Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt): Overview for Nigerians ₦0
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 | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦673,620 (~$501 USD) |
| Health surcharge or insurance | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total upfront costs | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 5 November 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: On arrival — up to 60 days (Nigerians are exempt from the eTA)
- 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 ₦0 in upfront costs.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: On arrival — up to 60 days (Nigerians are exempt from the eTA).
Expert tip
Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt)
Nigerians are exempt from Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Nigeria is on the official list of African countries whose nationals can enter for up to 60 days without one (https://www.etakenya.go.ke/eligibility). You do not need to apply online or pay the eTA fee (the standard eTA costs $30 for nationals who do need one). 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. For stays beyond 60 days, you will 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 ₦445,512/month · Lagos–Nairobi flights from ~$500 · Nigerian community: Small-Growing
- Mombasa: 1-bedroom rent ₦262,536/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: 5.0/10. 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?
- Upfront costs for the Visa-Free Entry (eTA Exempt) come to ₦0 (about $0). 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 — up to 60 days (Nigerians are exempt from the eTA). 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 ₦673,620 ($501) 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 ₦673,620 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 5 November 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026