Your Guide to Securing a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Application for Travel to Kenya
Starting January 1st, 2024, the process for obtaining a Kenyan Visa has changed to an electronic application known as the Kenya eTA. This electronic travel authorization is necessary for travel to Kenya, and the Kenyan government provides an online eTA application portal for visitors to apply and pay for their eTA before their journey. Citizens of Kenya and East African Partner States are exempt from applying for an eTA. The East African Partner States include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, and citizens from these countries are exempt for six months.
Crucial Reminder: It is essential to obtain an eTA before arriving in Kenya; you cannot get one upon arrival.
Main Points:
- The eTA processing time is approximately 72 hours, but weekends may cause delays.
- The eTA is valid for three months, so applications should be submitted no more than three months before entering Kenya.
- The current fee is about $30, and payment is made online via credit or debit card (expect additional transaction fees if paying with Sterling or Euro cards).
- When making the application, you will need your passport on hand.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Documents Required for eTA Application:
- Passport-sized photo (no larger than 500 x 500 pixels) in jpeg format
- Photo or scan of your passport's bio-data page (the page with your photo) in jpeg format
- Accommodation Booking Confirmation (obtain a pdf letter from us confirming your travel itinerary)
- Airline Booking Confirmation (provide a pdf of your confirmed flight itinerary)
ETA APPLICATION PROCESS IN DETAIL
- Click on the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation link
- Click 'Apply Now' button
- Click 'Tourists & Visitors' button for a tourist eTA
- Click 'Continue' button and read and agree to the Declaration of Consent
- Choose between an 'Individual' or 'Group' application (group applications are for travelers sharing the same country of residence, purpose of visit to Kenya, and travel and accommodation plans for the entire duration in Kenya)
- Select your country of residence
- Complete the 'Passport Information' page by submitting a photo or scan of your passport's bio-data page with your photo, review your name, passport number, date of birth, and expiry date, and click 'continue'
- Upload a passport photo or take a selfie with a webcam and fill out the traveler information section and the customs declaration
- Complete the 'Contact Information' section (include your phone number, email, address, occupation, and emergency contact)
- Fill out the 'Trip Information' section, including your reason for travel, flight information, and places of stay (obtain this information from the Accommodation Booking Confirmation you receive from us) and click 'continue'
- Complete the 'Customs Declaration'
- Upload the required documents - Airline Booking Confirmation and Accommodation Booking Confirmation (obtain them from our website)
- Sign the application digitally
- Select 'Standard' on the 'single entry' box and complete the application
- Pay securely using your debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- wait for approval via email (the email will contain your Kenya eTA)
- Print your Electronic Travel Authorisation in color
- Present your printed eTA to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Important Notice: You must have a printed copy of your eTA with you while traveling to Kenya. Failing to present a physical copy could result in difficulties and prolonged delays at the port of entry. The immigration officials in Kenya do not have the capacity to check online and will not accept a screenshot on your phone as proof of your eTA.
- Embarking on a Kenya adventure requires planning, as obtaining the electronic travel authorization (eTA) is necessary for travel.
- To immerse in the Kenyan travel lifestyle, visitors must follow the detailed eTA application process, including providing essential documents and completing each step online.
