Current DossierSubject · Canadian passportFile · KENYA

Does Kenya require a visa for Canadian citizens?

Straight answer, official source, and how long it takes.

Last checked 22 Jul 2026Source · Kenya eTA portalHow we source this →
Visa Panic answer
eVisa requiredLow panic

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Kenya?

Yes, Canadian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya for tourism or short business trips, but this is a simplified online process.

Apply on the official siteKenya eTA portal — last checked 22 July 2026
Always confirm with the official source before you travel.
Your panic level

When are you travelling?

Add your travel date and we'll tell you exactly how much to panic, based on typical processing times.

eVisa typically takes around a week.

Health FileSubject · KenyaChecked · 22 Jul 2026

Vaccinations for Kenya

Book a travel clinic appointment 6–8 weeks before you fly.

Conditional

Only if arriving from a risk area

Required only if you're travelling from — or transiting through — a country with active transmission.

  • Yellow Fever

    Certificate required if arriving from (or transiting) a country with yellow fever transmission risk.

Recommended on health grounds

Not required for entry — advised by NHS / CDC for most travellers.

  • Hepatitis A

    Recommended — food & water borne.

  • Typhoid

    Recommended, especially for longer stays or rural travel.

  • Rabies

    Consider for rural travel, cyclists, and long trips.

  • Malaria prevention

    No vaccine — antimalarials + bite avoidance recommended for risk regions.

  • Yellow Fever

    Also recommended on health grounds for most travellers.

→ Read the Yellow Fever briefing

Which countries require the certificate, timing, cost, and the 10-day validity rule.

Not medical advice. Always confirm with your GP, travel nurse, or a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — requirements change and can vary based on where you're arriving from.

Colour KeyCalm— no visaMedium— ETA / eVisaPanic— full visa

Deep breath. Here's the answer.

Canadian citizens planning to visit Kenya for tourism or short business trips must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before their arrival. This process replaces the traditional visa application, offering a streamlined electronic approval system.

Key facts

For Canadian passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

PassportCanadian passport
PurposeTourism / short business trip
Visa requiredYes — eVisa
Maximum stayUp to 90 days, extendable once for a further 90 days
Passport validityAt least six months beyond the intended departure date
Return/onward ticketYes, evidence of onward or return travel
Arrival formOnline eTA application includes required information
Last checked22 July 2026

You may need a visa if…

  • The eTA is mandatory for all Canadian citizens, including infants and children.
  • The eTA must be obtained before travel; you cannot get it on arrival.
  • Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
  • The eTA is for tourism and business; other purposes may require a different visa type.
  • Processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
  • The eTA is valid for a single entry.

Before you travel

  • Apply for your Kenya eTA online several weeks before departure.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
  • Have proof of onward or return travel (flight tickets).
  • Prepare your accommodation details for the eTA application.
  • Check for any health requirements or recommended vaccinations.
  • Confirm the latest entry requirements on official government websites.

Common questions

An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital travel permit required for Canadian citizens to enter Kenya for tourism, business, or transit. It simplifies the entry process by allowing pre-approval online.

Related destinations

Field Report Provenance

Human-checked

Every dossier is written from official government sources, then re-checked on 22 Jul 2026.

Auto-monitored

An hourly job re-scans official sources for changes. Anything fishy triggers a manual review.

Not legal advice

Always cross-check with the linked official source before you book. Read our methodology and disclaimer.