What is the Kenya eTA?

The eTA is Kenya's electronic travel authorization, an online entry permit you obtain before you travel. It replaced the old Kenyan visa and eVisa and is now required of almost every visitor. It is approved digitally and linked to your passport, covering tourism, business and transit.

How much does a Kenya eTA cost?

You pay one all-inclusive price that includes the Kenyan government fee, which goes directly to the immigration authority, and our service fee for checking and submitting your application. The government portion is itemised on your receipt, with no hidden charges, so you can see exactly what each part covers.

Can I get a Kenya eTA on arrival, or do I still need the old visa?

No. There is no visa on arrival for Kenya, and every visitor needs an approved eTA before travelling. The eTA replaced the old visa and eVisa system, so you must apply and be approved before you board your flight. Plan to do this well ahead of departure.

How long is the Kenya eTA valid?

The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued and allows a single entry, with a stay of up to 90 days in Kenya. It covers tourism, business and family visits. Each traveller, including children, needs their own eTA.

Can I use the eTA for multiple entries?

No. Kenya eTAs are single entry, so the authorisation is used up once you arrive. If you plan to leave and return within the validity period, you need a fresh eTA for each entry. We flag this in the application if your itinerary suggests more than one trip.

How long does the Kenya eTA take?

The Kenyan immigration authority typically issues an eTA within about three business days, though timing can vary. Our Rush tier reviews and submits your application within 24 hours and Super Rush ships same-day, so apply early when your departure is close.

What are the photo requirements for the Kenya eTA?

You upload a recent digital photograph showing your full face against a plain, light background, with no hat or sunglasses. A clear photo taken on a phone in good light is usually fine. A blurred, dark or cropped image is a frequent cause of delay, so we check yours before submitting.

Do I need to print my Kenya eTA before I travel?

It is sensible to carry your approval either printed or saved on your phone. The airline checks your eTA before boarding and the immigration officer reviews it on arrival, so having it ready avoids hold-ups at check-in. We send your approval by email so you can store and print it.

Can I extend my stay in Kenya beyond 90 days?

Yes. The 90-day stay can be extended once, by a further 90 days for a total of 180, by applying in person at an immigration office in Nairobi during your visit. The eTA itself is single entry, so a separate return trip still needs a new eTA before you travel again.

Is the Kenya eTA the same as the East Africa Tourist Visa?

No. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a separate multi-country permit covering Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda together. The Kenya eTA covers entry to Kenya only. If your trip is limited to Kenya, the eTA is the route most visitors use. We can help you confirm the right one.

Do I need a Kenya eTA for a layover or transit?

Yes, in most cases. Kenya requires an approved eTA for transit through the country, including connecting at the airport, so you should apply before you travel even for a short stop. We confirm whether your specific connection needs the eTA when you complete the application.

What if my Kenya eTA is refused?

Refusals usually stem from incomplete itineraries, an unclear photo or inconsistent answers. We review your application for these issues before it is submitted. If it is refused for reasons outside your control, our service fee is refunded; the government fee is paid to the Kenyan authority and is non-refundable.

What are the most common mistakes that delay a Kenya eTA?

The frequent errors are a name or passport number that does not match the passport exactly, a blurred or dark photo, missing accommodation details, and an expiry date too close to your travel. Each can stall an otherwise straightforward application. We read your answers against your documents and flag anything inconsistent before we submit, so small slips are caught early rather than at the airport.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Kenya?

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have recently passed through, a country where yellow fever is present. Travellers coming straight from Europe or North America are usually not asked for one, but rules depend on your route. Check the current health guidance for your itinerary, and carry the certificate if it applies, as border officers may ask to see it.

Do I need to show proof of funds or accommodation for the eTA?

The application asks where you will stay and the dates of your visit, so have a confirmed hotel booking or a host address ready. You are not asked to upload bank statements, but the immigration officer on arrival may ask how you will support your trip and where you are staying. Carrying your accommodation confirmation and return ticket makes that conversation quick and straightforward.

How far in advance should I apply for the Kenya eTA?

Apply as soon as your trip is confirmed, and at the latest several business days before departure, since the eTA must be approved before you travel and there is no visa on arrival. Government timing can vary and rises during busy safari seasons, so leaving a buffer avoids last-minute stress. If your departure is near, our Rush and Super Rush tiers shorten our side of the turnaround.

Kenya eTA · VisitPass

Overview

The electronic travel authorization, or eTA, is Kenya's online entry permit, and it is now mandatory for almost every visitor. Kenya replaced its old visa and eVisa system with the eTA, and there is no visa on arrival, so the authorization must be requested and approved before you board your flight. An approved eTA is a single-entry permit, valid for 90 days from the date it is issued, and it allows a stay of up to 90 days in Kenya.

That stay can be extended once, by a further 90 days for a total of 180, at an immigration office in Nairobi. The eTA covers tourism, business and transit, including safari holidays, conferences and visiting family. It does not authorise paid employment, long-term study or residence, which need the appropriate Kenyan visa or permit obtained separately.

