Visa - Nairobi Connecting Flight
 

Hey everyone, I have received mixed comments on this, so I thought I would put it out there. I am traveling to Tanzania for safari. On my return flight only, I have a connecting flight at NBO. Do I need a Kenya transit visa if I am only passing through Nairobi airport? Any response would be much appreciated.

Andrew

Another couple we met on safari told us if you are just connecting and not leaving the airport, you do not need a visa. But even if you get there and they tell you that you have to have one, it would only be a transit visa which costs $20 (USD).

If it's on the same airline and you trust them to appropriately forward your luggage, I would not suggest getting a transit Visa - just get in the long line for transfers that is behind Gate 6 or whatever.

If you want to make sure to pick up your bags and re-check, go ahead and get the transit Visa (the line is actually much shorter than the transfer line behind Gate 6), pick up your bags, and then check in for your next flight.

If the $20 is more or less insignificant and you have the time (long layover), I would suggest going this route.

If you have several hours between flights, it would be worth it to pay the transit visa and go to the Panari Hotel near the airport to relax a bit and get something to eat. The facilities at NBO are fairly basic and not a great place to spend several hours.

Great. This information is extremely helpful. Thanks!!