Kenya eTA
Everything you need for your Kenya eTA: requirements, processing times and answers to the most common questions.
Official Kenya government portal- Validity
- 90 days
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Entry type
- Single
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.
Kenya eTA questions
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.
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Have questions about your eTA? Email the Kenya desk and we reply within 24 hours.
kenya@visitpass-online.com