Citizens of East African Community partner states are exempt and do not need an eTA to enter Kenya. The authorisation is linked to the passport you apply with, so you travel on that same document, and because it is single entry you need a fresh eTA for each separate trip. The legacy name, Kenya visa or eVisa, is still widely searched, but the current and only route for ordinary visitors is the eTA.

Your Kenya eTA is prepared in your own language and every detail is checked before it is submitted to the Kenyan immigration authority.

At a glance

The key facts for a Kenya eTA application.

Visa type: eTA
What you need: Your passport
Validity: 90 days
Maximum stay: 90 days
Entry type: Single

Who can apply

The main eligibility conditions for this destination, and who can apply.

All visitors except East African Community citizens require an eTA. The authorisation is valid for 90 days from issuance with single-entry use. The eTA covers tourism, business and family visits.

What you'll need

Have these ready before you begin your application. Requirements can vary by nationality and trip purpose.

Passport with at least six months validity
Recent digital passport photograph
Travel itinerary including accommodation
Return flight booking
Email address for eTA delivery
Payment method (one all-inclusive price)

Requirements in detail

The Kenya eTA application is digital and lighter than an old paper visa, but each detail must match your documents exactly. You need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival, with the personal-details page ready to copy. You also upload a recent digital passport photograph against a plain background, so a clear face photo taken on a phone is usually enough; a blurred, cropped or poorly lit image is the most common reason an application is held up.

Have your accommodation details and travel itinerary to hand, since the form asks where you will stay and the dates of your visit, and a confirmed hotel or host address is fine. A return or onward flight booking shows your intended departure within the validity window. The form includes a short set of honest declarations about your trip and background; answer them accurately, because a careless or untrue answer can lead to a refusal.

Finally, a valid email address receives the approval and a payment card covers one all-inclusive price that includes the Kenyan government fee and our service fee, with the government portion itemised on your receipt. Check the spelling of your name and your passport number against the passport itself: a single mistyped character is the simplest avoidable error and can cause problems at check-in or at the border.

Government processing time

What the issuing authority typically takes once the application is submitted.

Government processing: Kenyan Department of Immigration Services decides in 1 to 3 business days. VisitPass review: Standard 1-3 business days; Rush 1 business day; Super Rush less than 6 hours. The application is checked for completeness, submitted to the authority, and the confirmation issued. Because the eTA is mandatory before travel and there is no visa on arrival, plan ahead and apply several business days before departure, leaving extra time during the busy safari seasons when application volumes rise. If your trip is close, the Rush and Super Rush tiers shorten the turnaround, and the approval is emailed as soon as the authority issues it so you can save and print it before you fly.

On arrival

Carry your approved Kenya eTA when you travel, either saved on your phone or printed, as the airline checks it before you board and the immigration officer reviews it on arrival. Travel on the exact passport you applied with, since the authorisation is linked to that document. The eTA lets you board and request entry, but the final admission decision rests with the Kenyan immigration officer at the airport, who may ask about your trip, so have your accommodation address and return ticket ready to show.

Because the eTA is single entry, it is used up once you arrive: if you leave Kenya and want to return, even within the 90-day validity, you must apply for a new eTA for that next trip. Keep a copy of the approval in case of any check during your stay.

Planning your trip

Kenya is classic safari country, and the wildlife comes first. The Maasai Mara delivers big-cat sightings on open plains and, roughly July to October, the Great Migration, when wildebeest and zebra pour across the Mara River in their thousands. Amboseli frames its elephant herds against the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro, while Tsavo East and West offer vast, uncrowded wilderness and red-dust elephants. Lake Nakuru shelters rhino and draws flamingos to its shallows. Beyond the bush, the central highlands and Mount Kenya reward trekkers with cool forest trails and alpine scenery, and the Diani, Watamu and Mombasa coast trades savannah heat for white sand, coral reefs and old Swahili towns on the Indian Ocean. The dry seasons, roughly July to October and again in January and February, give the best game viewing as animals gather at shrinking waterholes and the grass stays low; the wetter months turn the plains green and lush. Pack neutral layers in beige, khaki and olive for dawn game drives and cool evenings, a warm fleece for the highlands, a sun hat, sunscreen, binoculars and insect repellent, plus a light rain layer near the wet season.

One all-inclusive price

One price per visa with everything included. The government portion goes to the issuing authority and is non-refundable, itemised on your official receipt. Our service covers a full review of your application, secure handling and 24/7 email support.

From

$150.00

Standard tier, one all-inclusive price. You choose your processing speed at checkout, where the final price is confirmed.

Apply now See full pricing breakdown →

The government portion shown is an approximate USD equivalent of the issuing authority's official charge; the exact all-inclusive price is confirmed at checkout.

How to apply

Three steps from start to approval.

Complete the form
Answer the official questions online. Your draft is saved for 30 days, so you can finish once your documents are to hand.
Pay securely
You see the one all-inclusive price before you pay. We check your application for completeness before it reaches the government portal.
Receive by email
Your approved travel authorisation arrives by email. Bring it, or a copy, together with the passport you applied with when you travel.

