Kenya replaced its visa system with an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) in January 2024, and in 2025 it widened the exemptions so that most African nationals no longer need the eTA at all. Nigerians are covered. This guide explains what changed, how long Nigerians may stay, what to carry, and how to plan a trip for tourism, study or business.
What Changed
Under Kenya’s Legal Notice No. 93 of 2025, all African nationals except those from Somalia and Libya are exempt from the eTA. Citizens of several Caribbean and Pacific countries are also exempt. The notice sets different maximum stays by nationality, and the length for Nigerians is shorter than for some others.
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| Nationality group | eTA needed? | Maximum stay |
|---|---|---|
| East African Community member states | No | Up to 180 days |
| Most other African nationals (for example South Africa, Ghana, Namibia) | No | Up to 90 days |
| Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal and some others | No | Up to 60 days |
| Somalia and Libya | Yes | Per eTA |
Transit passengers, crew and certain permit holders are exempt regardless of nationality.
What This Means for Nigerians
- You do not need to apply for a visa or an eTA before travelling to Kenya for a short visit.
- Your stay is limited to 60 days. If you want to stay longer, or to work or study, you need the correct permit or pass for that purpose.
- Visa-free entry is not a right to work. Paid work needs a work permit, and long study needs a student pass.
- Border officers still check your documents at arrival.
What to Carry
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Passport valid for at least six months | Standard requirement for most airlines and borders |
| Return or onward ticket | Proves you will leave within your allowed stay |
| Accommodation booking or host details | Officers may ask where you are staying |
| Proof of funds | Shows you can pay for the trip |
| Yellow fever certificate | Often asked of travellers arriving from or passing through countries with yellow fever risk, which can include Nigeria; confirm the current health rules before you fly |
| Travel insurance | Covers medical care and cancellations |
Planning by Purpose
Tourism
Sixty days is plenty for a first trip. A common plan combines Nairobi, a safari in the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, and the coast around Mombasa. Book park fees and lodges directly or through a licensed operator, and ask about conservation fees, which are charged on top of lodging.
Study
Kenya has well-known universities, including the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University and Strathmore University. Visa-free entry covers a visit, not a degree. Apply to the university first, then ask the university and Kenya’s immigration department which student pass you need before you travel. Do not plan to enter as a visitor and convert later without confirming that this is allowed.
Business
Attending meetings, trade shows and site visits is generally fine on a short visit. Anything that involves being paid in Kenya, running an operation or taking up employment needs the right work authorisation. Nairobi’s technology and finance sectors attract many visitors, so book accommodation in advance for major events.
Worked Example: A 14-Day Trip
| Days | Plan (hypothetical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Nairobi: city, museums, meetings | Keep your return ticket handy at arrival |
| 4 to 7 | Safari in the Maasai Mara | Pay park fees as advised by your operator |
| 8 to 11 | Coast near Mombasa | Domestic flight or train |
| 12 to 14 | Return to Nairobi and fly home | Well inside the 60-day limit |
When to Go
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January to February | Warm and mostly dry; good for the coast and for game viewing |
| March to May | The long rains; fewer visitors, some lodges and roads affected |
| June to October | Mostly dry; the main safari season, with the wildebeest migration usually in the Maasai Mara from around July to October |
| November to December | The short rains; green landscapes and festive-season demand |
Peak months fill up first, so book lodges and domestic flights early if you want those dates. Weather varies by region, so check the area you plan to visit.
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Common Mistakes at the Border
- No onward ticket. A one-way ticket can lead to questions at check-in and on arrival.
- Misreading the exemption. No eTA does not mean no rules. You still need a valid passport and a clear purpose.
- Planning long stays on a visitor entry. Study, work and business operations need their own permission.
- Using unofficial websites. There is no eTA to buy for Nigerians. If a site asks you to pay for a Kenya “visa” or “eTA”, check the Kenyan government’s own portal first.
- Forgetting health paperwork. Confirm vaccination rules for your route well before you fly.
Two Cautions
- Entry rules can be amended by notice. Check Kenya’s official immigration site shortly before you travel.
- Your airline may check documents at departure. Ask it which paperwork it needs to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nigerians need a visa for Kenya?
No. Nigerians are exempt from both a visa and the eTA for short visits, for up to 60 days under the 2025 notice.
Can I extend my stay beyond 60 days?
Ask Kenya’s immigration department about extensions before your 60 days end. Do not overstay.
Can I work or study on this entry?
No. Short-visit entry does not give permission to work or study. You need the appropriate permit or pass.
Does Kenya apply to other Africans in the same way?
Most African nationals are exempt, but stay limits differ by nationality. Somalia and Libya are the exceptions.
Do I still need a return ticket?
Carry one. Airlines and border officers commonly ask for proof of onward travel.
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