Mali
KenyaDo Mali citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Visa-free · 60 days
For an ordinary Mali passport visiting Kenya for tourism, business, or transit (short stay up to 30 days).
Reviewed and cross-checked· Last verified 8 August 2026
Short-stay rules at a glance
- Visa requirement
- Visa-free
- Max stay
- 60 days
- Entry type
- All ports of entry
- Passport validity
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Requirements
- Travel health insurance covering the full stay, mandatory for all non-Kenyans staying under 12 months — minimum cumulative benefit USD 50,000 (USD 20,000 medical expenses, USD 25,000 emergency medical transportation, USD 5,000 repatriation of mortal remains, USD 1,000 mental-illness treatment, USD 300 prescribed medicines), per Gazette Notice No. 11492 of 30 July 2026
- Notes
- African nationals (except LY, SO) — eTA exempt for 60 days. Travel health insurance mandate applies regardless of eTA exemption (Social Health Insurance Act s. 26(6)); insurance issued in the traveller's home country is accepted if it meets the minimum limits.
Special rules & exceptions
- Libya and Somalia explicitly excluded.
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Frequently asked questions
Do Mali citizens need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Based on GoMate's data verified against official and consular sources, the short-stay rule for an ordinary Mali passport entering Kenya is "Visa-free", for stays of up to 60 days. This covers short visits for tourism, business, or transit. Entry requirements can change, so always confirm with the Kenya embassy before traveling.
How long can Mali citizens stay in Kenya?
Under current regulations, Mali passport holders may stay in Kenya for up to 60 days per entry on a short-stay basis (tourism, business, or transit). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and may affect future visa applications, so plan to leave within the permitted period.
How do Mali citizens apply for a Kenya visa, step by step?
No advance application is required. Mali passport holders can travel to Kenya and present a valid passport at the border for short stays covering tourism, business, or transit. Be ready to provide: Travel health insurance covering the full stay, mandatory for all non-Kenyans staying under 12 months — minimum cumulative benefit USD 50,000 (USD 20,000 medical expenses, USD 25,000 emergency medical transportation, USD 5,000 repatriation of mortal remains, USD 1,000 mental-illness treatment, USD 300 prescribed medicines), per Gazette Notice No. 11492 of 30 July 2026. Always confirm the current requirements with the Kenya embassy before traveling.
What documents do Mali citizens need to enter Kenya?
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Additional requirements: Travel health insurance covering the full stay, mandatory for all non-Kenyans staying under 12 months — minimum cumulative benefit USD 50,000 (USD 20,000 medical expenses, USD 25,000 emergency medical transportation, USD 5,000 repatriation of mortal remains, USD 1,000 mental-illness treatment, USD 300 prescribed medicines), per Gazette Notice No. 11492 of 30 July 2026. Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, as these may be checked at the border.
Can Mali citizens work in Kenya on this entry?
No. Short-stay entry to Kenya is intended for tourism, business meetings, and transit — it does not permit paid employment. To work in Kenya, Mali citizens need a separate work visa or permit arranged in advance.
Can Mali citizens extend their stay in Kenya?
The 60 days short-stay limit is generally firm. Extensions are sometimes possible by applying to the Kenya immigration authorities before your permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and may affect future visa applications, so do not rely on it.
Is this Kenya visa rule for Mali citizens up to date?
This rule was last reviewed on 8 August 2026. Visa policies change frequently — always confirm the final requirements with the Kenya embassy or government before you travel.
Visa policies change without notice. Always confirm the final requirements directly with the Kenya embassy or government before travel.