Yes, a visa is required to travel from China to Kenya.
Apply with iVisa· from €28
Do I need a visa for Kenya from China?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Chinese travellers need an approved electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before flying to Kenya; there is no visa-free entry for tourism.
From Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, Chinese citizens arrange their Kenya trip entirely online. They request an electronic authorisation through the official etakenya.go.ke portal rather than visiting a consulate. The application is completed before boarding, and the entry stamp is issued on arrival once the approval is shown.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. Kenya replaced the traditional visa with an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) that every Chinese passport holder, including children, must obtain before entering the country. It covers a short tourist stay; its precise length and renewal terms are set out on the official portal.
How and where to apply
Applications are made only online at etakenya.go.ke, from China or elsewhere, a few days before departure. You create an account, enter your itinerary and upload the requested documents; no in-person embassy appointment is needed. The approved authorisation arrives by email and must be shown, printed or on screen, at check-in and again on arrival.
Documents and fees
Prepare a Chinese passport valid for at least six months beyond entry, a passport photo, proof of accommodation and a return or onward ticket. A fee applies during the online application; because the exact amount is not confirmed here, check it on the official portal before paying.
Processing and tips
Processing time varies, so submit several working days before your flight to absorb any delay. A yellow-fever vaccination certificate may be required if you arrive from a risk country, so confirm health requirements in advance. Keep a copy of the authorisation and your bookings throughout the trip.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is leaving it to the last minute: without an approved authorisation you can be refused boarding. Avoid third-party sites that add surcharges — only the official etakenya.go.ke platform is authoritative. Finally, make sure the name and passport number you enter match the document presented at the border exactly.
Official sources
- Kenya eTA – portail officiel
- Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services
- Chine – Ministère des Affaires étrangères, services consulaires
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential Kenya information
Kenya is an East African country renowned for its geographic diversity including savannas, lakes, and mountains like Mount Kenya. It features a dynamic economy with sustained growth of 4.9% in 2025 per the 2026 Budget Policy Statement. The government implements the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda for development.
Weather in Nairobi
Practical travel information
- Swahili
- English
Essential preparations
- Police : 999
- Ambulance : 999
- Fire brigade : 999
Discover the best activities and experiences in Kenya
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 🌍 Over 150,000 activities worldwide
- ⭐ Verified reviews from real travelers
- 💬 24/7 customer support
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Kenya from China?▾
Yes, an e-visa (electronic visa) is required. It is applied for online before departure and allows a stay of 90 days.
How long can you stay in Kenya?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 90 days.
What other visa types exist for Kenya?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, Kenya offers among others: Class D Work Permit, Student Pass, Spouse permit, Class K Retirement permit, Class G Investor permit, Transit visa.
Data verified on 23/07/2026
Other visas from China
Visa alerts and regulations
Receive the latest visa updates and travel advice
We will never share your email. Unsubscribe at any time.