Kenya Visa and eTA Kenya Requirements, Cost and Online Application
Travellers searching for a Kenya visa, Kenya tourist visa, Kenya eVisa or Kenya visa online will usually need to check Kenya’s current Electronic Travel Authorisation, commonly called the Kenya eTA or eTA Kenya.
The Kenya eTA is a digital pre-travel authorisation operated by the Directorate of Immigration Services. Most non-exempt visitors must obtain the correct authorisation before starting their journey. Nationality, passport type, residency, travel purpose and transit arrangements determine whether an eTA is required.
Find the Kenya entry requirement that matches your journey
Select your travel situation before starting an application.
I am visiting Kenya
Check whether your passport requires a Standard eTA for tourism, business, family, medical or conference travel.
Check visitor eligibilityI am transiting through Kenya
Determine whether you remain airside or must enter Kenya to collect baggage, change airports or stay overnight.
Check transit rulesI visit Kenya frequently
Compare the Standard, one-year multi-entry and five-year US-national eTA products.
Compare eTA typesI already applied
Use the official status tool with the application reference sent to your email.
Check eTA statusIs a Kenya eTA the same as a Kenya visa?
A visa and an electronic travel authorisation are different forms of immigration permission. Kenya’s official eTA service states that the eTA replaces traditional visa requirements for most travellers.
People still search for Kenya visa, Kenya eVisa, Kenya tourist visa, Kenya visa online and visa to Kenya. For most non-exempt short-term visitors, the current document to check is the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation.
| Common search phrase | Current meaning | Passenger action |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya visa | A general search for permission to travel to or enter Kenya | Check whether you need an eTA, pass or permit |
| Kenya eVisa | Former online-visa language still used by travellers | Use the current official eTA system for ordinary short visits |
| Kenya tourist visa | Usually a Standard eTA for a non-exempt tourist | Choose tourism as the travel purpose |
| Kenya visa online | A search for Kenya’s digital pre-travel application | Apply through etakenya.go.ke |
| Kenya visa on arrival | An outdated or unreliable search for ordinary visitor entry | Obtain approval before travel when an eTA is required |
| Kenya electronic travel authorization | American spelling of Electronic Travel Authorisation | Both spellings refer to the Kenya eTA |
Who needs a Kenya eTA?
A non-exempt traveller normally needs the appropriate eTA before beginning the journey to Kenya.
Tourists and safari visitors
Non-exempt travellers visiting for a holiday, safari, beach stay, cultural trip or leisure journey normally use a Standard eTA.
Business travellers
Business visitors may need a Standard eTA, an invitation from the Kenyan company and a copy of its registration.
Family visitors
A family visit may require an invitation and a copy of the host’s identity or immigration document.
Conference attendees
Conference or meeting travellers may need an invitation, registration confirmation or participation letter.
Medical visitors
Medical travellers may need an appointment or referral letter from the hospital or healthcare provider.
Transit passengers entering Kenya
Travellers who leave the airport, collect baggage, stay at a hotel or transfer to Wilson Airport must check entry requirements.
Who is exempt from applying for a Kenya eTA?
Kenya’s official exemption list includes residents, permit holders, East African Partner State citizens, specified nationalities, certain official travel-document holders and qualifying transit passengers.
Kenyan residents and permit holders
Kenya permanent residents and holders of valid work permits, passes or recognised re-entry authority are exempt.
East African Partner States
Citizens of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda are listed as exempt for stays not exceeding 180 days.
Listed 90-day nationalities
Several nationalities are exempt from the eTA for stays not exceeding 90 days.
Listed African nationalities
A separate group of African nationalities is exempt for stays not exceeding 60 days.
Airside transit passengers
Passengers transferring between aircraft without leaving the precincts of a Kenyan airport are listed as exempt.
Crew and official travellers
Qualifying crew, international-organisation travel-document holders and specified diplomatic passport holders may be exempt.
East African Partner State citizens exempt for up to 180 days
Nationalities listed as exempt for stays up to 90 days
African nationalities listed as exempt for stays up to 60 days
Other official exemption categories
How much does a Kenya eTA cost?
