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Kenya Visa for Zambia Citizens 2026

Visa Free

Zambian passport holders can enter Kenya visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, but must still register for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before departure - a low-cost pre-arrival formality, not a visa.

Guide last updated September 27, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
  • Completed Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application at the eTA Kenya portal (linked from ecitizen.go.ke) before departure
  • A digital passport photo and scanned bio-data page for the ETA application
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation in Kenya
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate, since Zambia is a yellow-fever-risk country
  • No physical biometrics required in advance; a facial photo and fingerprints may be captured on arrival

Visa types

  • Not applicable in the traditional sense - Zambian nationals enter under the visa-free arrangement for African Union member states
  • The only formal requirement is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which functions as a pre-clearance rather than a visa
  • Business and study stays beyond 90 days still require a formal Kenyan visa or permit obtained through the Department of Immigration Services

Entry conditions

  • Stay permitted: up to 90 days per visit for tourism, business meetings, or family visits
  • Work is not permitted under this visa-free entry; a work permit is required for any employment
  • On arrival, present the ETA approval (printed or on a phone), passport, yellow fever certificate, and return ticket to immigration
  • Extensions beyond 90 days must be requested from the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi before the initial period expires

Fees & processing time

  • ETA application fee: approximately 30-34 USD, paid online by card
  • No embassy or VFS fee, since the process is entirely online through eCitizen/eTA Kenya
  • Standard ETA processing: within 3 business days, often issued within hours
  • No express option is needed given the short standard turnaround
  • Total cost: about 30-34 USD per traveler

Tips for Zambia travelers

  • Apply for the ETA at least a few days before departure, even though approval is usually fast, to avoid last-minute issues
  • Make sure the yellow fever certificate is valid (issued at least 10 days before travel) since this is checked closely for travelers from Zambia
  • Common issues arise from mismatched passport details between the ETA application and the physical passport - double-check spelling and passport number
  • Kenya shares travel corridors with East African Community neighbors, so onward travel to Uganda or Rwanda may have separate requirements
  • Keep a copy of the ETA approval offline in case of connectivity issues at the airport

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.