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🇺🇸 Does an American need a visa for Kenya 🇰🇪?

What this means for your trip

An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.

It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Kenya at a glance

Capital: Nairobi · Currency: Kenyan shilling (KES, Sh) · Official languages: English, Swahili · Calling code: +254

U.S. State Department travel advisory for Kenya: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 28 July 2026). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: Kenya uses plug types G, the United States uses A, B. Mains voltage differs (Kenya: 240 V; the United States: 120 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering Kenya →

Your embassy in Kenya

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Kenya, contact the embassy of the United States:

• Embassy of the United States, Nairobi · ke.usembassy.gov

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near Kenya for American passport holders

• 🇲🇼 Malawi — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇲🇺 Mauritius — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇸🇨 Seychelles — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇿🇲 Zambia — Visa-free 90 days

The other way round

🇰🇪 Kenyan passport holders visiting the United States: Kenyan passport holders need a visa for the United States, applied for at an embassy or consulate of the United States before travelling.

The American passport at a glance

All destinations for United States passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Kenya →

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