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Do Kenyan citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Kenya 
South Africa Kenya passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
No visa needed
- Entry requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Apply before travel
- No
- Last updated
- February 2026
What Kenya passport holders need to do
- Check your passport validity. Many countries ask for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Be ready to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and proof of funds at the border.
- Leave before the permitted stay ends. Working or studying usually needs a different visa.
Kenya is one of 86 passports in the “visa-free” group for South Africa. See the full South Africa visa requirements for every passport.
Other easy destinations in Africa for Kenya passport holders
South Africa is one of 39 destinations in the “visa-free” group for the Kenya passport, which ranks #59 worldwide with a mobility score of 70. Of 53 destinations in Africa, 35 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.
| Destination | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
 Benin | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Botswana | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Burundi | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Eritrea | Visa-free | – |
 Eswatini | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Ethiopia | Visa-free | 360 days |
 Gambia | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Ghana | Visa-free | 60 days |
 Lesotho | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Malawi | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Mauritius | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Namibia | Visa-free | 90 days |
Frequently asked questions
Do Kenyan citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Kenya passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
How long can Kenya passport holders stay in South Africa?
Up to 90 days without a visa.
Do South Africa citizens need a visa for Kenya?
South Africa passport holders do not need a traditional visa for Kenya, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online before departure.
South Africa visa requirements for other passports
Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of South Africa before you book.