Kenya
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Kenya
You · American passport
Up to 90 days per visit
Get the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you travel.
etakenya.go.ke · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Set at the border
It needs Carnet de Passages plus KRA Foreign Vehicle Permit (applied on eCitizen) before you cross.
kra.go.ke · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 200 days out
Import permit (valid 90 days), microchip, rabies vaccination (official text: primary at least 6 months before) and a certificate dated within 48 hours. See the steps
chinaafricasps.org · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Kenya.
We'll email you if Kenya's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Kenya.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Have a vet implant an ISO microchip and record the number on every document.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination
Vaccinate against rabies with an inactivated vaccine after the microchip is in place.
- At least 6 months after the rabies shot
Wait 6 months after rabies vaccination
Entry is only allowed once at least 6 months have passed since the rabies vaccination.
- On or after the rabies shot
Rabies shot not older than 12 months at entry
The rabies vaccination must have been given no more than 12 months before entry; re-vaccinate if it will be older.
- On or after the health certificate
Government endorsement of the certificate
Have the health certificate endorsed/stamped by the government veterinary authority of the country you leave from.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 90 days before you arrive
Veterinary import permit
Apply for an import permit from the Director of Veterinary Services, Kabete, Nairobi before travel; carry the original with the pet.
- Within 48 hours before you arrive
Vet exam within 48 hours of departure
A vet must examine the pet and find it healthy (no signs of contagious disease or external parasites) within 48 hours before travel.
- Within 2 days before you arrive
Official health certificate
Get the destination's health certificate signed by an official (government-authorised) vet; it is valid for 2 days.
chinaafricasps.org · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Kenya
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | etakenya.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | etakenya.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | etakenya.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | etakenya.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | etakenya.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | etakenya.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | etakenya.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | etakenya.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Kenya
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Set at the border | kra.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Set at the border | kra.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Set at the border | kra.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Set at the border | kra.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Set at the border | kra.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Set at the border | kra.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Set at the border | kra.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Set at the border | kra.go.ke · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Kenya leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
