Do South African citizens need a visa for Kenya?
The official link goes to etakenya.go.ke. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
Kenya entry rules for South African citizens.
| Verdict | Visa-free |
|---|---|
| Document | None (eTA-exempt) |
| Stay | Up to 90 days |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for a South African passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: Kenya entry requirements.
The details for a South African passport.
eTA-exempt for up to 90 days (Amendment Rules, 2025). The eCitizen insurance page describes the insurance as tied to the eTA for non-African travellers, so African eTA-exempt visitors are likely outside it, but this is not explicit.
How long it must be valid.
At least 6 months' validity from the date of arrival.
Recent changes in Kenya.
- 2025 — Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025 exempted EAC citizens (180 days), many African and Caribbean nationals plus Brunei, Cyprus, Malaysia, Maldives, San Marino, Singapore and Pacific states (90 days) and another group of African nationals incl. Nigeria (60 days) from the eTA.
- 2026-05-17 — Ebola health screening for arrivals from Uganda, Ethiopia, DRC and neighbouring countries after WHO declared a PHEIC.
- 2026-07 — Gazette Notice No. 11492 created mandatory inbound travel health insurance for visitors.
The short answers.
Do South African citizens need a visa for Kenya?
No. South African citizens don’t need a visa for Kenya for stays of up to 90 days.
How long can South African citizens stay in Kenya?
Up to 90 days. Longer stays need a different visa.
Where do South African citizens apply?
On the official site, etakenya.go.ke. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue Kenya visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.