Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

• 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.
• Standard processing time is three (3) working days.

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:

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
• The United Republic of Tanzania

eTA Validity before Entry

Once an eTA is issued, the visitor MUST enter Kenya within 90 days from the date of issue. If the visitor does not enter within 90 days, the eTA issued becomes invalid.

Duration of stay

The Immigration Officer will issue a Visitor's Pass indicating the duration of validity of the eTA which may be extended for up to 90 days. It is obligatory to present a valid eTA during the check-in and boarding process.

Extension of eTA validity

If a visitor to Kenya wishes to extend the period of stay beyond that given on entry, they are advised to make an application for extension at the nearest Immigration Offices. The maximum period that the Visitor's pass can be extended is up to 90 days in the first instance and a further period of 90 days. The period of validity may not be extended beyond 180 days.

Multiple Entry

If you expect to travel to Kenya regularly or have multiple trips planned, we highly encourage you to download the "Kenya Travel Authorisation" mobile app that will be made available in January. You will be able to securely save your travel documents and profile on your phone which can be reused for future travel.

Re-entry

eTA is valid for a single entry to Kenya. However, the eTA remains valid for more than one entry in case of temporary departure/entry to one or more EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. A visit to a country outside this block renders re-entry to Kenya subject to a new eTA.

General Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during application process
• Contact details (home address, telephone, email)
• Travel information and flight itinerary
• Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries
• Credit/Debit card for payment

Children:

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.

For Medical Travel:

Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital

For Business:

• • Invitation letter from company
• • Copy of registration of the company

For Family Visits:

• • 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

1. 1. Visit https://etakenya.go.ke/
2. 2. Click "Apply Now" and follow the instructions
3. 3. Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly
4. 4. Submit the application
5. 5. An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you
6. 6. An email confirming receipt of payment, if applicable, will be sent to you
7. 7. Upon decision by Immigration officer, an email confirming Approval/Refusal will be sent to you