Kenya Visa & eTA Comprehensive Guide 2026
Last updated: March 2026
Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) on 5 January 2024. All visitors (except exempt nationals) must obtain an eTA before travel. The eTA costs USD 30, is applied for online at etakenya.go.ke, and is typically processed within 24–72 hours.
No More Visa on Arrival
Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival or eVisas. The eTA has replaced all previous visa categories. You must obtain an approved eTA before departing for Kenya. Airlines may deny boarding to passengers without an approved eTA. The only exceptions are exempt nationals (see below).
What is the Kenya eTA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is Kenya's digital entry permit system, replacing the previous eVisa and visa-on-arrival system. It was introduced as part of Kenya's commitment to modernise border management while maintaining security.
Key Facts
- Launched: 5 January 2024
- Official portal: etakenya.go.ke
- Fee: USD 30 (non-refundable)
- Processing time: 3–5 business days (typically approved within 24–72 hours)
- Stay permitted: Up to 90 days per entry
- Entry types: Single-entry or multiple-entry (up to 5 years)
- Applies to: All visitors including tourists, business travellers, and transit passengers (with exemptions)
- Children: Each person including infants requires a separate eTA application and fee
For a detailed step-by-step application guide, see our dedicated Kenya eTA Guide.
eTA Types & Fees
| eTA Type | Fee | Validity | Stay Per Visit | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA (Single Entry) | USD 30 | 3 months from issue | Up to 90 days | One entry |
| Multiple Entry eTA | USD 30 | Up to 5 years | 90 days per visit | Unlimited entries |
| Transit eTA | USD 30 | Single transit | Up to 72 hours | One transit |
| East African Tourist Visa | USD 100 | 90 days | 90 days total | Multiple (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) |
The multiple-entry eTA at USD 30 is exceptional value for frequent travellers to Kenya. It allows unlimited entries over up to 5 years with 90-day stays each time.
How to Apply for a Kenya eTA
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Visit the Official Portal
Go to etakenya.go.ke. This is the only official eTA website. Avoid third-party websites that charge higher fees.
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Create an Account
Register with a valid email address and create a password. You will receive a verification email to activate your account.
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Complete the Application Form
Enter your personal details, passport information, travel dates, accommodation details in Kenya, and purpose of visit.
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Upload Required Documents
Upload your passport bio-data page (clear scan or photo), a recent passport-sized photograph (JPEG, white background), return/onward flight booking, and proof of accommodation.
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Pay the Fee (USD 30)
Pay via Visa, Mastercard, or other accepted payment methods. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
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Receive Your eTA
Your eTA is typically approved within 24–72 hours (official timeframe: 3–5 business days). You receive an email notification. Download and save your eTA approval letter.
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Travel to Kenya
Present your approved eTA (printed or digital on your phone) with your passport at the Kenyan port of entry. Immigration officers will verify your eTA electronically.
Required Documents
- Valid passport — with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned arrival date and at least one blank page for the entry stamp
- Passport-sized photograph — recent colour photo (JPEG format, white background, 35mm x 45mm equivalent)
- Travel itinerary — confirmed flight booking showing entry and exit dates
- Accommodation proof — hotel booking confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or invitation letter from a host in Kenya
- Return or onward ticket — proof that you will leave Kenya
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate — required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (e.g., Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria)
- Proof of sufficient funds — not always requested but advisable to carry (bank statements, credit cards)
Additional Documents by Purpose
| Purpose of Visit | Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Hotel bookings, tour itinerary, safari bookings |
| Business | Invitation letter from Kenya company, business registration documents, conference registration |
| Transit | Confirmed onward flight booking within 72 hours, visa for destination country if required |
| Medical | Hospital appointment letter, medical referral |
| Education | Admission letter from Kenyan institution, proof of tuition payment |
Who is Exempt from the Kenya eTA?