Read the full Kenya eTA guide

Questions about this destination

Common questions specific to this visa. For broader topics see our help centre.

What is the Kenya eTA?
The eTA is Kenya's electronic travel authorization, an online entry permit you obtain before you travel. It replaced the old Kenyan visa and eVisa and is now required of almost every visitor. It is approved digitally and linked to your passport, covering tourism, business and transit.
How much does a Kenya eTA cost?
You pay one all-inclusive price that includes the Kenyan government fee, which goes directly to the immigration authority, and our service fee for checking and submitting your application. The government portion is itemised on your receipt, with no hidden charges, so you can see exactly what each part covers.
Can I get a Kenya eTA on arrival, or do I still need the old visa?
No. There is no visa on arrival for Kenya, and every visitor needs an approved eTA before travelling. The eTA replaced the old visa and eVisa system, so you must apply and be approved before you board your flight. Plan to do this well ahead of departure.
How long is the Kenya eTA valid?
The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued and allows a single entry, with a stay of up to 90 days in Kenya. It covers tourism, business and family visits. Each traveller, including children, needs their own eTA.
Can I use the eTA for multiple entries?
No. Kenya eTAs are single entry, so the authorisation is used up once you arrive. If you plan to leave and return within the validity period, you need a fresh eTA for each entry. We flag this in the application if your itinerary suggests more than one trip.
How long does the Kenya eTA take?
The Kenyan immigration authority typically issues an eTA within about three business days, though timing can vary. Our Rush tier reviews and submits your application within 24 hours and Super Rush ships same-day, so apply early when your departure is close.
What are the photo requirements for the Kenya eTA?
You upload a recent digital photograph showing your full face against a plain, light background, with no hat or sunglasses. A clear photo taken on a phone in good light is usually fine. A blurred, dark or cropped image is a frequent cause of delay, so we check yours before submitting.
Do I need to print my Kenya eTA before I travel?
It is sensible to carry your approval either printed or saved on your phone. The airline checks your eTA before boarding and the immigration officer reviews it on arrival, so having it ready avoids hold-ups at check-in. We send your approval by email so you can store and print it.
Can I extend my stay in Kenya beyond 90 days?
Yes. The 90-day stay can be extended once, by a further 90 days for a total of 180, by applying in person at an immigration office in Nairobi during your visit. The eTA itself is single entry, so a separate return trip still needs a new eTA before you travel again.
Is the Kenya eTA the same as the East Africa Tourist Visa?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a separate multi-country permit covering Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda together. The Kenya eTA covers entry to Kenya only. If your trip is limited to Kenya, the eTA is the route most visitors use. We can help you confirm the right one.
Do I need a Kenya eTA for a layover or transit?
Yes, in most cases. Kenya requires an approved eTA for transit through the country, including connecting at the airport, so you should apply before you travel even for a short stop. We confirm whether your specific connection needs the eTA when you complete the application.
What if my Kenya eTA is refused?
Refusals usually stem from incomplete itineraries, an unclear photo or inconsistent answers. We review your application for these issues before it is submitted. If it is refused for reasons outside your control, our service fee is refunded; the government fee is paid to the Kenyan authority and is non-refundable.
What are the most common mistakes that delay a Kenya eTA?
The frequent errors are a name or passport number that does not match the passport exactly, a blurred or dark photo, missing accommodation details, and an expiry date too close to your travel. Each can stall an otherwise straightforward application. We read your answers against your documents and flag anything inconsistent before we submit, so small slips are caught early rather than at the airport.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Kenya?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have recently passed through, a country where yellow fever is present. Travellers coming straight from Europe or North America are usually not asked for one, but rules depend on your route. Check the current health guidance for your itinerary, and carry the certificate if it applies, as border officers may ask to see it.
Do I need to show proof of funds or accommodation for the eTA?
The application asks where you will stay and the dates of your visit, so have a confirmed hotel booking or a host address ready. You are not asked to upload bank statements, but the immigration officer on arrival may ask how you will support your trip and where you are staying. Carrying your accommodation confirmation and return ticket makes that conversation quick and straightforward.
How far in advance should I apply for the Kenya eTA?
Apply as soon as your trip is confirmed, and at the latest several business days before departure, since the eTA must be approved before you travel and there is no visa on arrival. Government timing can vary and rises during busy safari seasons, so leaving a buffer avoids last-minute stress. If your departure is near, our Rush and Super Rush tiers shorten our side of the turnaround.

Specialist review on every file

We look at your file for the small errors that get applications refused, before any government does. Real reviewers, not AI form-fillers, not outsourced clerical work.

We don't quote specialist headcounts. Our commitment is simple: a real person reviews every file.

Kenya help desk

Have questions about your eTA? Email the Kenya desk and we reply within 24 hours.

kenya@visitpass-online.com

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VisitPass is an independent visa-application service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any government. Government fees go directly to the issuing authority and are listed separately in your receipt.

Verify rules and fees independently at the official portal: etakenya.go.ke

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