Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt): Overview for Nigerians ₦69,685
The Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to Kenya. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦69,685 (~$51 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦685,874 (~$502 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦69,685 (~$51 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦69,685 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦69,685: Paid to the Kenya immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Proof of funds — ₦685,874: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: On arrival — 90-day stamp (eTA exemption for African nationals since July 2025)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦69,685 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: On arrival — 90-day stamp (eTA exemption for African nationals since July 2025).
Expert tip
Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt)
As of July 14, 2025, Kenya abolished the eTA requirement for all African Union nationals, including Nigerians. You no longer need to apply online or pay the $51 fee. Simply arrive at JKIA or any port of entry with a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), proof of accommodation, and a return or onward ticket — you will receive a 90-day stamp on arrival. This replaced the eTA system that was introduced in January 2024. For stays beyond 90 days, you will still need to apply for the appropriate permit (Digital Nomad, Work Permit, etc.).
Where Nigerians settle in Kenya
Once your Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) is approved, most Nigerians head to Nairobi or Mombasa. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Nairobi: 1-bedroom rent ₦585,737/month · Lagos–Nairobi flights from ~$500 · Nigerian community: Small-Growing
- Mombasa: 1-bedroom rent ₦233,197/month · Lagos–Mombasa flights from ~$550 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Nairobi
Nairobi is Africa's undisputed tech capital. A 1-bed apartment in good neighborhoods (Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington) costs $427–700/month, dropping to $200–350 in areas like South B, South C, or Langata. The city has excellent coworking infrastructure — iHub, Nairobi Garage, and Kofisi are world-class. Fiber internet (Safaricom Home, Zuku) runs 50–100Mbps for $30–50/month. M-Pesa mobile money is king — everything from rent to groceries can be paid via phone. A single person needs $1,000–1,500/month for comfortable living. The Nigerian community is small but growing, especially in tech and business circles. Nairobi traffic is legendary — live close to where you work or work remotely. Uber and Bolt are widely available. Safety varies by neighborhood — Westlands and Kilimani are safe; avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
1% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Kenya as their destination. Average Japa Score: 50/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦300K–₦1M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) cost for Nigerians moving to Kenya?
- Total government fees for the Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) are ₦69,685 (about $51). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) is On arrival — 90-day stamp (eTA exemption for African nationals since July 2025). Apply from the Kenya High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt)?
- You need to show ₦685,874 ($502) in savings for the Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt). This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦685,874 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Kenya.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-03