Kenya visa requirements for Somali citizens
Somali citizens do not need a visa for Kenya. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
SOM
Somalia
KEN
Kenya
No visa needed
Just show your passport at the border.
- Visa
- Not required
- Max stay
- 90 days (3 months)
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for Somali citizens in Kenya
What to do
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it.
Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
Note the maximum stay and count your days in Kenya.
Ways into Kenya
Apply online unless exempt. Border staff decide your stay.
eTA requiredSingle-entry travel approvalAn eTA lets tourists and other short-term visitors travel to Kenya.
- Valid for
- 90 days
- Fee
- US$30
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Check whether you need an eTA.
- Apply on the official eTA website and upload documents.
- Pay and buy required Kenyan insurance unless exempt.
- Wait for approval before travel.
- Save or print your approved eTA.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days after arrival
- At least 1 blank passport page
- Selfie or passport photo
- Email and phone number
- Arrival and departure travel plans
- Place-to-stay booking
- Payment method
- Hotel booking
- Processing usually takes 3 working days; allow at least 14 days before travel.
- Border staff decide entry and stay length; each traveller, including children, needs separate approval.
eTA required365-day repeat travel approvalThis eTA allows repeated trips during its 365-day validity.
- Valid for
- 365 days
- Fee
- US$300
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Check eligibility for repeated trips on the eTA website.
- Complete the form and upload documents.
- Pay and buy required Kenyan insurance unless exempt.
- Wait for approval before travel.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days after arrival
- At least 1 blank passport page
- Selfie or passport photo
- Contact details
- Travel plans
- Place-to-stay booking
- Hotel booking
- Validity does not mean you can stay for 365 days.
- The website gives no maximum stay per visit or full list of eligible travellers.
Sources (38)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Directorate of Immigration Services
- Directorate: Electronic Travel Authorisation
- Official Kenya eTA portal
- eTA types, eligibility and fees
- eTA exemptions and required documents
- eTA general information and exemptions
- eTA frequently asked questions
- Kenya Embassy Washington: Electronic Travel Authorization
- Kenya Embassy Washington: replacement of e-visa by eTA
- Kenya High Commission London: eTA and exemptions
- Kenya High Commission New Delhi: official eTA and permit links
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Foreign Nationals; no substantive visa guidance was displayed
- Kenya Embassy Berlin: mandatory inbound travel health insurance, 4 November 2026
- Work permits and passes: online applications and endorsement
- Class A requirements and fees
- Student’s Pass
- Internship/Research Pass
- Special Pass
- Dependant’s Pass
- Class D employment permit
- Class G business permit
- Class K ordinary residence
- eFNS student, internship and research information pack
- eFNS Special Pass information pack
- eFNS Dependant Pass information pack
- Official permit-class index
- Class A prospecting and mining
- Class B agriculture and animal husbandry
- Class C prescribed profession
- Class F manufacturing
- Class G trade, business or consultancy
- Class I religious activities
- Class K ordinary residence
- Class M refugees
- Class N digital nomads
- Class P staff posted to neighbouring hardship countries
- Class Q professionals in religious or charitable organisations
- Class R East African Community nationals
Trips to Kenya
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Coming from Somalia
- Plugs GAdapter for some
- MoneyKES Sh
- TimeSame timeSame as home
- DrivingOn the leftLook right first
- LanguageEnglish
- Emergency112 or 999 or 911 police
Planning your Kenya trip
Best time to go: Wildlife viewing is best from mid-June to October and late December to mid-March, during the dry seasons. Long rains fall from April to June, and short rains from October to December.
- Wildlife reservesKenya's reserves are known for lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest and buffaloes.
- Maasai Mara migrationLarge herds of wildebeest migrate between the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. Book months ahead because demand is high and lodging is limited.
- Coast and beachesDiani Beach is a major beach destination. Lamu and Malindi are other coastal towns worth visiting.
- Rift Valley and lakesThe Rift Valley offers dramatic scenery, while Lake Naivasha is known for bird life.
Scams to watch for in Kenya
- Pickpocketing in crowds and on busesThieves take money, phones or wallets from pockets and bags. In Nairobi, they may watch people withdrawing cash before targeting them.
- Higher souvenir prices for visitorsSellers often start with a much higher price for foreigners. Asking in English can also lead to a higher quote. Prices at Akamba Handicraft are higher in the tourist hall than on the wholesale side.
- Inflated taxi and local transport faresDrivers quote visitors inflated fares. This can affect taxis, tuk-tuks, boda-bodas and matatus. Without agreeing a fare first, it is harder to challenge the price.
About Kenya
Kenya is an East African republic on the Indian Ocean, crossed by the equator and Rift Valley.
- Capital
- Nairobi
- Money
- Kenyan shilling (Sh)
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Time zone
- UTC+03:00
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +254
Other Africa passports
Going to Kenya
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Kenya with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for Somali citizens visiting Kenya?
Do somali citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Somali citizens do not need a visa for Kenya. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
How long can somali citizens stay in Kenya?
Up to 90 days each visit with the no visa needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Do kenyan citizens need a visa for Somalia?
Kenyan citizens need an eVisa for Somalia. Apply on the official website.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Kenya?
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana Burundi, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Kenya are easier for somali citizens?
Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia Madagascar, and 3 more let somali citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Kenya?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in Kenya?
Kenyan shilling (Sh). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Kenya?
English and Swahili.
How strong is the Somalia passport?
It ranks #99 and reaches 29 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck