Author: Kenya Peaks Adventures (Your friends on the ground)
The Government of Kenya implemented a new entry policy, replacing the traditional visa system for most international visitors. This change means that the previous option of getting a visa on arrival at the airport is no longer available. All travelers from non-exempt countries are now required to apply for and receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before starting their journey.
An approved eTA grants you permission to travel to Kenya. It is not a guarantee of entry. The final decision to grant you admission, and to determine the duration of your stay, is made by an immigration officer at your port of entry, such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
All applications must be submitted through the single, official government portal: etakenya.go.ke. The government also provides official mobile applications for both Android and iOS for this purpose. You can use the same portal to check the status of a submitted application.
The Kenyan eTA system offers several options based on the nature and frequency of your travel. The fees listed below are the base application and processing costs in US Dollars. Bank transaction fees may add a small amount to the final charge.
| eTA Type | Approximate Fee (USD) | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | $34.09 | A single-entry authorisation for tourism, business, or family visits. This is the most common type for travelers. |
| Transit eTA | $34.09 | For travelers passing through Kenya for less than 72 hours who need to leave the airport. The fee is the same as the standard eTA. |
| East African Tourist Visa | $100 | A multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days for travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. This is a separate application from the standard eTA. |
For longer stays or multiple entries over a longer period (such as the previous one-year or five-year visas), you will need to apply for specific permits through Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services, as these are not covered by the standard eTA system. The official eTA portal also offers an optional expedited processing service for an additional fee, which provides a faster review of your application.
While the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is mandatory for most international visitors, several categories of travelers are not required to apply. These exemptions are based on citizenship, the nature of the travel, or the type of documents held. It is important to confirm your specific status before traveling.
Citizens holding valid passports from the following East African Community partner states are exempt from the eTA requirement:
Kenya has visa-exemption agreements with a number of other countries. Citizens holding valid passports from nations such as Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Africa, among others, are also exempt. As this list can change, you should always check the complete and most current list on the official Directorate of Immigration Services website.
Travelers in the following specific situations are not required to have an eTA:
The eTA requirement is also waived for individuals who hold a Kenya Permanent Residence, a valid Work Permit, or a Pass issued by the Kenyan government. Additionally, holders of official, diplomatic, or service passports from specific countries with which Kenya has a special agreement (such as India, China, and Brazil) may also be exempt for a limited period.
The eTA application process is entirely digital and requires you to upload several documents. To ensure a smooth application, you should have all the necessary information and files prepared in advance. The requirements are divided into standard documents for all applicants and additional documents based on the purpose of your visit.
Depending on the reason for your travel, you may be required to upload additional supporting documents.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. You will need to present this certificate upon arrival in Kenya.
The application for the Kenya eTA is a completely online process. It is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail. The following steps outline the entire process from start to finish. We recommend having all your required documents scanned and ready before you begin.
Understanding the timeline for your eTA application and the rules regarding its use is a key part of planning your trip. The validity of your eTA is different from the length of stay you are granted upon arrival.
The official processing time for a standard Kenya eTA is up to 72 hours (3 business days). While many applications are approved much faster, you should apply at least a week in advance to account for any potential delays. The official portal also offers an optional expedited processing service for an additional fee, which provides a much faster review for last-minute travel.
A standard approved eTA is valid for one single entry into Kenya. It must be used within 90 days from the date of issuance. Once you use it to enter Kenya and then depart, you cannot use the same eTA to re-enter the country, even if it is within the 90-day validity period. For each new trip to Kenya, you must apply for a new eTA.
Your approved eTA is permission to travel to Kenya, but it does not determine how long you can stay. The actual duration of your stay is granted by the immigration officer at your port of entry. For most tourists, this is typically a stay of up to 90 days. This can be extended for a further 90 days at the immigration headquarters in Nairobi, for a maximum total stay of 180 days.
Indian citizens are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before traveling to Kenya. The visa-on-arrival facility is no longer available for any nationality, including Indian passport holders.
The application must be submitted through the official government portal, etakenya.go.ke. The standard, single-entry eTA fee is approximately $34 USD. For travelers planning a multi-country trip, the East African Tourist Visa, which covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, is also an option at a cost of approximately $100 USD. An optional expedited processing service is available for an additional fee.
Indian citizens must provide the standard required documents, including a passport with at least six months of validity, a recent photograph, and proof of their flight and accommodation bookings. The official processing time is up to 72 hours, so it is recommended to apply at least a week before your planned departure.
It is important to note that every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own individual eTA. While you can submit applications for a family or group together, each person needs a separate, approved authorisation.
While an eTA is mandatory for holders of ordinary Indian passports, there are exemptions for other passport types. According to the official guidelines, Indian citizens holding valid Diplomatic, Official, or Service passports do not need an eTA for a stay of up to 90 days.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for travelers arriving directly from India. However, if your travel itinerary includes a transit or stopover in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you will be required to show proof of vaccination upon arrival in Kenya.
United States citizens are required to apply for and receive an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before traveling to Kenya. The visa-on-arrival option is no longer available. All applications must be submitted through the official government portal.
For most tourists and business travelers, the standard, single-entry eTA at a cost of approximately $34 USD is the correct option. The eTA system has effectively replaced the previous single-entry visa for short stays.
For U.S. citizens who plan to travel to Kenya multiple times over a longer period, it is important to note that the previous 5-year multiple-entry visa is a separate process from the eTA. The eTA is for a single entry only. Travelers seeking long-term, multiple-entry access must apply for the appropriate permits through the Directorate of Immigration Services.
U.S. citizens must provide all the standard required documents for their application. This includes a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a recent photograph, and confirmed flight and accommodation details. The standard processing time is up to 72 hours, but it is advisable to apply at least one to two weeks before your departure date to account for any potential processing delays.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for travelers arriving directly from the United States. However, if your itinerary includes a stop in a country with a risk of yellow fever, you will be required to present a valid vaccination certificate upon arrival in Kenya. You should consult the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for the most current health and safety information before your trip.
Citizens of the United Kingdom and all European Union / Schengen Area member states are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before traveling to Kenya. The visa-on-arrival system is no longer in place. Applications must be submitted through the official government portal, etakenya.go.ke.
The standard, single-entry eTA is the most common application type for tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family. The cost is approximately $34 USD, which includes processing fees. The application process is the same for all passport holders in this category.
For travelers planning a multi-country trip within East Africa, the East African Tourist Visa is a practical and cost-effective option. For a fee of approximately $100 USD, this visa grants multiple entries into Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for a period of 90 days. This is a separate application that must be made through the embassy of the first country you intend to visit.
Citizens of the U.K. and EU must provide all standard required documents for their application. This includes a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a recent photograph, and proof of their round-trip flight and accommodation bookings. The official processing time is up to 72 hours, but it is recommended to apply at least one to two weeks before your planned departure to avoid any last-minute issues.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for travelers arriving directly from the United Kingdom or any EU/Schengen country. However, if your travel itinerary includes a stop in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you will be required to present proof of vaccination upon your arrival in Kenya.
Citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are required to apply for and receive an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before their trip to Kenya. The visa-on-arrival option has been discontinued. All applications must be submitted through the official government website.
The standard, single-entry eTA is the correct application type for most travel purposes, including tourism, short business trips, and family visits. The application fee is approximately $34 USD. All applications must be made online via the official portal, etakenya.go.ke, before starting your journey.
Citizens of the UAE and Saudi Arabia must provide the standard required documents for their application. This includes a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a recent photograph, and confirmed flight and accommodation details. For business travelers, an invitation letter from the Kenyan company is also required.
The official processing time is up to 72 hours. To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to submit your application at least a week before your planned departure date.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for travelers arriving directly from the UAE or Saudi Arabia, as these are not considered countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. However, if your travel itinerary includes a transit stop in a country that is on the yellow fever endemic list, you will need to present proof of vaccination upon arrival in Kenya.
The entry requirements for citizens of Nigeria and South Africa are different, based on agreements between Kenya and each respective country.
Nigerian passport holders are required to apply for and receive an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before traveling to Kenya. The application must be submitted through the official government portal, etakenya.go.ke.
The fee for a standard, single-entry eTA is approximately $34 USD. Nigerian citizens must provide all standard required documents, including a valid passport, a recent photograph, and confirmed flight and accommodation bookings. The official processing time is up to 72 hours, so it is recommended to apply at least a week in advance.
Citizens of South Africa are exempt from the eTA requirement for stays of up to 90 days. South African passport holders can travel to Kenya for tourism or business without applying for an eTA in advance. However, they must still present a valid passport with at least six months of validity upon arrival.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from Nigeria, as it is a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. South Africa is not on this list, so a certificate is not required for travelers arriving directly from South Africa. It is always best to check the most current health advisories before your trip.
The entry requirements for citizens of Pakistan and China holding ordinary passports are the same, but there are specific exemptions for holders of official or diplomatic passports from China.
Pakistani passport holders are required to apply for and receive an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before traveling to Kenya. The application must be submitted through the official government portal, etakenya.go.ke.
The fee for a standard, single-entry eTA is approximately $34 USD. Pakistani citizens must provide all standard required documents, including a valid passport, a recent photograph, and confirmed flight and accommodation bookings. The official processing time is up to 72 hours.
Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports must apply for and receive an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before their trip to Kenya. The fee for a standard, single-entry eTA is approximately $34 USD, and the application is made through the official government portal.
However, there is an exemption for certain passport holders. According to the official guidelines, Chinese citizens holding valid Diplomatic, Official, or Service passports do not require an eTA for a stay of up to 30 days.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for travelers arriving directly from Pakistan or China. However, if your travel itinerary includes a transit stop in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you will be required to show proof of vaccination upon your arrival in Kenya.
The requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for passengers transiting through Kenya depends entirely on whether you will pass through immigration control. The rules are different for travelers who remain in the international transit area versus those who need to formally enter the country during their layover.
If you have a layover in Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - NBO) or Mombasa (Moi International Airport - MBA) and you **do not** need to leave the international transit area of the airport, you are **exempt** from the eTA requirement. This typically applies to travelers who have a single booking for their entire journey and whose luggage is checked through to their final destination.
If your travel itinerary requires you to leave the international transit area, you **must** apply for an eTA in advance. This situation applies if:
For these scenarios, you should apply for the Standard eTA. The previous "Transit Visa" category has been effectively merged into the standard application, and the fee is approximately $34 USD.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement applies to every international traveler, regardless of age. This means that every member of your family, including infants and children, must have their own individual, approved eTA before traveling to Kenya.
To simplify the process for families, the official eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) has a group application feature. One adult can create an application and then add other family members to it. This allows you to submit all the applications together and make a single payment for the entire group.
It is important to note that while the application can be submitted as a group, each person will be assessed individually and will receive their own separate eTA approval document. You must be prepared to present the individual approved eTA for each family member, including your children, at your point of departure and upon arrival in Kenya.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is suitable for short-term business activities in Kenya, but it is not a work permit. It is important to understand the distinction and ensure you have the correct authorization for your activities.
For short visits that involve attending meetings, conferences, or business negotiations, you can apply for a standard eTA. As part of your application, you will be required to upload supporting documents, which typically include:
The eTA does not grant you the right to undertake employment or engage in any long-term work in Kenya. Any activity that involves formal employment, consultancy, or long-stay projects requires a separate and specific permit. These permits, such as Work Permits or Special Passes, must be applied for through Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services. You can find more information on their official website.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Kenya eTA process.
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No. The visa-on-arrival facility has been discontinued for all nationalities. All travelers from non-exempt countries must apply for and receive an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before their trip.
The official processing time is up to 72 hours (3 business days). However, to be safe, we recommend that you apply at least two weeks before your planned travel date. This allows for plenty of time to resolve any potential issues with your application.
Yes. The eTA application requires you to upload confirmation of your accommodation in Kenya (for at least the first night) and your round-trip or onward flight ticket. These documents are a mandatory part of the submission process.
The primary health document you may need is a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. This is only required if you are arriving from a country with a known risk of yellow fever transmission. You should check the official list of endemic countries before you travel.
To avoid scams, you must apply only through the official Government of Kenya portal: etakenya.go.ke. Do not use any other third-party websites, as they may charge extra fees, misuse your data, or be fraudulent.
Several common mistakes can lead to delays, extra costs, or the rejection of your eTA application. Being aware of these issues beforehand can help ensure a smooth process.
For all applications and the most current information, you should only refer to official government sources. Third-party websites may contain outdated or incorrect information.