Kenya has moved from visas on arrival to an Electronic Travel Authorisation, known as the eTA. It is a quick online application, but it must be approved before you board your flight.
Who needs one
According to Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services, all visitors, including infants and children, need an approved eTA before travelling to Kenya. Citizens of East African Community partner states, which include Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, are exempt for stays of up to 180 days.
What you need to apply
- A passport valid for more than six months, with at least one blank page
- A passport-style photo or a clear selfie
- Your contact details and email address
- Your travel itinerary, with arrival and departure details
- Confirmation of your accommodation
- A credit or debit card to pay the fee
Cost, timing and validity
A single-entry eTA costs US$30 and is valid for travel within 90 days of issue. The official portal says applications are processed within three working days, but some take longer, so apply at least a week before you fly, and earlier in busy periods.
Apply only on the official site
The official portal is etakenya.go.ke. Search results are full of look-alike sites that add extra fees, so type the address yourself. Keep your approval on your phone and a printed copy in your hand luggage.
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Fees and rules change. Confirm current figures with the official source or with us before you book.
