Kenya Passport Rules for UK Travellers
Quick answer: For Kenya, your passport must expire at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages. You must apply online for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling, and from 5 October 2026 you must also buy Kenyan government travel health insurance.
✓ Checked against GOV.UK today at 1:00am · What's changed
Kenya travel requirements at a glance
Expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
At least 2 blank pages.
Apply online at least 2 weeks before travel, and buy the mandatory Kenyan travel insurance with it.
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a transmission-risk country.
Official source: GOV.UK Kenya entry requirements.
Passport rules: quick summary
- Kenya uses a 6-month passport validity rule counted from your arrival date.
- Apply for your eTA early. Kenyan authorities recommend at least 2 weeks before departure.
- Only apply through the official Kenyan eTA website.
- From 5 October 2026, Kenyan government travel health insurance is mandatory. Your own travel insurance does not replace it.
Do you need 6 months on your passport for Kenya?
Yes. GOV.UK says your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive, and at least 2 blank pages.
Electronic travel authorisation
You must apply online for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before you travel. Kenyan authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before departure.
Mandatory Kenyan travel insurance
From 5 October 2026, most visitors staying less than 12 months must have Kenyan government-provided travel health insurance. If you need an eTA, you buy the insurance as part of the eTA application. If you already hold a valid eTA, buy it through the Kenyan eCitizen insurance portal.
Foreign travel insurance policies are not accepted in place of it. The Kenyan insurance lasts 90 days and covers multiple entries in that time. You should still have your own travel insurance for your other needs.
Health checks
You need a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Enhanced health screening may be in place at the border.
Drones cannot be brought in without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need 6 months on my passport for Kenya?
Yes. Your passport must expire at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have 2 blank pages.
Do British citizens need a visa for Kenya?
You must apply online for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travel.
When should I apply for a Kenya eTA?
Kenyan authorities recommend at least 2 weeks before departure.
Do I need Kenyan travel insurance?
Yes. From 5 October 2026 most visitors must buy Kenyan government travel health insurance, usually as part of the eTA application. Your own travel insurance does not replace it.