KENYA VOLUNTEER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?
Most visitors to Kenya need to obtain a visa including Europeans, Americans and national from Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the UK. Volunteers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Kenya. Visas are valid for three months from the date od entry and can be purchased upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
You can also get visa before you travel from Kenyan diplomatic missions overseas. You should apply well in advance, especially if you are doing it by mail. Click here to get the address of the Kenyan Embassy or Kenya High Commission in your country.
A single-entry Kenya visa costs USD 50 and multiple entry visa USD 100. Tourist visas can be extended for a further three month period. If you are planning on visiting just Kenya, a single-entry visa is all you need. If your travel plans include visiting Uganda or Tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or visit the Serengeti, then you will need a multiple-entry visa if you wish to re-enter Kenya again.
What is the Kenya currency?
The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. The shilling comprises 100cents. Coins are in denominations of 50c, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.
Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival.
The value of the shilling fluctuates. Check the value of the shilling with a currency converter just before you go. Do not change too much money at one time and use the banks not the money changers.