Kenya eTA: Requirements, Costs & Application

Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory pre-trip permit required by all foreign visitors to Kenya since January 5, 2024. Most foreign visitors must obtain an approved eTA from the official portal etakenya.go.ke before boarding their flight to Kenya. The Kenya eTA is a semi-automated eligibility system that determines a traveler’s admissibility to enter Kenya. It was introduced per Kenya Gazette Supplement No.1 of January 2, 2024, and replaced the previously operational evisa.go.ke platform. Key distinctions:
  • Kenya eTA is NOT a visa — it is a mandatory pre-travel authorization.
  • An approved eTA does NOT guarantee entry — the Immigration Officer makes the final admissibility determination at the port of entry.
  • The eTA must be obtained before departure — there is no option to apply on arrival.
  • The official portal is https://www.etakenya.go.ke (look for the .go.ke government domain).

Who Needs a Kenya eTA? (Eligibility & Exemptions)

Most foreign visitors to Kenya — including infants and children — must obtain an approved eTA before travel. The following nationalities don’t need an eTA for 6 months:
  • Burundi
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Rwanda
  • South Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
Also, those from the following countries are exempted (for 90 days):
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Botswana
  • Brunei
  • Cyprus
  • Dominica
  • Eritrea
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Fiji
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Kiribati
  • Lesotho
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Malawi
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Comoros
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
Besides, you don’t need an eTA for a stay of up to 60 days if you are a citizen of:
  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Benin
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cape Verde
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Gabon
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Liberia
  • Madagascar
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Morocco
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Sudan
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
Kenya eTA is a mandatory authorization for almost all foreign nationals, including:
  • Tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers (staying more than 3 days)
  • All foreign children and infants — each child requires their own approved eTA
Visitors who already have legal permission to enter Kenya, such as residents or work permit holders, do not need an eTA. It is also not required for transit passengers who stay in the airport, transport crew, or private aircraft operators who do not leave the airport. Additionally, officials traveling on duty with international organization documents, certain diplomatic or service passport holders, and serving members of the British military are exempt from the eTA requirement.

Kenya eTA Fees & Types

Kenya eTA costs $30 USD for a standard single-entry authorization. Several eTA types exist, ranging from $20 (transit) to $300 (1-year multiple entry). US citizens have access to an exclusive 5-Year Multiple Entry eTA for $185. All fees are non-refundable and payable by credit/debit card only.

Payment rules:

  • Credit/debit card only — no cash, no checks accepted
  • All fees are non-refundable — verify all details before submitting payment
  • Apply directly at etakenya.go.ke to avoid extra charges

Kenya eTA for US Citizens

US citizens must apply for the Kenya eTA online at etakenya.go.ke — there is no visa on arrival option. US citizens can choose the standard $30 eTA (single entry, 90-day stay) or the exclusive 5-Year Multiple Entry eTA for $185 (unlimited entries over 5 years). It allows unlimited entries to Kenya over 5 years from the date of first arrival listed in the application.
⚠️ No visa on arrival: Kenya eliminated visa on arrival on January 5, 2024. US citizens must obtain eTA online at etakenya.go.ke before travel.

Kenya eTA Requirements

To apply for a Kenya eTA, you need a valid passport, a face photo, a travel itinerary, accommodation booking, and a credit/debit card. Additional documents may be required depending on the travel purpose.

Required Documents for All Travelers

  1. Passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond planned arrival date; at least 1–2 blank pages
  2. Photo or selfie — recent, clear image of the face
  3. Contact details — home address, phone number, email address
  4. Flight itinerary — arrival flight number and departure date
  5. Accommodation booking confirmation OR invitation letter from the host
  6. Credit/debit card — for payment of the non-refundable fee
⚠️ Yellow Fever: The certificate is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Check current requirements at immigration.go.ke or travel.state.gov before departure.

How to Apply for Kenya eTA (Step-by-Step)

Get Kenya eTA exclusively at the official portal etakenya.go.ke. The process takes 10–15 minutes online. Apply at least 3–7 days before travel (standard processing = 3 working days).

Application Steps

  1. Visit the official portal: https://www.etakenya.go.ke.
  2. Click “Apply Now”.
  3. Create an account or log in with your email address.
  4. Fill in personal information (full name, nationality, date of birth).
  5. Enter passport data (number, expiry date, issuing country).
  6. Share travel details (arrival date, flight number, accommodation address).
  7. Upload a face photo or selfie.
  8. Upload supporting documents (if required for your travel purpose).
  9. Select your eTA type and pay via credit/debit card.
  10. Receive a confirmation email (receipt of application) with your reference number.
  11. Receive Approval or Refusal email within 3 working days.
  12. Download the eTA PDF or save it to your mobile device.
  13. Present your eTA at the check-in counter and boarding gate before departure.

