If you are planning on traveling to Kenya for any reason, chances are you might be thinking about the travel requirements. Well, you are definitely in the right place, as we have brought you everything you need to know about the Kenyan eTA. But first, what does Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) mean?
What is Kenyan eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digitized permit allowing foreign travelers to apply electronically without the need for a sticker visa. eTAs are typically for short-term travel and have a more simplified process of application and requirements when compared to traditional visas and E-visas.
This visa-exempt requirement for foreign nationals traveling to or transiting to a country usually by air allows for a seamless screening of travelers before they arrive in the country, improving security and visibility.
On January 5th, 2024, the Kenyan Government officially transitioned from the traditional Sticker Visa to an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for all short-term foreign visitors. This new ETA system collects intending travelers’ biographic data and answers to eligibility questions which will determine whether they can enter the Republic of Kenya for Tourism or Business Travel for stays of up to 90 days.
Who Needs a Kenyan eTA?
All foreign travelers with (exemptions outlined below) are advised to submit their applications at least one week before the travel date to ensure adequate time for authorization.
- Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificates issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
- Passengers in transit who do not leave the authorized airport premises.
- Citizens of the East African Partner States (Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda) Exempted for six (6) months.
- Holders of valid United Nations Conventional Travel Documents issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Holders of Permanent Residence, valid work permits, and passes.
- Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited by Kenya.
- Passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship who do not leave the ship.
- Members of the crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier proceeding to a destination outside Kenya.
- Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya without leaving the authorized airport area.
Other categories of persons applying for Kenyan ETA but exempted from payment:
- Holders of Diplomatic, Official, or Service Passports on official duty.
- Holders of specific laissez-passers for official business purposes (complete list highlighted below):
- African Union
- African Development Bank
- Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa
- COMESA
- Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI)
- Union of Radio, Television Network of Africa (URTNA)
- European Union
- United Nations Organization
- African Housing Fund (AHF)
- African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC)
- CIP (International Potato Centre)
- African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- African Airlines Travel Association (IATA)
- International Monetary Fund and World Bank
- Inter-Government Authority on Development (IGAD)
- Desert Locust Control Organization
- International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa
For children under the age of 18, the parent, legal guardian, or accompanying adult is responsible for completing the application. It is highly recommended that families apply as a group using the option on the portal.
Kenyan eTA Requirements and Documentation
- Valid passport (with at least six months validity)
- Recent passport photograph (a selfie taken during application is also acceptable)
- Flight itinerary (round trip)
- Accommodation booking
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic countries (check WHO website for a list of countries)
- Contact details
- Credit/Debit card for payment
Some other documents may be required based on your purpose of travel:
- Employment contract
- Vaccination(s) or test results certificates
- Conference invitation letter
- Supporting documents for resettlement
- Appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital
- Company registration certificate
- Invitation letter from a host company
Once an ETA is issued, the traveler is strongly advised to enter Kenya within 90 days from the date of issue. Failure to do so will result in an invalid ETA which will require a new application.
It is important to note that while the Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a single-entry authorization, travelers who want to visit any of the East African Partner States previously highlighted on a short trip will be granted access back into Kenya.
How to Apply for Kenya ETA
- Visit KENYA ETA APPLICATION
- Click on the “Apply Now” pop-up and follow the directions
- Ensure all the information and documentation uploads are done correctly
- Submit your application
- A payment and application confirmation email will be sent to you
- After processing you will receive an Approval or Denial email
The Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application costs approximately $35 (nonrefundable or transferrable) fee and cheques, or cash are not accepted payment methods. Although the processing time will differ depending on the purpose of travel and your country, the standard processing time is three (3) business days.
- It is important to have copies of your ETA and travel itinerary during the check-in and boarding process, bearing in mind that the possession of Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) does not guarantee entry to Kenya. The Immigration officer at the point of entry reserves the right to entry or admissibility.
- Travelers will be issued a visitor’s pass highlighting the timeline of their ETA validity which may be extended in person at the nearest Immigration Office in Kenya. An ETA can be extended for up to 90 days the first time but may not be extended beyond 180 days. The process involves completing an online application under the directives and supervision of an immigration representative, and it costs three thousand Kenyan shillings (3000).
Kenyan eTA Validity, Extensions, and Fines
Travelers who overstay their ETA validity can face deportation or get fined. This is calculated based on the length of overstay starting from 500 Kenya Shillings (Ksh), about ($5) for one day, and 15,000 Kenya Shillings (Ksh) for an overstay of one month. Curating and keeping to an effective travel itinerary cannot be overemphasized for a seamless experience. Frequent travelers to Kenya are advised to download the Kenya Travel Authorization mobile app. This will securely save your travel profile and documents that can be reused for future travel.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Kenyan eTA
One of the perks of visiting Kenya now is the simplified travel process, the Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements are straightforward, and it is almost impossible to miss a thing. Travelers can also update their application submission while it is still processing via the application portal or direct email reply should they receive one from the ETA processing team. However, pay attention to your passport document validity, and avoid applying for your ETA too early as these common mistakes can result in a Refusal or a Nonrefunded application fee.
Kenya is one of the highly rated Safari Destinations in Africa blessed with a variety and abundance of Wildlife with charming landscapes and a diverse ecosystem ranging from snow-capped mountains, great rift valleys, white beaches, and inland lakes. With these robust tourist attractions, we can understand why the country is now on the list of Visa-Free countries. This accomplishment will further open the tourism industry, which is the third largest source of foreign exchange revenue in the country, encouraging a greater influx of tourists via the simplified ETA process.
It is essential to confirm the weather in Kenya as you put together your travel plans because the ecological mix is often an underrated factor when visiting Kenya. Different cities could have opposite weather conditions during the same period which could become a huge inconvenience when it is not factored into your itinerary.
On the issue of safety, Kenya is believed to be relatively safe but there is a vulnerability that comes with being a visitor in a foreign country. Uber and Bolt drivers will mostly negotiate for an offline trip from foreigners at a higher cost than the app rate at every chance. Also, traffic in the country operates on “Right Hand Drive” Visitors should keep this in mind especially when it is different from their country of residence.
