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2026 visa changes — what's new2026 visa policy changes: what's different this year
🇲🇾Malaysia
🇰🇪KenyaMY-KE

Malaysia to Kenya visa requirements

Yes, a Malaysian ordinary passport holder needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Kenya. Kenya abolished traditional visas on 1 January 2024 but every visitor (including Malaysians) must obtain an approved eTA online before travel. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival channel. Since 1 January 2024 Kenya no longer issues tourist visas or visa-on-arrival; instead, all foreign visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure. Malaysian ordinary passport holders are not on Kenya's fee-waiver/exemption list, so they must complete the online eTA application, pay the fee, and receive approval before boarding their flight. The eTA is a single-entry authorization granting a stay of up to 90 days, and it is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance (you must enter Kenya within that window). The standard government fee is USD 30; with the mandatory online card-processing surcharge the total typically comes to about USD 32-34. Official processing is up to 3 working days, though Kenya recommends applying at least 7 days before travel. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival with a blank page. The Kenya High Commission in Malaysia and the Directorate of Immigration Services both confirm the eTA requirement. This eTA is an entry authorization, not a Schengen matter — Kenya is in East Africa and is not part of the Schengen area.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — required online before travel
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per entry
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 30 government fee (total approx. USD 32-34 with card processing surcharge)
consular fee only
Processing time
Up to 3 working days (apply at least 7 days before travel)
standard track
Validity
Valid 90 days from issuance; must enter Kenya within this period
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport validity
Ensure your Malaysian passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Kenya and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
· 6 months validity· 1 blank page
/02
Open the official eTA portal
Go to the official Kenya eTA website at etakenya.go.ke. Avoid third-party agents that charge extra service fees; only the government portal is authoritative.
· etakenya.go.ke· Official only
/03
Complete the online application
Select 'Apply for eTA', choose tourism/short visit as your purpose, and fill in your personal, passport, and travel details (flight and accommodation).
· Tourism purpose· ~15 minutes
/04
Upload documents
Upload a clear scan of your passport bio-data page and a recent passport-style photograph, plus proof of accommodation or return ticket if requested.
· Passport bio page· Photo
/05
Pay the eTA fee
Pay the USD 30 fee online by debit or credit card; the total billed is usually about USD 32-34 once the card processing charge is added. The fee is non-refundable.
· USD ~32-34· Non-refundable
/06
Receive approval and travel
Wait up to 3 working days for the approved eTA by email. Print or save it and present it (with your passport) at check-in and on arrival in Kenya.
· Email PDF· Present on arrival
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Malaysia -> Kenya · Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — required online before travel
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredMalaysian passport valid 6+ months on arrival
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least one blank passport page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved Kenya eTA (printed or digital)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent passport-style photograph (digital upload)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredScan of passport bio-data page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RecommendedConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedProof of accommodation (hotel booking / host details)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredCredit/debit card for online fee payment
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
ConditionalYellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from an endemic country)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RecommendedSufficient funds for the duration of stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Official Portal
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
eTA government feeUSD 30Standard Electronic Travel Authorization processing fee
Online card processing surchargeUSD 2-4Added by the payment gateway; total billed is typically USD 32-34
Expedited processing (optional)USD 100Optional faster review where offered; not required for standard travel
Total estimateUSD 32USD 34incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Expedited processing
Around 24 hours
Optional faster handling at a higher fee; useful for last-minute travel but not needed if you apply early.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Kenya abolished visas for an eTA in 2024
From 1 January 2024 Kenya replaced all tourist visas and visa-on-arrival with a universal Electronic Travel Authorization that every foreign visitor must obtain.
High
/02
Malaysia is not on the fee-waiver list
Kenya waives the eTA fee only for select (mostly African and a few partner) nationalities; Malaysia is not included, so the standard fee applies.
High
/03
eTA must be approved before boarding
Airlines will deny boarding without an approved eTA matching the passenger's passport details, so it cannot be obtained on arrival.
High
/04
Single-entry authorization
The standard eTA permits one entry; travelers planning to leave and re-enter Kenya need a new eTA or a multiple-entry option.
Medium
/05
Issuance-based validity window
The 90-day validity runs from the issue date, not arrival, so applying too early can cause it to expire before travel.
Medium
/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
2026-05-30 · major
Malaysia to Kenya route verified
Confirmed via the Kenya High Commission in Malaysia and the Directorate of Immigration Services that Malaysian ordinary passport holders require an eTA (single entry, 90-day stay, USD 30 government fee). Kenya's 2024 visa abolition and eTA system verified as current.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Malaysians need a visa for Kenya?
No traditional visa is needed, but Malaysian passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online and have it approved before travel. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost for Malaysians?+
How long can I stay in Kenya on an eTA?+
How long does the eTA take to process?+
When does the eTA validity start?+
Where should I apply for the Kenya eTA?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Malaysia passport

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