First Time in Kenya? What International Visitors Should Expect at the Airport
Arriving in Kenya for the first time can be exciting, especially when you are travelling for a safari, business, a beach holiday or to visit friends and family. For international visitors, understanding what happens at the airport can make those first few hours much easier—and more enjoyable.
Before you fly: check your travel authorisation
For most foreign visitors, Kenya requires an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel. The official Directorate of Immigration Services recommends applying in advance, and travellers should have a passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank page. You may also need your accommodation and travel details during the application.
Keep your approved eTA accessible on your phone, and it is sensible to carry a saved or printed copy as a backup.
What happens after landing?
At your arrival airport, follow the signs towards immigration. Have your passport and travel documents ready. Immigration officers will verify your documents and determine your admission to Kenya. Remember that an approved eTA allows you to travel to Kenya; final admission is determined at the point of entry.
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the designated baggage carousel. Take your time to check that your bags and luggage tags are yours before leaving the baggage area.
Be prepared for customs
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) manages customs clearance for arriving passengers. Depending on what you are carrying, you may need to make a customs declaration. KRA provides a Passenger Declaration Form (F88), and passengers carrying dutiable or restricted goods should use the appropriate customs channel.
If you are unsure whether something needs to be declared, ask a customs officer rather than guessing. Currency of USD 10,000 or more, or its equivalent, must be declared on arrival.
First-time visitors to Kenya should prepare their approved eTA, passport and travel documents before flying. At the airport, travellers pass through immigration, collect their luggage and complete customs procedures where necessary. Visitors should understand declaration requirements and keep important documents accessible. Beyond these formalities, a warm cultural welcome featuring Kenyan music and traditional dance can make arrival more memorable.
Then comes your Kenyan welcome
Once you have cleared the formalities, the atmosphere changes. This is where your Kenyan experience can truly begin.
Instead of simply looking for a vehicle outside the terminal, consider arranging a planned airport welcome. A warm greeting, traditional Kenyan music, dance and friendly local hosts can turn an ordinary airport pickup into a memorable introduction to the country.
After a long international journey, that first “Karibu Kenya”—welcome to Kenya—can be more than a greeting. It can be your first genuine taste of Kenyan hospitality and culture.
Practical tip: Keep your passport, eTA, accommodation details, phone and important booking information easily accessible until you have completed immigration and customs.
Your journey in Kenya starts the moment you arrive. Why not make the welcome part of the experience?
Book Your Welcome • Airport Receptions • Culture • Kenya