The following groups do not need a Kenya eTA:
African Citizens (Visa-Free Entry)
Since 2024, citizens of most African countries can enter Kenya visa-free for up to 2 months (60 days) without an eTA. This was part of Kenya's pan-African initiative to promote intra-Africa travel and trade.
Other Exempt Categories
- Kenyan citizens and holders of Kenya passports
- Diplomats and officials travelling on diplomatic or official passports on official duty
- EAC citizens with valid East African Community travel documents
- Holders of Kenya re-entry passes (residents with valid permits)
- UNHCR convention travel document holders
- Children on parents' passports — still need a separate eTA (this is NOT an exemption, just a clarification)
East African Tourist Visa (EATV)
The East African Tourist Visa is a joint visa that allows you to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa. It is ideal for multi-country safari trips and regional tourism.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | USD 100 |
| Validity | 90 days from date of issue |
| Countries | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda |
| Entries | Multiple entries between the three countries |
| Application | Apply through any of the three countries' portals |
| First entry rule | You must enter through the country where you applied first |
When the EATV Is Worth It
- Multi-country safari: Visit Masai Mara (Kenya), Bwindi (Uganda gorilla trekking), and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) on one visa
- Cost-effective: At USD 100, it is cheaper than buying separate eTAs for all three countries
- Convenience: One application covers all three countries with free border crossings between them
Old eVisa vs New eTA — What Changed?
| Feature | Old eVisa (Before Jan 2024) | New eTA (From Jan 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Electronic Visa (eVisa) | Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) |
| Portal | evisa.go.ke | etakenya.go.ke |
| Single Entry Fee | USD 51 | USD 30 |
| Multiple Entry Fee | USD 101 | USD 30 |
| Multiple Entry Validity | Up to 1 year | Up to 5 years |
| Transit Fee | USD 21 | USD 30 |
| Processing Time | 2–7 business days | 24–72 hours (typically) |
| Visa on Arrival | Available for some nationalities | No longer available |
| African Citizens | Visa required for most | Visa-free entry (up to 60 days) |
The eTA system represents a significant improvement: lower fees, faster processing, longer validity for multiple-entry, and visa-free access for African citizens. The only increase is the transit fee (USD 21 to USD 30).
Transit Through Kenya
If you are transiting through a Kenyan airport (typically Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi) to another destination, you need a transit eTA unless you are exempt.
Transit eTA Requirements
- Stay: Up to 72 hours in the transit area
- Fee: USD 30
- Documents: Passport, confirmed onward flight within 72 hours, visa for destination country (if required)
- Airside transit: If you do not leave the international transit area and your connection is within a few hours, you may not need a transit eTA — check with your airline
Extending Your Stay
If you wish to stay in Kenya beyond the 90-day period granted by your eTA, you can apply for an extension:
- Where: Department of Immigration Services, Nyayo House, Nairobi
- When: Apply before your 90-day stay expires — overstaying is an offence
- Extension granted: At the discretion of the Director of Immigration
- Maximum stay: Generally up to 6 months total (including the initial 90 days)
- Fee: Applicable extension fee (verify at Immigration office)
- Documents: Passport, current eTA, reason for extension, proof of funds, return ticket
For stays longer than 6 months, you may need to apply for a specific permit (work permit, student permit, or residence permit) depending on your purpose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying on unofficial websites: Only use etakenya.go.ke. Third-party sites charge inflated fees and may not be legitimate.
- Expecting visa on arrival: Kenya no longer offers visa on arrival. You will be denied boarding or fined at the airport.
- Applying too late: Apply at least one week before travel. While processing is usually 24–72 hours, delays can occur.
- Passport validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your arrival date. Many travellers are caught out by this.
- Forgetting children: Every person including infants needs their own eTA application and fee.
- Yellow fever certificate: If arriving from an endemic country, you will be asked for your certificate. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport (at your cost) or denied entry.
- Using the old eVisa portal: The evisa.go.ke portal is no longer active. Use etakenya.go.ke only.