Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
Kenya eTA FAQ
- Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
- An eTA does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon travellers’ arrival.
- The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller.
- eTA applications should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation.
- Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel.
The following persons are exempted from the requirement of applying for eTA:
- Kenya citizens
- Kenya residents holding permanent resident certificate, valid work permit, valid passes which MUST be endorsed on the passport.
- Persons holding previously issued e-visas, including EATV issued by EATV member countries are also exempt from the requirement of applying for eTA.
- Persons holding valid UN Convention Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Passengers transiting through Kenya and who will not leave the precincts of the airport, sea port or land border.
- Members of crew of ship, vessel, aircraft, bus, vehicle, train or carrier whose particulars are listed in the carrier crew manifest and who is proceeding on the carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
Official/Diplomatic Passport or Laissez-Passer holders traveling to Kenya on official duties are exempted to pay fees to apply eTA.
Nationals of the following countries are exempted from paying Electronic Travel Authorization eTA fees after submitting their eTA applications through the digital platform with effect from 15th February 2024: –
- Union of Comoros
- The Republic of Congo, (Brazaville)
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Mozambique
- San Marino
- South Africa
The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors except for citizens of EAC Member States that want to travel to Kenya. The EAC Member States include: The Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Once issued, the eTA is valid for 90 days. Visitors must enter Kenya within these 90 days; otherwise, the eTA becomes invalid.
All foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. We highly recommend that families apply as a group.
The following documents are required:
- A valid passport.
- A recent passport photo or a selfie.
- Contact details (home address, telephone, email).
- Travel information, including flight itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from a host).
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if coming from an endemic country).
- A credit/debit card for payment.
Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the visit (e.g., business, medical, family visit, or diplomatic travel).
For travellers arriving for business
Invitation letter from company
Copy of registration of the company
For travellers visiting family
Invitation letter from family/host
Identity card/Passport/Alien card/Entry permit of the family member/host
For Diplomatic travel
A Diplomatic, Official and Service passport
An official letter from the Country of Origin/Organisation/ Foreign Affairs
To apply for an eTA:
- Visit www.etakenya.go.ke.
- Click Apply Now and follow the instructions.
- Enter your details and submit the application.
- You will receive confirmation emails after submitting your application and making payment.
- If approved, download or print your eTA.
The standard processing time is three (3) working days, but this may vary depending on your country of citizenship and the type of eTA applied for.
If your application is denied, you will not be able to travel to Kenya. You should contact support at support@etakenya.go.ke for further details and assistance.
Yes, if you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for an extension at the nearest Immigration Office in Kenya. The Visitor’s Pass may be extended for up to 90 days initially, with a possible further extension of 90 days. The maximum stay cannot exceed 180 days in total.
The eTA is generally valid for a single entry into Kenya. However, if you temporarily leave Kenya to visit another EAC Partner State (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda), the eTA remains valid for re-entry into Kenya. Traveling outside of these countries requires a new eTA for re-entry.
A valid credit or debit card is required for payment. Cheques and cash are not accepted. If your payment fails, try again after a few minutes or check your card’s balance.
Beware of online Fraud
- Please be careful of websites imitating the official eTA website and ensure that you use the official website on URL: https://www.etakenya.go.keto submit your application.
- Applications submitted through third party websites will be automatically denied and may lead to fraud and loss on your part.
The Government of Kenya takes the protection of your data seriously and complies with relevant data protection laws. For more information, you can refer to the Government’s Privacy Policy on the official eTA website.