As you may know, I worked as an overland tour leader in Africa for many years. For this reason, I am often asked about planning trips to Africa and specifics such as how to get an evisa for Kenya. I also know that Nairobi Airport can be a daunting place for first timers to Africa.

Now:

Where can you get a taxi from Nairobi Airport to the city centre? How do you get an eVisa for Kenya?

I hope to answer this for you in the following post.

Getting an eVisa for Kenya

Firstly, I would like to answer a few common questions that people ask me about arrivals and the eVisa for Kenya:

Do Tourists need a Visa for Kenya?

Do tourists need a visa for Kenya? Yes. Can you get a tourist visa on arrival in Nairobi? *Sometimes.

*I’m not actually sure anymore. On my most recent visit, I did not have an eVisa for Kenya. Immigration seemed little fussed by me not having one and promptly organized for my visa on arrival.

But wait…

The rules change every year and all the time in Africa so it’s definitely best to get an eVisa for Kenya. Needless to say, this will remove any doubts and allow you to waltz through immigration.

Where to Apply for an eVisa for Kenya?

Check out this site. As you will see, you need to fill out some basic info, make payment and then download your eVisa for Kenya.

Arriving in Nairobi Airport

Nairobi Airport is an important hub for international flights arriving in Africa. However, the airport is quite small and has very little facilities. When you disembark the plane, a shuttle bus will take you to arrivals and from here, you have a short walk to a small immigration hall.

When you first arrive inside the building, you will often find that an official will direct you to the relevant counter.

You will need to fill out an arrival form with personal details and the address of where you intend to stay. Finally, you will pass through passport control and receive a stamp for arrival in Kenya.

Having got your bags, turn left and you see a currency exchange at the end of the hall. You can change money here and proceed to the taxi desk.

Note: There is also an option of getting an East Africa Visa. This is useful for anyone who might also be travelling through Uganda and Tanzania. The officials are usually friendly, so long as you are too, you can ask about purchasing this visa.

Taking a Taxi from Nairobi Airport to the City Centre

Taking a taxi from Nairobi Airport to the city centre is straight forward.

But the taxi desk at the airport are quite pushy and trust me, they will say anything to get your business. For example, they insisted the driver knew the location of my guesthouse in Nairobi but I ended up needing to show him the way. Also, there are many taxis outside the airport but they charge a very large fee.

Anyway, rather waiting until you get there, I recommend organizing a taxi pick-up through your accommodation or tour company. These guys are usually on time, friendly and can help to settle any nerves.

Taxi from Nairobi Airport to City Centre – Approx $20

Taxi from Nairobi Airport to Karen – Approx $25

Failing that, drop me a message and I can up you in touch with a friend of mine who is also a reliable taxi driver in Nairobi.

His name is Smiley.