How much is a Kenya eTA in 2026?

The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) costs $30 USD for most nationalities. It replaced the traditional visa system in January 2024. The eTA is valid for 90 days (single or multiple entries within 90 days) and must be applied for online at etakenya.go.ke before travel.

Do I still need a visa for Kenya or just an eTA?

Since January 2024, Kenya replaced tourist and business visas with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. All foreign nationals (except those from visa-exempt countries) need an eTA to enter Kenya. Work permits and long-stay visas are still processed separately through Kenyan embassies.

Which countries are exempt from the Kenya eTA?

Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, South Sudan, Somalia) do not need an eTA. Some other African countries also have exemption agreements. All other nationalities need an eTA.

How long does the Kenya eTA take to process?

The Kenya eTA is typically processed within 72 hours (3 working days). It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before travel. The eTA is processed entirely online at etakenya.go.ke.

Can I extend my stay in Kenya beyond the eTA period?

The eTA allows a stay of up to 90 days. To extend beyond this, visit the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi or Mombasa. An extension costs KES 10,000 (approximately $75) and grants an additional 90 days.

Kenya Visa Fees 2026 - eTA and Visa Cost Guide

Kenya switched to the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system in January 2024, replacing traditional tourist visas. Here is everything you need to know about costs and how to apply.

Important Change: Since January 2024, Kenya no longer issues traditional tourist/business visas. Most travellers now need an eTA ($30) applied for online before travel.

Kenya Entry & Visa Fee Schedule 2026

Permit/Authorisation Type	Duration	Fee (USD)	Processing Time
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)	Up to 90 days	$30	Up to 72 hours
East Africa Tourist Visa	90 days (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda)	$100	5-7 working days
Transit eTA	Up to 72 hours	$30	Up to 72 hours
eTA Extension	Additional 90 days	~$75 (KES 10,000)	5-10 working days
Work Permit (Class D)	1-3 years	$2,000	4-8 weeks
Work Permit (Class G - Specific Trade)	1-3 years	$2,000	4-8 weeks
Special Pass (Short-term work)	Up to 3 months	$1,000	2-4 weeks
Student Pass	Duration of study	$1,000	4-6 weeks
Dependent Pass	Matches principal holder	$1,000	4-6 weeks
Diplomatic eTA	Varies	Gratis (Free)	24-48 hours

Kenya eTA - How to Apply

Step-by-Step eTA Application:

Visit etakenya.go.ke
Create an account and log in
Fill in personal details and travel information
Upload a passport photo and passport bio page scan
Pay $30 online via credit/debit card
Receive eTA confirmation via email within 72 hours
Print the eTA or save it on your phone

Tip: Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. While most eTAs are processed within 72 hours, delays can occur during peak season.

East Africa Tourist Visa

If you plan to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on the same trip, the East Africa Tourist Visa offers better value at $100 instead of buying separate entry permits for each country.

Cost: $100 USD
Validity: 90 days, multiple entries within the 3 countries
Apply at: The embassy/consulate of your first port of entry
Countries covered: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda

eTA-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries do not need an eTA for Kenya:

East African Community (EAC)

Uganda
Tanzania
Rwanda
Burundi
Democratic Republic of Congo
South Sudan
Somalia

Other Exempt Countries

Selected African nations with bilateral agreements
Diplomatic passport holders from certain countries

Check etakenya.go.ke for the full list.

Payment Methods

eTA (Online):

Visa credit/debit card
MasterCard credit/debit card
M-Pesa (for Kenyan residents)

Work Permits (Embassy):

Bank draft / money order
Cash (USD or local currency)
Credit/debit cards (some locations)

Children and Families

Children under 16: eTA is free for children under 16 when accompanying a parent
Children 16+: Pay the full $30 eTA fee
Required documents: Birth certificate, parental consent letter if not with both parents
Each child needs their own passport - Kenya does not accept children on parent's passport

Overstay Penalties

Overstaying your eTA or permit in Kenya is a criminal offence.

Fine: KES 10,000 (~$75) per day of overstay
Maximum fine: KES 500,000 (~$3,750) or 6 months imprisonment
Deportation: At overstayer's expense
Re-entry ban: Possible for serious overstays
Extension option: Apply at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi before your eTA expires

Health Requirements

Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country
Malaria: Present in many areas of Kenya - prophylaxis strongly recommended
COVID-19: Check current requirements before travel as these change frequently

Quick Reference

eTA (Tourist): $30
East Africa Visa: $100
Children under 16: Free
Work Permit: $2,000
Student Pass: $1,000
Processing: Up to 72 hours
Yellow Fever: If from endemic area
Currency: Shilling (KES)

Important Notes

eTA replaced traditional visas in Jan 2024
Apply online only at etakenya.go.ke
EAC nationals are exempt
Children under 16 travel free with parents
M-Pesa widely accepted in Kenya