The official eligibility portal lists different products for transit, single-entry and repeated travel.
| Kenya eTA type | Official base fee | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Transit eTA | USD 20 | For travellers on a transit journey through Kenya who require an authorisation |
| Standard eTA | USD 30 | Allows one entry into Kenya |
| One-Year Multi-Entry eTA | USD 300 | Allows multiple entries over a one-year period |
| Five-Year Multi-Entry eTA | USD 185 | Listed for American nationals making repeated visits |
| East African Tourist eTA | Coming soon | Displayed by the official portal but not yet listed as an available application product |
Kenya visa and eTA requirements by nationality
Use these answers as a starting point, then confirm your current eligibility through the official portal.
| Traveller | General current requirement | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| US citizens | Ordinary passport holders normally require an eTA | The official portal lists a five-year multi-entry option for American nationals |
| UK citizens | Ordinary passport holders normally require an eTA | Serving British military members appear in the exemption list |
| Canadian citizens | Ordinary passport holders normally require an eTA | Check eligibility before travel |
| Australian citizens | Ordinary passport holders normally require an eTA | The Standard eTA normally covers a single short visit |
| Indian citizens | Ordinary passport holders normally require an eTA | Indian diplomatic, official and service passport holders are listed as exempt for qualifying stays |
| South African citizens | Listed as exempt for up to 90 days | Confirm that the planned stay remains within the exemption |
| Nigerian citizens | Listed as exempt for up to 60 days | Longer or different-purpose stays may require separate immigration permission |
| Ugandan citizens | Exempt as East African Partner State citizens | The official exemption period is stated as up to 180 days |
| Kenya permanent residents | Exempt | Carry valid proof of permanent residence |
| Valid Kenya permit or pass holders | Exempt | The permit, pass or re-entry authority must remain valid |
Kenya eTA application requirements
Prepare clear digital copies before beginning the official application.
Valid passport
The passport should remain valid for at least six months after the planned date of arrival and contain at least one blank page.
Passport photograph or selfie
Prepare a clear and recent passport-style photograph or selfie that follows the portal instructions.
Contact details
Provide an active email address and telephone number for application messages and the final decision.
Arrival and departure itinerary
Prepare flight, entry and planned departure information for the journey.
Accommodation confirmation
Upload a hotel reservation or provide the physical address and contact information of your host.
Payment method
Have an accepted debit card, credit card or other payment method available.
Additional documents by purpose of travel
| Travel purpose | Additional documents that may be required |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Accommodation, itinerary and return or onward travel evidence |
| Business | Company invitation letter and copy of company registration |
| Family visit | Host invitation and host ID, passport, alien card or entry permit |
| Medical travel | Referral, appointment or supporting letter from the hospital |
| Conference or meeting | Invitation or participation letter |
| Employment-related journey | Employment contract and any required work authorisation |
| Diplomatic travel | Diplomatic, official or service passport and official letter |
| Health documents | Vaccination or test-result certificates when applicable |
How to apply for a Kenya eTA online
Complete the application through the official website or official Kenya Travel Authorisation mobile application.
1. Check eligibility
Confirm whether you need an eTA, qualify for an exemption or need a different immigration document.
2. Open the official portal
Go directly to etakenya.go.ke and check the domain before entering personal information.
3. Select the eTA type
Choose the Standard, Transit, multi-entry, individual or group application matching the journey.
4. Enter passport details
Copy names, passport number, nationality and dates exactly as they appear in the travel document.
5. Add journey details
Enter travel dates, flights, accommodation, host information and the reason for visiting Kenya.
6. Upload supporting files
Add the passport image, photograph, booking confirmation and any travel-purpose documents.
7. Review every field
Correct spelling, passport, date and contact errors before paying and submitting.
8. Pay and submit
Pay the displayed fee and retain the application and payment references.
9. Download the decision
Approved applicants should print the PDF, save it on a mobile device or store it in the official mobile application.
Kenya eTA processing time and application status
Normal processing time
Applications are generally processed within three business days or 72 hours, but verification can take longer.
Recommended application time
The official portal recommends applying at least two weeks before travel to provide adequate processing time.
Expedited processing
An urgent processing option is available for an additional fee. Do not assume immediate approval is guaranteed.
| Application result | What it means | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted or under review | The application is still being processed | Monitor email and the official status tool |
| Approved | You have permission to begin the journey to Kenya | Download and save the approval PDF |
| Denied or refused | You are not authorised to travel using that application | Contact the official eTA service for further information |
| Incorrect information | Passport or travel data may not match the traveller | Contact support; another paid application may be required |
Do I need a Kenya transit visa or Transit eTA?
The requirement depends on whether you remain inside the airport or formally enter Kenya.
