Kenya is waiting for you with open arms and a heart full of adventure. To ensure a smooth entry into this beautiful country, it's essential to understand the Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application process. This guide provides a detailed overview of the requirements, application steps, fees, and other important information.
What is the Kenya eTA?
The 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. However, 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.
Who Needs an eTA?
The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors. Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. Yes, all foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. However, passport holders from the following EAC countries are exempted from applying to an eTA: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
eTA Validity and Entry Conditions
Your eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, and you must travel during this period. It is only required for entry into Kenya and can only be used once. Your eTA is valid for a single entry into Kenya. However, there are some exceptions to this.
Your eTA remains valid for more than one entry if:
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- You visit one of the following EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, AND;
- You don’t visit any other country, AND;
- Your eTA has not expired (90 days from issuance)
You can also apply for a multiple entry eTA based on your nationality.
Application Process
eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. We recommend applying for your eTA 2 weeks prior to travel. Your eTA application can be modified prior to submission. Prior to submitting an application with the required payment information, you can correct all application data fields. If an applicant applied with mistakes, he or she might need to submit a new application.
Application Steps for Your Convenience:
- Upload the information page of your passport.
- Capture a selfie using your webcam.
- Fill in your contact details.
- Provide your arrival, departure, and accommodation details in Kenya.
- Complete the general information section.
- Make a customs declaration.
- Complete the health declaration.
- Provide your travel insurance information.
- Upload your accommodation booking confirmation and flight ticket/confirmation.
- Add any additional documents if required.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.
Fees and Payment
Total Cost: The standard processing fee is $32.50, plus a bank fee of $1.59, totaling $34.09. For visitors, the system will require a valid credit or debit card to pay and complete the transaction. Cheques and cash are not accepted by the system. Citizens of certain nationalities are required to complete their eTA, however they are exempt from payment.
Important: Your eTA application fee is non-refundable. Once you submit your eTA application, the fee is non-refundable, and you cannot transfer it to another person. This is also true if your eTA is denied or if for any reason, including a force majeure, there are deviations to your planned journey.
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Processing Time
Applications are usually processed within 3 days, but in some cases it may take longer. If you need your application processed faster, you can choose expedited processing to receive priority service.
What if Your Application is Denied?
If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment.
Security
Yes. The Kenya eTA system is PCI compliant, encrypts all data transmission and does not store your credit card or payment information. Kenya eTA uses Stripe.com, one of the world leading and most secure payment gateway.
Documents required for Visa application
- Passport - You must provide your signed passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have a blank page available.
- Copy of your passport information page.
- Kenya Visa Application Form - click here, then please follow the instructions for applying for an eVisa account. Please see the eligibility requirements to filling out an eVisa prior to submission. Then complete, print and sign the online visa application form. The eVisa printout must be presented at the port of entry.
- Kenya 5 Year Visa Application - click here.
- Washington Express Visas Visa Request Form - filled out completely.
- Photographs - Please provide 2 (two) color, passport size photos. The photographs must be printed on photo paper, must be 2″ by 2″ and have a white background, and must have been taken in the last 6 months.
- A business letter of introduction from your company (on company letterhead) addressed to the Embassy of Kenya stating the purpose of travel, the name and contact of the company in Kenya you’re visiting, and a financial guarantee for all of your expenses.
Important Considerations
- Passport Condition: Passports and passport replacing documents must be in good condition.
- Malaria Risk: Malaria risk - mainly in the malignant (P. falciparum) form - exists throughout the year in the whole country. There is normally little risk in the city of Nairobi and in the highlands (above 2500 m.) of Central, Rift Valley, Eastern, Nyanza and Western Provinces.
- Passport Validity: Passport must contain at least one blank page for visa endorsement for a stay of max. 3 months.
Additional Information
No. An eTA is permission from the Government to travel to the Republic of Kenya and it is obligatory to present a valid eTA during the check-in and boarding process. However, you may still be denied boarding by your carrier if you fail to present other required documents such as your passport and/or boarding pass. In addition, you might be subjected to questioning at the point of departure or arrival.
We capture your name as it’s written in your passport. Where names are long in length, some of the characters might be cut off or omitted.
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By using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). Please read these terms carefully.
Disclaimer: We have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information provided to you is adequate. One of its processors is Travizory Border Security SA. If you do not provide the requested information the Government of the Republic of Kenya will not be able to process your request, and you will be prohibited from travelling to the Republic of Kenya.
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