Can I board a plane to Kenya without a visa?

No, you cannot board a plane to Kenya without a visa unless you are from a country that is exempt from needing one. Kenya requires most travelers to obtain a visa before arrival. However, citizens from certain countries are exempt from this requirement. For example, citizens of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan do not need a visa to enter Kenya. Which means, they must apply for a visa before traveling to Kenya.

If you do need a visa, Kenya offers several options:

eVisa: This is the most common and convenient option which is an alternative for applying at the Embassy. You can apply online before your trip through the Kenya Immigration Services portal. The Kenya eVisa is typically issued within a few business days.
Visa on Arrival: Although this option used to be available, as of 2021, Kenya transitioned to an entirely electronic visa system. Therefore, obtaining a visa on arrival is no longer possible, and travelers must secure their visa before departure.

To apply for a visa, you will generally need a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry, a completed application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, and the visa fee. Additional documents, such as proof of accommodation and return flight tickets, may also be required.