Airside airport transfer
Passengers transferring to another aircraft without leaving the precincts of the Kenyan airport are listed as exempt from the eTA.
Separate-ticket self-transfer
Collecting baggage, passing immigration and checking in again may require entry into Kenya and an appropriate eTA.
Airport hotel or Nairobi visit
Leaving JKIA for a hotel, city visit, layover tour or overnight stay requires the traveller to meet Kenya’s entry rules.
JKIA to Wilson Airport
Wilson Airport is a separate airport. Passengers must enter Kenya and travel by road between NBO and WIL.
Plan the Wilson Airport transferTransit eTA fee
The official eligibility page lists a USD 20 Transit eTA for travellers whose transit journey requires authorisation.
Checked-through baggage
Ask the airline whether baggage is checked to the final destination and whether the connection remains airside.
JKIA connection informationHow long is a Kenya eTA valid?
Travel within 90 days
The official application terms state that an eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from its date of issuance.
Stay decided on arrival
Immigration determines the authorised period of stay when the traveller enters Kenya.
Visitor-pass extension
An eligible foreign visitor may apply to extend a visitor’s pass, subject to immigration requirements and approval.
Kenya eTA applications for children, families and groups
Infants and children
Each non-exempt infant or child requires an individual approved eTA before travel.
Family or group application
Travellers can use the group-application option, but every passenger still receives an individual authorisation.
Applying for another person
A parent, guardian or representative may submit an application using the traveller’s correct passport and journey information.
When a Kenya eTA is not enough
An eTA supports short-term travel. It does not replace every permit, pass or residence document.
Employment in Kenya
A traveller intending to work must check the relevant work permit or special-pass requirements.
Study in Kenya
Students admitted to a Kenyan institution may require a student’s pass rather than relying only on an eTA.
Long-term residence
Residence, dependant and permanent-residence arrangements use separate immigration processes.
Professional activity
Temporary business, trade or professional activity may require a special pass or another permission.
Kenya eTA mistakes, refusal and scam prevention
Correct mistakes before submission
Review every field before payment. Application information can be corrected before final submission.
Errors after submission
A new paid application may be required when submitted passport or travel information is incorrect.
Denied application
A traveller whose application is denied is not authorised to begin the journey using that application.
Non-refundable fees
Submitted eTA fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another applicant.
Third-party agents
Private services may charge more than the official fee. Check the website domain before entering personal information.
Lost approval email
Use the official status service and application reference to retrieve or confirm the decision.
Using your Kenya eTA at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
JKIA, airport code NBO, is Kenya’s main international passenger gateway.
Airline document check
The airline may check your passport and approved eTA before allowing you to board the flight to Kenya.
Immigration inspection
Present the same passport used for the application and the approved eTA when requested.
Biometric processing
Travellers may be required to appear in person for identity and biometric processing at the point of entry.
Return or onward ticket
Immigration may request evidence of onward travel or a return journey.
Accommodation and itinerary
Keep hotel details, host contacts and the planned Kenya itinerary available.
Funds for the visit
Immigration may request evidence that the traveller can support the planned stay.
Kenya visa and eTA frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?
What is eTA Kenya?
Is Kenya visa-free?
What is the official Kenya eTA website?
How much is a Kenya eTA?
How long does a Kenya eTA take?
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA on arrival?
How long is a Kenya eTA valid?
Do children need a Kenya eTA?
Do US citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Do UK citizens need a Kenya eTA?
Do Indian citizens need a Kenya eTA?
Do South African citizens need a Kenya eTA?
Do Nigerian citizens need a Kenya eTA?
Do I need an eTA when transiting through JKIA?
Can someone else apply for my Kenya eTA?
Can I change an eTA after submitting it?
Is the Kenya eTA fee refundable?
Does an approved eTA guarantee entry into Kenya?
Can I extend my stay in Kenya?
Plan your Kenya entry and arrival at JKIA
Use the relevant resource for each stage of the journey.
Check your Kenya visa and eTA requirements before travel
Confirm whether your passport requires a Standard, Transit or multi-entry Kenya eTA, or whether you qualify for an exemption. Apply early, use accurate passport information and retain the approved authorisation throughout the journey.
Entry requirements, exemptions, fees and processing arrangements can change. Verify all time-sensitive information through the Government of Kenya before booking or travelling.
Official resources: Kenya eTA portal · Directorate of Immigration · eTA eligibility · Official eTA FAQs
Independent passenger information. Content reviewed: .


