Nairobi is one of the most accessible African capitals for Nigerian travellers — no visa on arrival complexity (Kenya uses an online eTA system), direct and one-stop flight options, and a straightforward airport experience at JKIA. From Lagos, you're looking at a 5.5-hour direct flight or 9–14 hours with one stop, depending on the airline and routing you choose.
This guide covers everything you need to get from Nigeria to Nairobi in 2026 — flights, prices, the eTA process, JKIA arrival, and how to reach your accommodation from the airport.
Key Travel Facts
Entry Requirement
Kenya eTA ($30)
Flight Time (direct)
~5.5–6 hours
Return Fares
$280–$600 USD
Airport
JKIA (Nairobi)
Airport to City
18km / KSh 1,500–3,000 Uber
Currency on Arrival
KSh (also USD widely accepted)
1. Flights from Nigeria to Nairobi
The main Lagos–Nairobi route is served by several carriers. No Nigerian carrier currently operates this route directly, meaning you'll fly on an African or international airline. Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir dominate because of competitive pricing and reliable connections through their respective hubs.
| Airline | Route / Hub | Est. Return Fare | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | LOS → ADD → NBO | $290–$450 | ~10–12 hrs |
| RwandAir | LOS → KGL → NBO | $310–$500 | ~11–14 hrs |
| Kenya Airways | LOS → NBO (direct) | $380–$600 | ~5.5–6 hrs |
| Turkish Airlines | LOS → IST → NBO | $450–$700 | ~16–20 hrs |
| Qatar Airways | LOS → DOH → NBO | $500–$800 | ~14–18 hrs |
Best value tip: Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is consistently the cheapest option. If you want the shortest travel time, Kenya Airways operates direct Lagos–Nairobi flights. Book 6–8 weeks ahead for the best fares — prices spike significantly within 2 weeks of travel.
Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are the most popular choices for Nigerians travelling to Nairobi.
2. The Kenya eTA — What Nigerian Travellers Need to Know
Kenya replaced its visa-on-arrival system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in 2024. This means Nigerian travellers must apply online before travelling — you cannot obtain the eTA at the airport. The process is straightforward and takes 1–3 working days.
Apply at etakenya.go.ke
The official Kenya government eTA portal. Apply at least 72 hours before your travel date. Create an account and fill in your personal details, travel dates, and accommodation address in Kenya.
Pay the $30 USD fee
Card payment accepted on the portal. The fee is non-refundable. For multiple-entry eTA (valid 1 year), the fee is higher — check the portal for current rates.
Upload required documents
Valid Nigerian passport (minimum 6 months validity), return ticket confirmation, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter), and sufficient funds evidence.
Receive eTA approval by email
Approval typically arrives within 72 hours. Print or save the approval to your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and at JKIA immigration. Approval allows stays of up to 90 days.
Important: Only apply via the official etakenya.go.ke government portal. Third-party sites charge inflated fees and are not authorised. The genuine fee is $30 — if a website quotes significantly more, it is not the official portal.
3. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
JKIA is Nairobi's main international airport, located approximately 18km southeast of the CBD. It is significantly more functional and less chaotic than Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos — immigration is generally efficient, and the airport layout is manageable. Terminal 1 handles most international arrivals.
- Immigration: Present your passport and eTA approval. Queues at peak arrival times (early morning) can take 30–60 minutes. Off-peak arrivals are usually under 20 minutes.
- Customs: Standard declaration process. No issues for normal traveller volumes of luggage.
- Currency exchange: Forex desks are available at arrivals — rates are reasonable but not the best you'll find in Westlands. Exchange a small amount for immediate needs.
- SIM cards: Safaricom has a desk in arrivals. A Safaricom SIM with data is strongly recommended — best network coverage in Kenya.
- WiFi: Available in the terminal, though unreliable. Don't rely on it.
4. Getting from JKIA to the City
| Option | Cost (KSh) | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber / Bolt | KSh 1,200–2,500 | 25–60 mins | Best value; order inside arrivals hall |
| Taxi (official, pre-booked) | KSh 2,500–4,000 | 25–60 mins | Book via hotel or official taxi stand |
| Nairobi Expressway (with Uber) | +KSh 300–500 toll | 20–35 mins | Toll road — faster but adds cost |
| Matatu (public bus) | KSh 50–150 | 60–120 mins | Not recommended with luggage |
| Uber/Bolt is the practical choice — order inside the terminal before exiting. | |||
Pro tip: Use the Nairobi Expressway (Mombasa Road → Uhuru Highway elevated toll road) if heading to Westlands, Kilimani, or the CBD. The KSh 300–500 toll adds barely 5 minutes compared to the main road but saves 20–40 minutes in traffic during peak hours.
5. Practical Tips for Arriving in Nairobi
Get a Safaricom SIM immediately
Safaricom (M-PESA) is Kenya's dominant mobile network. Data bundles are affordable and coverage is excellent. You'll need it for Uber, navigation, and M-PESA payments everywhere.
USD is widely accepted
Many hotels, premium restaurants, and tourist services price in USD and accept it directly. Carry both USD and some KSh for matatus, local markets, and small purchases.
Traffic timing matters enormously
Nairobi rush hours (7–9am and 5–8pm) can be brutal. Schedule arrivals and transfers outside these windows if possible. Early morning international arrivals tend to beat peak traffic easily.
No yellow fever certificate required from Nigeria
Kenya does not require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for arrivals from Nigeria as of 2026. Always confirm current health requirements before travel as policies can change.
Arrived and need to choose a neighbourhood? Best Areas to Stay in Nairobi →
