Kenya Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens need an e-Visa to visit Kenya, costing $51. The online application typically takes 2–3 business days and allows a 90-day stay. Kenya is one of Africa's premier safari destinations, home to the annual wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara , one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.
United States passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Kenya.
Apply online at etakenya.go.ke (Kenya's official ETA portal). Documents needed: valid US passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, return or onward flight, accommodation details, and credit/debit card for $30–51 fee. Processing: 2–3 business days. The ETA is emailed , print it or save digitally. Present at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi or Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa.
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
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date with at least one blank page
Digital Passport Photo
Recent color photo in JPEG format meeting specific size requirements (usually 35x45mm, 600x600 pixels)
Completed Online Application
Fill out the official eVisa application form on the government portal
Travel Itinerary
Detailed travel plans including dates and places you intend to visit
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings, Airbnb reservations, or host invitation letter
Return or Onward Flight
Confirmed flight booking showing departure from the country
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statements or credit card showing adequate funds for your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended coverage for medical emergencies and trip cancellation
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and malaria prophylaxis are essential. Rabies vaccine recommended if planning extended bush travel.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Kenya is generally safe for tourists in main areas and safari circuits. Exercise caution in Nairobi, particularly in downtown areas at night. Avoid the Somalia border region entirely. Safari lodges and beach resorts maintain good security.
Money & Costs
Currency
KSh Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $60 · Mid: $200 · Luxury: $600+
Cards & ATMs
Safari lodges and hotels. Cash elsewhere.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Kenya. $10-20 per day for safari guides, 10% in restaurants. Tips are a significant part of service workers' income.
Practical Info
Power
Type G, 240V
Driving
Left side
Emergency
999 (police), 112 (general emergency)
Mobile/SIM
Buy at Safaricom, Airtel. M-Pesa essential.
Getting There
Main Airports
Nairobi (NBO) · Kisumu (KIS) · Mombasa (MBA)
Airport Transfers
Nairobi JKIA: Taxi Ksh2500-3000. No train yet.
Local Transport
Matatus (minibuses). Safari vehicles. Domestic flights.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing, coinciding with the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. January and February offer excellent weather and fewer crowds. Avoid the long rains of April-May when some roads become impassable.
Cultural Notes
Kenya is home to over 40 ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions. The Maasai are famous for their colorful dress and jumping dances. Always ask permission before photographing people. Swahili greetings go a long way in building rapport.
Insider Tips
Book safaris through reputable operators well in advance, especially during migration season. Carry US dollars in good condition (post-2006) for exchanges. Dress respectfully when visiting local communities. Bargaining is expected in markets but not in established shops.
Dress Code
Casual. Neutral colors for safari.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Kenya: What You Need to Know
Kenya introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in January 2024, replacing the previous visa-on-arrival for most nationalities. US citizens must apply online before travel at etakenya.go.ke. The ETA costs $30 (sometimes reported as $51 total with processing), is single or multiple-entry, and valid for up to 90 days. Kenya is East Africa's tourism hub, with excellent connections to Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and other safari destinations.
How to Get There
Direct flights from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) are operated by Kenya Airways (non-stop, about 13 hours) , often the preferred option for Americans. Also direct from New York via Delta in summer. Other routes go via Amsterdam (KLM), London (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic), Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines).
Money & Banking
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). US dollars are widely accepted at lodges, hotels, and national park entry fees. ATMs are available in Nairobi and major towns. Credit cards accepted at top-end establishments. Kenya safaris range from budget camping (around $100/person/day) to ultra-luxury camps ($1,000+/night/person in the Masai Mara). National park entry fees are paid in USD.
Practical Tips
Kenya's must-do experiences: Masai Mara National Reserve (the Great Migration, July–October), Amboseli National Park (elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop), Samburu (unique northern wildlife , reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra), Tsavo East and West, Mount Kenya National Park (hiking Africa's second-highest peak), Nairobi National Park (safari within the capital city), Karen Blixen Museum, and the Swahili coast (Mombasa, Diani Beach, Lamu Island).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Yes. US passport holders need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), applied for online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. The fee is approximately $30–51. Processing takes 2–3 business days.
When is the best time to visit Kenya for the wildebeest migration?
July to October is peak migration season in the Masai Mara. The famous river crossings (wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River) happen most frequently in August and September. Book Mara camps 12+ months in advance for peak season.
Are there direct flights from the US to Kenya?
Yes. Kenya Airways flies non-stop from New York JFK to Nairobi (NBO), one of few direct Africa routes from the US. Other options connect via Amsterdam (KLM), London (BA), Doha, Dubai, or Addis Ababa.
Is Kenya safe for American tourists?
The Masai Mara, Amboseli, Nairobi, and most major tourist areas are generally safe. The US Embassy advises increased caution in certain areas near Somalia and the coast. Nairobi requires standard city safety awareness. Read the current State Department advisory.
How much does a Kenya safari cost for Americans?
Safari costs range widely. Budget camping safaris start around $150–200/day. Mid-range lodge safaris cost $300–600/day. Luxury camps in the Masai Mara can exceed $1,000/person/night. Costs typically include park fees, game drives, accommodation, and meals.