other African countries.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential for most of Kenya, including coastal areas and national parks. Consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure to discuss the right antimalarials for your trip.
Additional recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and ensuring your routine UK vaccinations are up to date. Check the NHS Fit for Travel website for the latest guidance before you go.