canivisit.com
Beta — verify with official sources⌘K
Home/from/cn/to/ke
🇨🇳CHINA
🏳KECN-KE

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit KE?

Chinese citizens need a Kenya eTA. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke. Chinese passport holders need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya. Kenya abolished its visa-on-arrival and traditional visa system effective 5 January 2024, replacing it with the universal eTA programme. The Kenya eTA costs USD 30 plus a USD 4 processing fee (total USD 34) for a single-entry 90-day stay. Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before travel — processing typically takes 1-3 days. Kenya is part of the East African Tourist Visa programme (covering Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda) at USD 100 if visiting multiple. Kenya Airways operates direct flights Nairobi (NBO) to Guangzhou; one-stop options via Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, or Istanbul. China-Kenya relations are anchored by Belt and Road investment including the Standard Gauge Railway. Main destinations: Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Mt Kenya, Diani Beach, Nairobi safari capital.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per entry
per entry
Entries
Single entry typically
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 30 + USD 4 processing = USD 34
consular fee only
Processing time
1-3 business days
standard track
Validity
3 months from issue
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Chinese passport valid 6+ months beyond intended departure with at least 2 blank pages.
· 6 months validity
/02
Apply at etakenya.go.ke
Complete the eTA application 3+ days before travel. Upload passport bio page and recent photo.
· online application
/03
Upload supporting documents
Passport scan, photo, return ticket, hotel booking. Yellow fever certificate if coming from endemic area.
· digital upload
/04
Pay eTA fee
USD 30 + USD 4 processing fee = USD 34 by credit/debit card.
· card payment
/05
Receive eTA approval
Approval typically within 1-3 days. Print PDF and carry on travel.
· 3 day processing
/06
Arrive in Kenya
Present printed eTA and passport at JKIA Nairobi or other entry. Biometrics on arrival.
· biometrics on arrival
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 8 complete
Chinese passport
Valid 6+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages
Approved eTA printout
Printed colour copy carried on travel
Digital photo
Recent, colour, white background, JPEG
Confirmed return/onward ticket
Within 90-day eTA validity
Hotel booking
First stay accommodation confirmation
Sufficient funds proof
Approximately USD 100/day or equivalent
Yellow fever certificate
Required if arriving from endemic country
Travel insurance
Highly recommended (Kenya medical costs)
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Kenya eTAUSD 30Single entry, 90 days, 3 months validity from issue
Processing feeUSD 4Mandatory online processing charge
East African Tourist VisaUSD 100Multi-entry covering Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda for 90 days
Express eTA processingUSD 50+Available for urgent travel; varies by provider
Overstay penaltyUSD 50/dayPlus possible detention and re-entry ban
Total estimateUSD 34 — USD 100incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Kenya eTA standard
1-3 business days
Via etakenya.go.ke - the only standard option since Jan 2024.
East African Tourist Visa
5-7 business days
For travellers also visiting Rwanda and/or Uganda.
Work permit
1-3 months
Requires Kenyan employer sponsorship.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Yellow fever certificate missing
Required if arriving from endemic countries (most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America).
Medium
/02
Photo doesn't meet requirements
White background, recent, clear face required.
Medium
/03
Incomplete application
Missing fields, unclear purpose, or vague itinerary can delay approval.
Medium
/04
Late application
eTA must be approved before boarding flight; apply at least 3-7 days ahead.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-27
China to Kenya route verified
Confirmed eTA system remains operational at USD 30+4 for Chinese citizens.
2024-01-05 · major
Kenya eTA system launched
Kenya replaces visa-on-arrival and traditional visas with universal eTA for all foreign visitors.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Kenya?—
Yes - Chinese passport holders need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) since 5 January 2024. Apply at etakenya.go.ke.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?+
How long does processing take?+
What about East African Tourist Visa?+
Do I need yellow fever vaccination?+
Are direct flights from China available?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

🇨🇳⇄
Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇨🇳◐
China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
See something wrong on this page?
Policies change. If something looks off, tell us — we review every report within 48 hours.