Kenya at a glance
| Entry | eTA · Apply online before travel |
|---|---|
| Retiree route | Class K permit · Pension or income |
| Advisory | Level 3 · Reconsider travel |
| Time zone | UTC+3 · Currency: Kenyan shilling |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 1,500–2,200 a month for an expat lifestyle with security. |
| Money · language · time | Kenyan shilling (KES) · English and Swahili · UTC+3 |
Entering Kenya
U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel, for stays of up to 90 days. Apply only at etakenya.go.ke. Third-party sites charge extra. The government fee has been about USD 30; confirm on the official portal.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- Class K residence permit for retirees and people with independent income who won't work. Apply through the Department of Immigration's eCitizen portal with proof of steady income. Confirm the current income threshold with Kenyan immigration or the consulate.
- Dependant passes for spouses of Kenyan citizens or residents.
VA care and benefits in Kenya
No VA medical facility. FMP reimbursement. VA doesn't list an FMP toll-free number for Kenya. Check SSA's Service Around the World page for the Federal Benefits Unit that serves Kenya.
Vets in Kenya are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
Good private hospitals in Nairobi (Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Hospital) and Mombasa. Care outside big cities is limited. Carry insurance with medical evacuation.
Where veterans live
- Nairobi (Karen, Westlands): Capital, embassy, mild climate.
- Mombasa / Diani: Indian Ocean coast.
- Nanyuki: Near Mount Kenya, quiet, popular with retirees.
- Naivasha: Lakeside, near Nairobi.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 1,500–2,200 a month for an expat lifestyle with security. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
Foreigners can't own freehold land. They can hold leases of up to 99 years and buy apartments on leasehold.
Watch out for
State Department advisory: Level 3, reconsider travel (October 2026), with health risks listed. Some areas, including parts of Nairobi and several border and coastal counties, are Level 4. Crime, road safety and scams. Read the full advisory.
Veteran organizations
None confirmed. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
Do Americans need a visa for Kenya?
You need an eTA, approved online before you fly. Use only the official etakenya.go.ke site.
Can I retire in Kenya?
Yes, through a Class K residence permit for people with steady pension or independent income. Confirm the income rule with Kenyan immigration.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
