Planning a trip to Kenya? Understanding the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) process is crucial for a smooth journey. This article provides detailed information on eTA processing times, validity, application requirements, and other essential details for travelers.
What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)?
The Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. It offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. However, an eTA does not guarantee admissibility into Kenya; immigration officers will make that determination upon arrival.
The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveler.
Who Must Obtain the eTA?
The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors. 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.
Each eligible traveler, including children and infants, is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent, or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.
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Kenya eTA Processing Time
Applications are usually processed within three (3) working 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. It is highly recommended that travelers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.
We recommend applying for your eTA two (2) weeks prior to travel. Travelers can submit their applications up to three (3) months prior to travel.
Key points to remember:
- Most applications are approved within 5 business days.
- Governments do not guarantee processing times, so be sure to submit your application as early as possible.
Validity of the eTA
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. There is no need to re-apply for an eTA if it expires whilst you are in Kenya.
Multiple Entry Exceptions
Your eTA is valid for a single entry into Kenya. However, there are some exceptions to this:
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Your eTA remains valid for more than one entry if:
- 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. Currently, the multiple entry eTA is valid for 1 or 5 years.
How to Apply for a Kenya eTA
Applying for a Kenyan eVisa is a straightforward online process.
- Visit the official Kenyan eVisa portal.
- Fill out the application form for the appropriate visa.
- Submit your application.
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. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted.
Required documents (can be added later):
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- Passport
- Headshot or a selfie
- Accommodation booking confirmation
- Invitation letter if visiting friends or family
- Host ID if visiting friends or family
eTA Fees and Payment
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. If your payment is refused or declined, please wait a few minutes and try again, or check with your bank to ensure the transaction is not blocked.
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.
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. The account holder of the Stripe payment implementation is Travizory Border Security SA, Avenue de la Gare 24, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
What to Do If Your eTA is Refused
If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Do not immediately re-apply for a travel authorisation.
Kenya ETA Visa 2025 Details - How to Apply and Requirements
Kenya Visa Types
Here's an overview of the different types of Kenyan visas available:
- Single-entry visa: Valid for three months from the date of issue for business, tourism, or visiting family.
- Multiple-entry visa: Allows frequent entry to Kenya for business, tourism, medical, or other reasons.
- Five-year multiple-entry visa: Available exclusively for US nationals who need to visit Kenya frequently, either for business or tourism. It takes 10 working days to process.
- Transit visa: Applies to travelers connecting through Kenya to other destinations for a period not exceeding 72 hours.
- East Africa tourist visa: A Joint Tourist Visa issued for travel to and within Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for tourism, this visa requires that travelers first arrive in Kenya.
Important Considerations for US Citizens
Yes, US citizens can travel to Kenya. However, because of security concerns and the ongoing global health situation, regularly checking for the latest information is advisable. There are higher-level advisories in place for some parts of the country as well. Americans are instructed not to travel to certain Kenya-Somalia border counties and coastal areas because of terrorism and kidnapping, and to areas of Turkana County because of crime.
To travel to Kenya, US citizens need a passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of six months. Additionally, US travelers must obtain Kenyan entry visas before departure.
Kenyan visas are now exclusively issued electronically. There is no visa on arrival in Kenya.
Additional Information for US Travelers
- Ensure you have proof of yellow fever immunization.
- Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
- Masks are required in closed spaces and private facilities, such as public transportation, transport hubs, government buildings, offices and shopping markets.
General Travel Advice for Kenya
While in Kenya, be sure to follow the travel advice issued by the US Department of State and the CDC. Exercise strong personal security measures, adhere to local laws, and follow the rules established by local authorities.
With abundant natural beauty in Kenya's national parks and an opportunity to see wildlife in its natural environment, Kenya offers a captivating travel experience.
Other useful information:
- There is ample cell phone coverage in Kenya in the areas of the highest population and most popular tourist locations. If your US phone is unlocked and supports the GSM network, then you can use your mobile phone in Kenya. For unlocked phones, you can also purchase a local SIM card on arrival to avoid roaming charges.
- Kenya uses type G plugs, with three rectangular prongs set in a triangle, as you would find in the UK. If traveling from the US, you will need a power plug adapter.
- Wear comfortable, light clothing. Loose-fitting clothes that cover you are best to avoid mosquito bites. You should also wear mosquito repellent.
- Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas and licensed establishments.
- While there are registered LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in the country, consensual same-sex activity is criminalized under local law.
Summary
Understanding the Kenya eTA process is essential for a smooth and hassle-free trip. By applying in advance, ensuring you have all the necessary documents, and being aware of the regulations, you can enjoy your Kenyan adventure to the fullest.
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