Complete Guide to Kenya's eTA: Mandatory Requirements for New Visitors
To make entry into Kenya smooth and convenient for most foreign visitors, in 2025 the Government of Kenya decided to replace the traditional visa-on-arrival system and introduce the Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This is a digital travel authorization, allowing travelers from certain Kenya eTA eligible countries to visit the country for short term stay, only for activities related to Tourism or Business. The initiative was taken by the government as an important move to make traveling to Kenya easier, safer and strengthening border security. Foreign visitors must obtain the eTA before boarding the flight to Kenya, as it is mandatory. Also, for some neighboring African countries, the government has announced a visa-free regime for tourism and business activities(for short stay) but they are also required to apply for the Kenya eTA to enter the country, aside from very limited exemptions.
Important info
• To be able to apply, the travelers must fulfill the Kenya visa requirements.
• Although you have received the approved eTA, it does not guarantee entry, final admission is determined by Kenyan Immigration officials on arrival at the immigration check-in points in the airport.
Who Needs a Kenya eTA? (The Kenya visa requirements)
Mandatory for Most Foreign Nationals: The eTA is compulsory for all travelers that count adults, children, and infants, no matter from which country you are, unless they all belong to exempted countries as per the Kenyan Immigration law.
Who are exempt:
There are some travelers from certain countries who do not need the eTA that includes:
• Citizens of Kenya, holding valid Kenyan passports
• Permanent residents of Kenya, pass-holders, or those who have work permits
• Travelers who are passport holders of one of the East African Community (EAC) partner states. For example citizens belonging to countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo. These travelers are exempted for stays under a certain number of days.
• From certain specific countries having bilateral agreement
Note: The list of the exempted countries keeps on changing, it is suggested to check the criterias before applying.
What an eTA Is (and Isn't)
The Kenya eTA is an electronic travel authorization that gets digitally linked to your passport. You get a pre approval by the Immigration department of Kenya to enter the country, replacing the traditional method of visa application, which requires applicants to visit the embassy or consulate office to submit the application and passport to get a physical visa sticker.
Key points:
• You cannot apply for the eTA after you have landed in Kenya, you will have to obtain the eTA before your date of journey, otherwise you will not be allowed to board the flight.
• The eTA is electronic, will be emailed to you in PDF form, keep a copy of the eTA saved in your mobile and take a print out copy of it as well.
• Since the eTA is digitally linked to the passport you have applied with, if the passport is expired, you will have to reapply with the new passport.
• Although you have received the approved eTA, it does not guarantee entry, final entry decisions depend on the Kenyan immigration officials.
Validity and Travel Window
Once approved the Kenya eTA is valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue, permitting a stay of up to 90 days (sometimes shorter, depending on the decision of the Kenyan immigration officials). The standard Kenya eTA offers single entry, meaning you can enter Kenya only one time. If you wish to visit Kenya again, you will have to apply for the eTA again. In some cases for short term stay in Kenya, citizens of the US can apply for multiple entry eTA, offering them to enter Kenya unlimited times.
Note: Do verify the details first in an official portal or get in touch with the visa experts to guide and provide you the required information.
How to Apply for a Kenya eTA (Step-by-Step)
If travelers fulfill the Kenya online visa requirements, they can start with the Kenya eTA application. Without meeting the Kenya eTA requirements you will not be able to successfully submit the form, and your approved eTA might not be guaranteed. Below are the steps to follow to submit the application online successfully, keep on reading to know.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
To submit the form successfully, the applicants must fulfill the Kenya visa requirements. The list comprises of:
Valid passport: Must belong to a Kenya eTA eligible country, have blank ages for entry/exit stamp and valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Passport-style photo: Latest photograph or digital selfie, colored, neutral background, front face, etc.
Travel itinerary: Accurate arrival and departure dates.
Accommodation confirmation: Hotel booking or invitation letter from the host who has invited you with his or her address, name and ID proof.
Valid payment method: To pay the eTA fees, use of credit or debit card.
Additional documents
Based on your reason for entering Kenya, you need to choose the eTA type, and furnish the documents supporting it, which may be:
• Business: Company ID card, Invitation letter from the company or organization, company registration, etc
• Family visit: Invitation letter from the host who has invited you with his or her address, name and ID proof.
• Conference: Event invitation letter with your name on it, organisers name, registration details, etc.
Step 2: Begin the Online Application
Now, that you think you have met the Kenya eTA requirements, you can:
• Visit the Kenya eTA portal
• Choose your preferred language (English or other multiple languages are available on the website) to fill the form
• Click “Apply Now” to start your application procedure.
• Complete the eTA form, making sure to enter accurate passport details (number, date of issue and date of expiry). Every detail entered must match your passport exactly, otherwise it might lead to delay in processing or face rejection.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
Another important Kenya visa requirements is to upload the scanned documents like:
• Passport bio page
• Your photograph/selfie
• Travel itinerary (entry and exit dates)
• Confirmed stay details
• Any supporting documents related to your trip type
Step 4: Pay the eTA Processing Fee
On completing the Kenya eTA application form details, hit the payment button to submit the eTA application fees. Make the payment using your debit/credit card or any other online payment option accepted by the portal.
Important info: Your application will only be accepted if the payment was successful, in case it fails, the application will not be processed. There may be problems with certain cards sometimes, try using a different card then.
Step 5 : Confirmation & Tracking
On submitting your Kenya eTA application form successfully, meeting all the Kenya online visa requirements, you will:
• You will get a confirmation mail with a reference number
• There is option to check the eTA status
• If opted for Standard processing it will take up to 3 to 7 working days, and sometimes longer depending upon circumstances.
• For faster processing there is an expedited option, but even for this you need to submit the details in the form correctly and furnish genuine documents.
6. Fees and Costs
The Kenya eTA fees varies, depending on different factors like
• Nationality, the country you belong to
• Visa type
• Processing seed chosen
Common Requirements and Practical Tips
Passport Validity: Must belong to a Kenya eTA eligible country, have blank ages for entry/exit stamp and valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Accuracy Matters: Make sure to enter accurate passport details (number, date of issue and date of expiry). Every detail entered must match your passport exactly, as even small typos might lead to delay in processing or face rejection.
Apply Early: You cannot apply for the eTA after you have landed in Kenya, you will have to obtain the eTA before your date of journey, otherwise you will not be allowed to board the flight. As the Standard processing time takes up to 3 to 7 working days, and sometimes longer depending upon circumstances, it is advised to apply early, at least 1-2 weeks before travel.
If you need any information or need help to submit your application, get in touch with the visa experts.
Carry Supporting Documents:
Kenya immigration officials at the border check point may request the following, make sure to keep copies of:
• Printed copy of Kenya eTA approval letter
• Return flight tickets
• Stay details confirmation
• Travel insurance, might be asked
• Supporting documents based on the eTA type
Vaccination and Health Requirements
Certain vaccinations may be required for the travelers to enter Kenya, such as the Yellow vaccine certificates if traveling from a yellow fever risk country, malaria, dengue, etc. Travelers are suggested to check the country's health requirements before departure, which is not only one of the mandatory Kenya visa requirements but as a health precautionary measure as well.
Entry, Immigration & Arrival in Kenya
At the Airport / Port of Entry
On arriving at Kenya's international airport in Nairobi, the traveler must present:
• A valid passport
• Printed copy of Kenya eTA approval letter
• Return flight tickets
• Evidence of Stay details
• Travel insurance, might be asked
• Supporting documents based on the eTA type
Length of Stay
Once approved the Kenya eTA is valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue, permitting a stay of up to 90 days (sometimes shorter, depending on the decision of the Kenyan immigration officials).