Yes, a visa is required to travel from South Africa to Kenya.
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Do I need a visa for Kenya from South Africa?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
South African travellers bound for Kenya must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before departure, on the official portal etakenya.go.ke.
This guide is for South African citizens planning a tourist or business trip to Kenya. The country has replaced the traditional visa with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), to be requested online before arrival. Exact fees and timelines appear on the official portal and are not set here.
Do you need a visa?
Kenya issues an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) that replaces the classic visa; South African nationals must obtain it online before travelling. The application is made in advance, with no embassy visit. The South African passport must remain valid for at least six months from entry.
How and where to apply
The application is filed on the official portal etakenya.go.ke: create an account, complete the form, upload the photo and passport page, then pay online. The approved eTA is received by email and shown, printed or on a phone, on arrival at Nairobi or Mombasa airport.
Documents and fees
Prepare a South African passport valid six months beyond entry, a recent photo, the accommodation address, a return ticket and trip details. The eTA fee is not stated here: check etakenya.go.ke for the charges in force when you apply.
Processing and tips
The eTA is usually processed within a few days, so apply at least three days before departure to allow for delays. Keep a copy of the approval. Also check health advice, including any yellow-fever certificate depending on your itinerary.
Common mistakes
Common errors are a non-compliant photo, a mistyped passport number, or applying too late. Make sure the details match the passport exactly before paying and confirming.
Official sources
- Republic of Kenya — official Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) portal
- Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services
- South Africa — Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
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
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Kenya from South Africa?▾
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
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