Planning a trip to Kenya? Understanding the visa requirements is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free journey. This guide provides detailed information on the necessary documents, application process, and associated fees to help you prepare for your visit.
Kenya is waiting for you with open arms and a heart full of adventure. You traveled all this way for the unusual, the dramatic, and the exotic. You came to Africa to live an experience - to see the lions, leopards, and great marching elephants up close. You’re here to take in the sweep of the painted landscapes, and the immediacy of the local people and their cultures. And that’s what we strive to give you throughout your African safari with us. Want to explore even further to enhance your adventure?
From 1 January 2024, citizens of all countries except those listed below must apply for an eTA in advance.
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.
Kenya ETA Visa 2025 Details - How to Apply and Requirements
Kenya eTA System
The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. It offers permission to travel and is authorized by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. However, an eTA does not guarantee admissibility to enter Kenya; immigration officers will determine this upon travelers’ arrival.
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Each eligible traveler is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveler. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application.
Benefits of Kenya eTA system: Kenya eTA enables travelers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their homes before starting their trip.
Important Considerations:
- Your eTA application fee is non-refundable.
- You can also apply for a multiple entry eTA based on your nationality.
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.
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.
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Validity and Usage:
- 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:
- 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)
The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors. Yes, 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.
Application Steps:
- 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.
eTA Processing Time
eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation. Applications are usually processed within 3 days, but in some cases it may take longer. You can also choose the expedited processing if you need your application processed faster. We recommend applying for your eTA 2 weeks prior to travel. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel.
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If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment.
Kenya Visa Fees
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. Submissions for the eTA can be made up to 90 days prior to travel.
Total Cost: The standard processing fee is $32.50, plus a bank fee of $1.59, totaling $34.09.
Citizens of certain nationalities are required to complete their eTA, however they are exempt from payment.
Cost Breakdown Examples:
| Type of Entry | Maximum Validity | Processing Time | Embassy Fee | Service Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry (90 days stay) | Up to 90 days | 2-3 business days | $35.00 | $59.00 | $94.00 |
| Single entry (90 days stay) | Up to 90 days | 2-3 business days | $37.90 | $74.65 | $112.55 |
| Single entry (90 days stay) | Up to 90 days | 2-3 business days | $35.00 | $89.00 | $124.00 |
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.
Additional Requirements
Passports and passport replacing documents must be in good condition.
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.
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.
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