Kenya eTA Processing Time & Validity

Standard Kenya eTA processing takes 3 working days. Once approved, the eTA is valid for 90 days — you must enter Kenya within this 90-day validity window. The maximum stay is 3 months, extendable to 180 days total at a Kenya Immigration Office.

Validity & Duration of Stay

  • 90-day validity window: You must enter Kenya within 90 days of the eTA issuance date. If you do not enter within 90 days, the eTA becomes invalid, and you must reapply.
  • Duration of stay: Determined by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry — a Visitor’s Pass is issued, indicating your permitted stay.
  • Maximum stay: 90 days per entry.
  • Extension: Extendable up to 90 additional days at the nearest Kenya Immigration Office (maximum 180 days total per entry).

Re-Entry Rules

Scenario Rule
Re-entering Kenya from outside the EAC New eTA required
Traveling within EAC Partner States (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) Standard eTA remains valid for multiple entries
Traveling outside the EAC block and returning to Kenya New eTA required
The regular eTA is a single-entry authorization for Kenya but functions as a multiple-entry authorization within EAC Partner States. Travelers who leave the EAC block entirely and wish to return to Kenya must obtain a new eTA.

How to Check Kenya eTA Status

Check your Kenya eTA application status by logging into your account at etakenya.go.ke using the email address and reference number from your confirmation email. Status updates are sent by email — check your spam folder if you haven’t received a response within 3 working days.

Status Check Steps

  1. Go to https://www.etakenya.go.ke.
  2. Log in with your email address and password.
  3. Enter your reference number from the confirmation email.
  4. View your current status: Approved / Pending / Refused.

Important tips:

  • Status notification emails are sent to the email address used during registration
  • Check your spam/junk folder — approval emails frequently land in spam
  • If no response after 3 working days, contact Kenya Immigration Department

Kenya eTA FAQ

  • Do I need an eTA to enter Kenya?
Most foreign visitors — including infants and children — must obtain an approved Kenya eTA before boarding their flight.
  • Is an eTA mandatory for Kenya?
Kenya eTA became mandatory on January 5, 2024, replacing the previous eVisa system. There is no visa on arrival option for most nationalities. Failure to obtain an approved eTA before departure will result in denied boarding.
  • Do US citizens get a visa on arrival in Kenya?
Kenya eliminated visa on arrival when it launched the eTA system on January 5, 2024. US citizens must apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel.
  • What do you need for a Kenya eTA?
Required for all travelers: a valid passport, a recent face photo or selfie, a flight itinerary, accommodation booking confirmation, and a credit/debit card. Additional documents may be required as well.
  • How long does it take for a Kenya eTA to be approved?
Standard processing takes 3 working days. If you need immediate approval, the expedited eTA is approved instantly upon application. If your standard eTA has not been processed after 3 working days, contact the Kenya Immigration Department.
  • How far in advance can you apply for a Kenya eTA?
You can apply up to 90 days before travel — the eTA is valid for 90 days from issuance. The minimum recommended lead time is 3–7 days before departure (standard processing = 3 working days). Applying 1–2 weeks in advance is advisable to allow buffer time for any processing delays.
  • Do Americans need an eTA for Kenya?
US citizens must obtain an approved Kenya eTA before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Complete the process at etakenya.go.ke. US citizens have two options: the standard eTA (single entry) or the exclusive 5-Year Multiple Entry eTA.
  • Can children apply for a Kenya eTA?
All foreign children, including infants, must have their own approved eTA. A parent or legal guardian fills in the form on their behalf at etakenya.go.ke. Each child requires a separate application and fee payment.
  • What happens if my Kenya eTA is not approved within 3 working days?
Apply for the expedited eTA for guaranteed immediate approval. Alternatively, contact the Kenya Immigration Department or visit immigration.go.ke for assistance.
  • Can I extend my stay in Kenya beyond 90 days?
You can extend your stay up to 90 additional days at the nearest Kenya Immigration Office (maximum 180 days total per entry). The Visitor’s Pass issued at the port of entry can be extended before it expires.
  • Is Kenya eTA the same as Kenya eVisa?
The Kenya eTA replaced the eVisa on January 5, 2024. The old evisa.go.ke portal is no longer operational. All applications must now be made at etakenya.go.ke. Travelers who previously used the eVisa system must create a new account on the eTA portal.
  • Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Kenya?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country. Check current requirements at immigration.go.ke or travel.state.gov before departure.