Kenya visas
Kenya has replaced traditional visas with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). According to the Directorate of Immigration Services, every visitor — including infants and children — must have an approved eTA before travelling to Kenya, with the exception of citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states. Apply only through the official Kenya eTA website at etakenya.go.ke or the official "Kenya Travel Authorisation" mobile app. This hub explains the eTA and the related regional and transit authorizations in plain language, and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel.
Important information
Kenyan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Kenya — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Kenya to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Kenya — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.2 visas
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in Kenya — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Kenya as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Kenya long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.1 visa
Kenyan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Kenya — key facts
- Entry document
- eTA required
- All visitors need an approved eTA before travel (EAC citizens exempt)
- Authority
- Directorate of Immigration Services
- Republic of Kenya
- Apply
- etakenya.go.ke
- Only via the official website or the Kenya Travel Authorisation app
- Traditional visas
- Replaced by the eTA
- Kenya has replaced visas with a mandatory eTA
Kenyan visas — people also ask
Kenya has replaced traditional visas with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Almost all visitors — including infants and children — need an approved eTA before travel; citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states are exempt. Check the official Kenya eTA website for your nationality.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.