How do I get to Kenya from the Philippines?
Traveling from the Philippines to Kenya is a rewarding journey, connecting the vibrant culture of Southeast Asia with the wild beauty of East Africa
Although there are no direct flights that link the two countries, it is still quite easy to get to Kenya from the Philippines via the connecting flights of major international airlines.
1. Flight Routes from the Philippines to Kenya
Flights from Manila (MNL) to Nairobi (NBO), which is the capital city of Kenya and the place where most international flights arrive, are not operated directly. At least one or two stopovers via major transit hubs in Asia or the Middle East are necessary for the passengers. The following are the most popular and easiest route options:
- Via the Middle East:
- Emirates Airlines (through Dubai, UAE)
- Qatar Airways (through Doha, Qatar)
- Etihad Airways (through Abu Dhabi, UAE)
These routes are generally the fastest and most convenient, with a travel time including layovers of between 14 and 18 hours; though total travel time may vary depending on layovers
- Via East Asia:
- Travelers may transit via Singapore, but onward flights to Kenya are operated by partner airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines or Qatar Airways, as Singapore Airlines does not fly directly to Kenya
- Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong and connecting partners)
- Ethiopian Airlines – Manila → Hong Kong → Addis Ababa → Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located in Nairobi, the largest city in Kenya, is the main point of entry for international travelers and thus receives most flights.
2. Visa and Entry Requirements
Every Filipino traveler is required to acquire a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling.
The replacement of the eVisa system with Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in 2024 is a modernization of the Kenya travel authorization scheme that all travelers must get digitally before arriving in Kenya. Conventional tourist visas are no longer provided at the airport or via embassies, making the eTA the sole means of obtaining entry authorization.
Philippine passport holders have only a few online ETA requirements for Kenya to fulfill. The first thing you need to have is:
- A valid Philippine passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- One recent passport-size photo is needed.
- Details of your flights and accommodation must be provided.
- Proof of funds (such as a bank statement) may be requested in some cases, but it is not required for every applicant
The procedure is exclusively online and usually takes 2 to 3 working days for approval. After approval, an email will be sent to you with your eTA attached — either print it out or keep a digital copy and show it to the immigration officials when you arrive in Kenya.
3. Travel Tips for Filipino Visitors
- Health Requirements: Yellow fever is a risk in Kenya if travelers are coming from or transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is advised to vaccinate no later than 10 days before departure.
- Currency: The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). You can exchange money at the airport, in banks , or at authorized foreign exchange bureaus.
- Best Time to Visit: Prime months for travel are in the dry season from June to October, great for safaris at the Masai Mara or Amboseli National Park.
4. Summary
From the Philippines, fly a connecting flight to Nairobi through Middle Eastern or Asian hubs. You can fill out your Kenya eTA application online before you leave, get all of your travel documents ready, and make sure you’re up to date on all vaccinations. With a bit of planning, you’ll create the perfect getaway to East Africa with proper planning. Flights from Manila will connect you to the heart of East Africa — a true adventure for explorers
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