Passport strength matters more than ever in 2026. It decides how far you can travel without delays, extra paperwork, or costly visa fees. For Kenyans, a stronger passport means easier access to more countries, whether you’re planning a quick getaway or visiting family and friends.
Global passport rankings are based on the number of countries Kenya passport holders visa-free, or with a visa on arrival, or via eVisa. The more travel options a passport offers, the higher it ranks. So, where does the Kenyan passport stand in 2026? Let’s break it down.
Kenya Passport Ranking in 2026
The Kenyan passport is ranked 68th globally in 2026, according to the Visa Index. This places it in the mid-to-lower range for travel freedom.
Kenyan citizens can travel to about 68 destinations without needing a visa in advance. But for 161 countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, all EU member states, and Japan, a visa is still required before departure.
Within East Africa, Kenya’s passport ranks among the strongest. It is on par with Tanzania and ranks higher than those of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. While it doesn’t match the reach of African leaders like Seychelles, Mauritius, or South Africa, it still offers stronger access than most other African nations.
This ranking reflects both progress and limits. It shows improved regional standing, but also highlights the travel barriers Kenyans still face when planning trips to many parts of the world.
Visa-Free Destinations for Kenyan Citizens in 2026
As mentioned earlier, Kenyan passport holders can travel to 68 destinations without needing a visa in advance. That includes:
- 41 countries with full visa-free access
- 25 countries offering a visa on arrival
- 2 countries only require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Here’s a regional breakdown of where Kenyans can travel freely without a visa.
| Antigua and Barbuda | Bahamas | Barbados | Benin |
| Botswana | British Virgin Islands | Burundi | Cayman Islands |
| Cook Islands | Cuba | Dominica | Eritrea |
| Eswatini | Ethiopia | Fiji | Gambia |
| Ghana | Grenada | Haiti | Hong Kong |
| Jamaica | Kiribati | Lesotho | Malawi |
| Malaysia | Mauritius | Miconesia | Montserrat |
| Namibia | Philippines | Rwanda | Singapore |
| South Africa | South Sudan | St. Vincent and the Grenadines | Tanzania |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Uganda | Vanuatu | Zambia |
| Zimbabwe |
Countries Offering Visa-on-Arrival to Kenyans in 2026
In addition to visa-free countries, Kenyan passport holders can access 25 more destinations in 2026 using a visa-on-arrival (VOA) system.
This means Kenyan passport holders don’t need to apply in advance at an embassy; you simply fill out a form and pay a small fee when you land or cross the border. It’s almost as convenient as visa-free access, and in many cases, it’s processed within minutes.
Here’s a breakdown of where Kenyans can get a visa on arrival.
| Cambodia | Cape Verde | Comoros | Congo (Dem. Rep.) |
| Djibouti | Guinea-Bissau | Indonesia | Jordan |
| Laos | Macao | Madagascar | Maldives |
| Mali | Mozambique | Nepal | Niue |
| Palau | Saint Lucia | Samoa | Senegal |
| Seychelles | Sierra Leone | Sudan | Timor-Leste |
| Tuvalu |
Countries Requiring an eTA for Kenyan Travelers
Alongside visa-free and visa-on-arrival options, Kenyan passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit 2 countries in 2026.
An eTA is not a traditional visa. It’s a digital travel clearance linked to your passport, often required for short visits. You apply online before travel, and approval usually comes within a few hours or days. It’s a quick pre-screening system used by certain countries in place of full visa processing.
Here are the two countries that require Kenyan citizens to apply for an eTA in 2026:
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Sri Lanka |
Countries Requiring an Online or Traditional Visa
In 2026, 46 countries require Kenyan citizens to apply for an electronic visa, or eVisa. This type of visa is submitted through an online portal rather than at an embassy. Once approved, travelers receive an online confirmation that is either printed or automatically linked to the passport. According to the Guide Passport Index, these visa access categories are used to assess how passports are ranked globally based on travel freedom.
The eVisa system has become more common as countries move toward faster, paperless screening processes. For Kenyan travelers, applying for eVisas is now standard when visiting parts of Asia and the Middle East.
Countries that require Kenyans to get an eVisa include Australia, Bahrain, India, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
Despite these advances, roughly 115 countries still require a traditional visa before travel. This means Kenyan citizens must go through embassy procedures to apply.
These visas often involve submitting forms, financial documents, and travel details. In many cases, an in-person interview or biometric screening is also required. The process can take several weeks or even months, especially for destinations with high demand or limited appointment slots.
As of 2026, Kenyan travelers must secure traditional visas for countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, all European Union and Schengen states, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, and China.
Will Kenya’s Passport Ranking Improve in the Coming Years?
There are solid reasons to expect Kenya’s passport ranking to improve in the coming years, even if progress remains gradual. One major driver is Kenya’s push for bilateral visa waivers and regional travel agreements.
Recent arrangements with Senegal and Benin show this strategy is active. If other major African countries choose to reciprocate Kenya’s open travel policies, the total number of visa‑free destinations for Kenyan citizens would rise. Each additional visa‑free country adds directly to Kenya’s passport score.
However, challenges remain. Visa policy shifts are often slow, and some regions, such as North America and Europe, are unlikely to ease entry rules for Kenya anytime soon. Even so, the overall direction is positive.
Overall, Kenya is gaining ground. Continued diplomatic efforts and stronger regional ties are helping the Kenyan passport open more doors. Travel is becoming more accessible, and that upward momentum is likely to continue. For Kenyan citizens, the world is slowly but surely getting easier to explore.
Visa rules can change without much notice, so travelers should always confirm the latest requirements before booking international trips.
