Kenya
About
| Kenya is regarded by many as the ‘jewel of East Africa', and has some of the continent's finest beaches, most magnificent wildlife and scenery, and an incredibly sophisticated tourism infrastructure. It is a startlingly beautiful land, from the coral reefs and white sand beaches of the coast to the summit of Mount Kenya, crowned with clouds and bejewelled by strange giant alpine plants. Feast on a delicious seafood dinner in Mombasa and watch the moon rise over the old harbour. Go sailing on a romantic dhow (traditional Arab sailing boat). Mombasa is great for shopping. Biashara Street is probably the best place to buy kikoi and khanga cloths. The main city market is the Makupa Market, off Mwembe Tayari. Souvenir shoppers should also head for Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Village, where disabled men and women produce high-quality leatherwork, jewellery and other crafts. The most popular resorts to the north of Mombasa include Bamburi, Kikambala, Kilifi, Malindi and Nyali. Along the south coast, the best and most famous beach is Diani Beach. |
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| Capital: | Nairobi (NBO) |
| Currency: | Kenyan Shilling (KES) |
| Language: | Kiswahili and English |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 254 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left (A drivers licence from a home country (and a translation if this is not in English) or an International Driving Permit is required). |
| Best Time to go: | Throughout the year. The equatorial weather is pleasant all year round . |
| Best For: | Safari, Rare Wildlife. |
| Plugs: | 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are UK-type square three-pin. |
| Drinking Water: | Bottled water is recommended. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa, but are limited in the rest of the country. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies if travelling on safari. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. Dress should be conservative when away from the resorts and beaches - coastal areas are predominantly Muslim. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | It is illegal to take photographs of official buildings and embassies. It is illegal to destroy Kenyan currency. Homosexuality is illegal. Smoking in public is illegal and subject to fines or imprisonment. Drug use and trafficking carry heavy prison sentences. If you wish to carry a firearm, permission from local authorities must be obtained. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. ATM's are widely available in the main towns and Nairobi. Credit cards and traveler's cheques are widely accepted. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Kenya by passengers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 250g of tobacco products. • 1L of spirits or 2L of wine. • 500ml of perfume and eau de toilette, of which not more than a quarter may be perfume. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited items include counterfeit money and goods, pornography, matches made using white phosphorus, narcotics, soaps and cosmetics containing mercury, and used tyres. Restricted items include animal traps, unwrought precious metals and stones, arms and ammunition, ivory, hippopotamus teeth, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, whalebone, antlers, coral, endangered species, and historic artefacts. |
Issuing Authorities
High Commission of the Republic of Kenya,
TAIFA House, 302 Brooks Street, Menlo Park 0081
Tel: 012 362 2249
Fax: 012 362 2252
E-mail: info@kenya.org.za / consular@kenya.org.za
Web: www.kenya.org.za
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 31; Apr 18, 21; May 1; Jun 1, 2; Oct 10, 20; Dec 12, 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 20; Apr 3, 6; May 1; Jun 1; Oct 10, 20; Dec 12, 25-26
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do not require a visa or ETA for stays of up to 90 days.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
If you do require an ETA, applications must be made online at: www.etakenya.go.ke
- Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page
- Selfie or passport-type photo
- Contact information, email address and phone number
- Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s) / letter from hosts
- Credit card, debit card or other means of payment
- Proof of available funds
- Business: Letter of invitation and copy of registration of company
Additional documents may be requested depending on purpose of visit.
For assistance / queries related to the ETA, please contact: etakenya@immigration.go.ke /+254 202 222 022
Visa Processing Time
3 working days, but may take longer
Visa Validity
Your eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and you must travel during this period. It is only required for entry into Kenya and can only be used once. There is no need to re-apply for an eTA if it expires whilst you are in Kenya.
Visa Cost
Free for SA passport holders
USD 30 for other passport holders
SA Representative
South African High Commission.
182 Runda Drive, Runda, Nairobi
Tel: +254 709 127000
E-mail: info@sahcnairobi.com
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/nairobi
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Cholera |
| Malaria Risk |
