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Kenya Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa Free

South African citizens can enter Kenya without a traditional visa for stays of up to 90 days, but must register for Kenya's mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online at ecitizen.go.ke before departure; ETA fee around USD 34, approval usually within 72 hours.

Guide last updated October 22, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
  • Digital passport photo and scanned passport bio page for the online ETA registration
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation for the length of stay
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or card statement)
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or having transited a yellow fever risk country
  • No visa sticker is required, but the ETA registration is mandatory before boarding your flight to Kenya

Visa types

  • No traditional visa category applies for visits up to 90 days - entry is visa-free for tourism, business meetings, and family visits
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): mandatory pre-arrival registration (not classified as a visa) covering the same 90-day visa-free stay
  • Work permits, arranged separately and in advance through Kenyan immigration, are required for anyone taking up paid employment

Entry conditions

  • South African citizens may stay in Kenya for up to 90 days per visit without needing a visa
  • All travelers must complete the ETA registration online before departure, regardless of the visa-free status - this is checked at check-in and on arrival
  • Entry is for tourism, family visits, and short business meetings - not for taking up employment
  • No work is permitted under the visa-free/ETA entry
  • Extensions beyond 90 days can be requested from the Department of Immigration Services inside Kenya before the authorized period expires

Fees & processing time

  • No visa fee applies since entry itself is visa-free
  • ETA registration fee: approximately USD 34, paid online via the eCitizen portal
  • Total cost estimate: approximately USD 34-40 including minor processing charges
  • Standard ETA processing time: typically within 72 hours, though it can be approved within a few hours
  • No separate express option; applicants are advised to register at least 3-5 days before travel

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Register for the ETA as soon as your flight is booked - airlines may deny boarding without a valid ETA confirmation
  • Common delay reasons: unclear passport scans, mismatched passenger details, and incomplete travel information on the eCitizen form
  • Carry both a printed and digital copy of your ETA approval, as well as your yellow fever certificate if applicable
  • The ETA is sometimes referred to informally as a 'visa' by travel agents, but it is officially a travel authorization, not a visa sticker
  • Extensions of stay should be requested at an immigration office in Nairobi or Mombasa well before the 90-day period lapses

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.