Good news for Nigerian travellers: you no longer need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to visit Kenya for a short stay. Kenya changed its rules in 2025, and Nigerians can now enter for up to 60 days without applying in advance or paying the old $30 eTA fee.
That does not mean you can just show up with a passport, though. This guide explains the current Kenya entry requirements for Nigerians, the documents immigration officers may ask for at the airport, and what to do if you want to stay longer, work or study.
What changed: Under Kenya’s Legal Notice No. 93 of 30 May 2025, nationals of most African countries — including Nigeria — are exempt from the eTA. Nigerians fall in the group allowed to stay for up to 60 days. Libya and Somalia are the only African countries excluded from the exemption.
Kenya entry requirements for Nigerians at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa or eTA | Not required for visits of up to 60 days |
| Entry fee | None |
| Passport | Valid for at least six months, with a blank page |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required — Nigeria is a yellow fever risk country |
| Return or onward ticket | Strongly recommended |
| Accommodation details | Hotel booking or host’s address |
| Proof of funds | Bank statement, cards or cash for your stay |
Documents to carry when you travel
1. A valid Nigerian passport
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Damaged passports can cause problems at boarding and immigration, so renew early if yours is worn.
2. Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from travellers coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, and Nigeria is one of them. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel and carry your certificate — Nigeria’s official e-Yellow Card is issued through Port Health Services.
Airlines may refuse boarding if you cannot show a valid certificate.
3. Return or onward ticket
Immigration officers can ask how and when you plan to leave Kenya. A confirmed return ticket, or an onward ticket to another country, is the easiest proof.
4. Where you will stay
Have your hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation or your host’s full name, address and phone number ready. If you are staying with family or friends, a short invitation letter helps.
5. Proof that you can support yourself
Carry a recent bank statement, debit or credit cards, or enough cash for your stay. There is no fixed amount published, but you should be able to show you can cover your accommodation, food and transport.
What happens at the airport in Nairobi
- Present your passport and yellow fever certificate when asked.
- Answer basic questions about the purpose and length of your trip.
- The immigration officer stamps your passport with the number of days you are allowed to stay.
- Check the stamp before leaving the counter. The date on it, not general rules, decides how long you can legally remain.
Entry is always at the discretion of the immigration officer, so travel with your documents organised and be honest about your plans.
Customs rules to know
- Plastic bags: Kenya bans single-use plastic carrier bags. Avoid packing items in them, especially duty-free shopping bags.
- Cash: Large sums of money above the legal threshold (around USD 10,000 or its equivalent) must be declared on arrival.
- Restricted items: Do not carry drugs, counterfeit goods or wildlife products such as ivory.
Staying longer than 60 days
If you want to stay beyond the period stamped in your passport, apply for an extension through Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services before your permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention or deportation and can affect future visits.
Working, studying or living in Kenya
The eTA exemption covers short visits such as tourism, business meetings and visiting family. It does not allow you to work or study. For these, you need the right pass or permit — such as a work permit or student pass — issued through Kenya’s official immigration channels.
Travelling onwards in East Africa
The East African Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, but it is designed for visitors who need visas. Nigerians should check the entry rules for each country separately — for example, Rwanda and Uganda have their own policies for African visitors.
Tips for a smooth trip
- Print copies of your ticket, hotel booking and yellow fever certificate.
- Keep your accommodation address saved offline on your phone.
- Get a local SIM card at the airport for maps and ride-hailing apps.
- Carry some US dollars in clean, recent notes for emergencies.
- Check the latest rules with your airline a few days before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Do Nigerians need a visa for Kenya?
No. Since Kenya’s 2025 rule change, Nigerians do not need a visa or eTA for stays of up to 60 days.
Do Nigerians still pay the $30 eTA fee?
No. The eTA requirement — and its fee — no longer applies to Nigerian visitors staying up to 60 days.
Is a yellow fever card required to enter Kenya from Nigeria?
Yes. Travellers from Nigeria must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
How long can a Nigerian stay in Kenya?
Up to 60 days per visit. The immigration officer stamps the permitted period in your passport, so check it on arrival.
Can I work in Kenya after entering visa-free?
No. Visa-free entry is for visits only. You need a work permit to take up employment.
Final word
Visiting Kenya is now simpler than ever for Nigerians: no visa, no eTA and no entry fee for visits up to 60 days. Just make sure you carry a valid passport, your yellow fever certificate, proof of accommodation and a return ticket.
Planning your budget? Read how much it costs to travel to Kenya from Nigeria and our list of visa-free countries for Nigerians.
Last checked: October 2026. Sources: Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr summary of Kenya Legal Notice No. 93 of 2025 and Kenyans.co.ke. Entry rules can change, so confirm with your airline or Kenya’s immigration authorities before travelling.
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