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Visitor & short-stay visas

Kenyan Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Kenya's mandatory electronic travel authorisation, required by all visitors before travel and replacing the traditional visa. Citizens of East African Community member states are exempt.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

eTA fee is stated here as USD 30 for standard processing with an expedited option at an additional USD 100; these figures could not be confirmed directly from the rendered official etakenya.go.ke fee page (the site is a single-page app) and were corroborated via the official how-to-apply guidance and Kenyan embassy pages - verify the current fee on etakenya.go.ke before publishing.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Kenya government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Route type
Electronic travel authorization
Validity
Valid for travel within 90 days of issuance
You must begin your journey to Kenya within this window; the eTA is used for the trip you applied for.
Number of entries
Single entry
Visitors who leave Kenya for other East African Community countries may re-enter while the eTA is still valid.
Maximum stay
Determined at the point of entry
Holding an approved eTA is not a guarantee of entry; admissibility and length of stay are decided by immigration officers on arrival.
Processing time
Within 3 working days
Apply at least 3 days before travel; the Directorate recommends applying about 2 weeks ahead. An expedited option is offered.
Cost
From USD 30 (standard processing)
An expedited (immediate) processing option is offered at an additional USD 100. Confirm current fees on etakenya.go.ke.
Passport validity
At least 6 months beyond arrival, with 1 blank page
Where to apply
etakenya.go.ke or the official 'Kenya Travel Authorisation' app

Who can apply

  • All visitors travelling to Kenya, including infants and children
  • Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states are exempt from the eTA

What you can do

  • Travel to Kenya as a visitor once your eTA is approved, per the official conditions

Requirements

  • Every visitor, including infants and children, must hold an approved eTA before beginning the journey to Kenya
  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date, with at least one blank page
  • Confirmed arrival and departure itinerary (proof of onward or return travel)
  • Accommodation booking confirmation(s) for your stay
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic
  • Citizens of East African Community partner states are exempt from the eTA for stays not exceeding 180 days

How to apply

  • Gather your passport, a recent photo and your travel and accommodation details before you start
  • Apply online at etakenya.go.ke (or through the official 'Kenya Travel Authorisation' mobile app) - this is the only official channel
  • Complete the online form with your personal, passport and travel information and select the purpose of your visit
  • Pay the processing fee by card or other accepted means of payment
  • Wait for a decision - applications are usually processed within 3 working days
  • Download or save the approved eTA and present it, with your passport, on arrival in Kenya

Documents you may need

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months' validity beyond arrival, with a blank page)
  • A selfie or passport-style photograph
  • Contact details - email address and phone number
  • Arrival and departure itinerary / return or onward ticket
  • Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
  • A credit card, debit card or other accepted means of payment
  • Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country)
  • Business visit: invitation letter from the company and a copy of the company registration
  • Family visit: invitation letter from your host and the host's identification documents
  • Purpose-specific documents may also apply (e.g. medical letters, conference invitations, employment contracts)

Frequently asked questions

  • No. An approved eTA authorises you to travel to Kenya, but admissibility is determined by immigration officers at the point of entry, where your length of stay is also decided.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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