How to Apply for Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): A Complete Guide
Planning a trip to Kenya? Since January 2024, Kenya has replaced its traditional visa system with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — a fully online travel clearance that nearly all visitors must obtain before departure. Here's everything you need to know to apply smoothly and avoid delays at the airport.
What Is the Kenya eTA?
The eTA is a digital travel authorization linked electronically to your passport. It replaced Kenya's old eVisa system and allows the government to screen and clear travelers before they even board their flight. Unlike a traditional visa, there's no sticker or stamp to collect in advance — approval is sent electronically, and you simply present it (printed or on your phone) alongside your passport on arrival.
Nearly every non-Kenyan visitor — including infants and children — must have an approved eTA before starting their journey. There are exemptions, covered below.
Who Needs an eTA (and Who's Exempt)
Most travelers need an eTA, but Kenya has a growing list of exemptions:
East African Community citizens (Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) can stay up to 180 days without one.
Citizens of many African nations (including Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Zambia, and dozens more) are exempt for stays of 60–90 days, depending on the country.
A separate list of non-African nations — such as Singapore, Malaysia, Jamaica, and several Caribbean and Pacific states — also enjoy 90-day exemptions.
Transit passengers who don't leave the airport, ship crew, holders of Kenyan permanent residence or valid work permits, and certain diplomatic/organizational passport holders are also exempt.
It's worth double-checking the official eligibility list for your specific nationality before applying, since these rules are updated periodically.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Gather these documents in advance so the application goes quickly:
A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity and one blank page
A recent selfie or passport-style photo
Contact details (email and phone number)
Your travel itinerary (arrival and departure dates)
Proof of accommodation booking
A payment method (credit or debit card)
Depending on your purpose of travel, you may also need:
Business trips: an invitation letter from the host company and a copy of its registration
Family visits: an invitation letter from your host plus their ID, passport, or permit
Medical travel: a referral letter from a hospital
Conferences: an invitation or participation letter
Employment: a signed contract
Diplomatic travel: a diplomatic/official/service passport and an official letter from your home country or organization
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Go to the official portal. Apply only at www.etakenya.go.ke — this is the sole legitimate government site. Be cautious of third-party sites charging inflated "service fees."
Start a new application. Select "Get Started" and choose your purpose of travel (tourism, business, transit, medical, family visit, etc.).
Fill in your personal and passport details. This includes your name, nationality, passport number, and passport expiry date exactly as shown in your document.
Add your travel itinerary. Enter your flight arrival and departure information and where you'll be staying in Kenya.
Upload required documents. This typically includes your passport bio-data page, a passport-style photo, and proof of accommodation or return flight booking.
Pay the processing fee. The standard fee is around USD 30 (some sources cite a lower tourist-specific rate), paid securely online by credit or debit card. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Submit and wait for review. You'll receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted.
Receive your approval. Processing typically takes about three working days, though it can occasionally take longer — so don't wait until the last minute.
Download and print your eTA. Keep a digital copy on your phone and a printed copy in your travel documents as backup.
When to Apply
You can apply as early as three months before your trip, and applications are generally accepted once your flight and accommodation are booked. To leave a comfortable buffer for processing or any follow-up requests, aim to apply at least one to two weeks before departure — though the government's official minimum recommendation is just three days.
Good to Know
Validity: Once approved, your eTA is generally valid for travel within 90 days of issuance. Your actual permitted length of stay in Kenya is determined by immigration officers at the point of entry.
Single vs. multiple entry: Most travelers receive a single-entry authorization, though a multiple-entry option (valid for several years, with 90-day stays per visit) has also been introduced.
Airport checks: Airlines can verify your eTA status before boarding, so an approved eTA — not just a submitted application — is required to fly.
Support: For our clients we help with the application for free
Final Tips
Only use the official etakenya.go.ke domain — scam sites mimicking the portal do exist.
Double-check that your uploaded passport photo and documents are clear and meet the specified format (JPEG, white background, etc.).
Save your application reference number so you can check your status online if needed.
Since immigration rules can change, it's wise to verify current requirements for your nationality shortly before you travel.
With your documents ready, the eTA application itself usually takes just 15–20 minutes to complete — making it one of the more convenient travel authorization systems to navigate before your Kenyan adventure begins.
