Kenya eVisa Information | Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

All visitors, including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya, must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.

Traveling to Kenya has never been easier thanks to the Kenya eVisa system. Instead of visiting an embassy or dealing with long queues on arrival, travelers can now apply for a Kenya visa online from anywhere in the world. The Kenya eVisa allows visitors to complete the entire application process digitally — from filling in personal details to uploading documents and making secure payments.

Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or transit, the Kenya eVisa simplifies entry into the country by offering a fast, convenient, and reliable way to get approved before your trip. Once issued, the eVisa is sent directly to your email, making it easy to present upon arrival at Kenyan airports or border points. For international travelers planning a safari, business trip, or holiday, applying for a Kenya eVisa online is the most efficient way to start your journey stress-free.

Kenya Visa Requirements / Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) Required Documents

Before starting your application, ensure you have the following:

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity with at least one blank page)
  • Selfie or passport-type photo
  • Contact details (email & phone number)
  • Travel itinerary (arrival & departure)
  • Accommodation booking confirmation
  • Payment method (credit/debit card, etc.)

Additional Documents (Depending on Your Travel Purpose)

  • Medical: Referral letter from the hospital
  • Conference: Invitation/participation letter
  • Employment: Contract document
  • Resettlement: Supporting documents
  • Vaccination or test results certificates

For Business Travellers

  • Invitation letter from the company
  • Company registration copy

For Family Visits

  • Invitation letter from the host
  • Host’s ID/Passport/Alien Card/Entry permit

For Diplomatic Travel

  • Diplomatic, Official, or Service passport
  • Official letter from the country of origin/organization

Processing time is typically three (3) working days, but it may take longer in some cases.

How do I apply for the eTA?

The Government of Kenya has made this website available as a secure platform for the purpose of allowing visitors to submit information and apply for an eTA. eTA applications must be completed only through this official website or the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” official mobile application, and must be done for each individual who intends to travel to Kenya.

Steps:

  • Visit https://etakenya.go.ke
  • Click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions
  • Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly
  • Submit the application
  • An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you
  • An email confirming receipt of payment, if applicable, will be sent to you
  • Upon decision by Immigration officer, an email confirming Approval / Refusal will be sent to you
  • If your application has been approved, please either print the PDF document that has been attached to the email, or download the document to your mobile device or save it in the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app. This is your electronic travel authorisation that needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points.
  • If your application has been denied, you will not be able to travel to Kenya for the moment.
  • Please contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details.
  • You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the following URL: https://etakenya.go.ke

You are only allowed to travel after your application has been approved by the Government of Kenya.

Apply for Kenya Visa

To apply for entry to Kenya, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Go to the Kenya ETA official website to apply. The Official Website is www.etakenya.go.ke

Kenya Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

1. You Must Apply for an eTA Before Travel
U.S. passport holders do not need a traditional visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arriving in Kenya. This replaces the old visa-on-arrival system and is mandatory for entry.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Valid Passport

  • Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Kenya.
  • It should have at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Completed Online eTA Application

  • You must submit your eTA application online through the official Kenyan government portal at etakenya.go.ke before departure.
  • A separate application is required for each traveler.

Recent Digital Photo

  • Upload a recent, passport-style photo or selfie when prompted during the eTA application.

Travel Details

  • You’ll need to provide basic travel information such as your arrival and departure dates and flight itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host’s invitation) may also be required.

Payment Method

  • Be prepared to pay the eTA processing fee online using a credit or debit card as part of your application.

Kenya Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), not a traditional visa, for Kenya, obtained online via the eCitizen portal, requiring a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), selfie/photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and funds, applied for at least 3 days before travel.

Kenya eVisa Processing Time / Kenya ETA Processing Time

When you apply for a Kenya eVisa online, the processing time is usually quite fast. Most applicants receive their approved eVisa within about 2 to 3 business days (48–72 hours) after submitting the application and payment.

However, several factors can affect how quickly your visa is processed, including:

  • Application volume (especially during peak travel seasons)
  • Completeness and accuracy of your submitted details and documents
  • Public holidays or system delays

For this reason, it’s recommended to apply at least 7–10 days before your departure date to allow extra time in case of delays.

Once your eVisa is approved, you’ll receive it by email as a downloadable PDF to present to immigration officials when you arrive in Kenya.

Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) as per the KENYA CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION(AMMENDEMENT) RULES, 2025

  1. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits, and Passes.
  2. All persons whose passports are endorsed with valid Kenya re-entry passes or any other written authority in lieu of a re-entry pass.
  3. Citizens of the East African Partner States: These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda for a period not exceeding 180 days.
  4. Nationals of the following Countries for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days－
    • Barbados
    • Belize
    • Botswana
    • Brunei
    • Cyprus
    • Dominica
    • Eritrea
    • Eswatini
    • Ethiopia
    • Fiji Island
    • Gambia
    • Ghana
    • Grenada
    • Guyana
    • Jamaica
    • Kiribati
    • Lesotho
    • Malaysia
    • Maldives
    • Malawi
    • Mauritius
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Nauru
    • Papua New Guinea
    • Union of Comoros
    • Samoa
    • San Marino
    • Sierra Leone
    • Singapore
    • South Africa
    • St. Kitts and Navis
    • St. Lucia
    • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
    • The Bahamas
    • The Gambia
    • Tonga
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • The Republic of Congo
    • Tuvalu
    • Vanuatu
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe
  5. Nationals of the following African countries for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days－
    • Algeria
    • Angola
    • Benin
    • Burkina Faso
    • Cape Verde
    • Cameroon
    • Central African Republic
    • Chad
    • Cote d’Ivoire
    • Djibouti
    • Egypt
    • Equatorial Guinea
    • Gabon
    • Guinea
    • Guinea Bissau
    • Liberia
    • Madagascar
    • Mali
    • Mauritania
    • Morocco
    • Niger
    • Nigeria
    • Sao Tome and Principe
    • Senegal
    • Seychelles
    • Sudan
    • Togo
    • Tunisia
  6. All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
  7. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
  8. Members of the crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
  9. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
  10. Holders of United Nations Organization Laissez-Passers whilst on official UN Business.
  11. Holders of African Union Laissez-Passers whilst on official A.U. business.
  12. Holders of African Development Bank Laissez-Passers, whilst on official A.D.B. business.
  13. Holders of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa Laissez-Passers, whilst on official BADEA business.
  14. Holders of International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa Laissez-Passers, whilst on official I.R.L.C.O. business.
  15. Holders of Desert Locust Control Organization Laissez-Passers, whilst on official D.L.C.O. business.
  16. Holders of COMESA Laissez-Passers, whilst on official COMESA business.
  17. Holders of International Monetary Fund and World Bank Laissez – Passers whilst on official IMF/World Bank Business.
  18. Holders of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Laissez- Passers whilst on official IGAD business.
  19. Holders of African Airlines Travel Association (IATA) LaissezPassers whilst on official business.
  20. Holders of Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI) Laissez-Passers whilst on official ELCI business.
  21. Holders of Union of Radio, Television Network of Africa (URTNA) Laissez- Passers whilst on official URTNA business.
  22. Holders of International Labour Organization (ILO) Laissez – Passers whilst on official ILO business.
  23. Holders of Preferential Trade Area/Common Market of East & Southern African Bank Laissez – Passers whilst on official PTA/COMESA business.
  24. Holders of European Union Laissez – Passers whilst on official European Union business.
  25. Holders of CIP (International Potato Centre) Laissez – Passers whilst on official CIP business.
  26. Holders of African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC) Laissez – Passers whilst on official ARC business.
  27. Holders of African Housing Fund (AHF) Laissez – Passers whilst on official AHF business.
  28. Holders of African Export – Import Bank (Afreximbank) Laissez – Passers whilst on official Afreximbank business.
  29. Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports from The Islamic Republic of Iran for a period not exceeding (30) Days stay.
  30. Holders of Diplomatic, Official, Special, and Service Passports, from The Republic of Turkey and members of their families holding valid Diplomatic, Official, Special, and Service Passports, while on Transit or Stay not exceeding ninety (90) days.
  31. Holders of Diplomatic, Official or Service Passports from the Federal Republic of Brazil for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days.
  32. Holders of Diplomatic, Official or Service Passports from the Republic of India for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days.
  33. Holders of Diplomatic, Official or Service Passports from the People’s Republic of China for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days.
  34. Serving Members of the British Military.

Kenya Evisa/ Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

The ETA is a document that foreign travelers must apply for before entering Kenya. It replaces traditional visa requirements for most travelers, simplifying the entry process.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Kenya?

Yes — most travelers need authorization to enter Kenya, but Kenya no longer uses the traditional visa system for short visits. Instead, visitors must apply for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling.

The Kenya eTA is mandatory for nearly all foreign nationals, including tourists and business travelers. It replaces the old visa-on-arrival system and must be obtained online before departure.

I have a diplomatic passport. Do I have to apply for an eTA?

Yes. Travellers who are members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations accredited to Kenya are required to complete an eTA.

Do I need to pay for my eTA as a diplomat?

No. If you are a diplomat, you are not required to pay for your standard eTA, but you may wish to pay for a faster service.

We are travelling as a couple/group. Is one eTA enough for all of us?

An eTA is required for each passenger when travelling as a group. When starting your application, select Apply as a Group.

What documents are required for an ETA application?

Requirements vary slightly per category, but typically include:

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity with at least one blank page)
  • Selfie or passport-type photo
  • Contact details (email & phone number)
  • Travel itinerary (arrival & departure)
  • Accommodation booking confirmation
  • Payment method (credit/debit card, etc.)

How Long Does It Take To Get Kenya Visa

Applications are generally processed within three (3) business days/72 hours, but may take longer depending on the verification processes. For urgent applications, the expedited option is available and is processed immediately.

How much does the ETA cost?

Kenya evisa cost / Fees vary depending on the type of travel application selected, with normal (processing may take up to 72 hours). Kenya entry visa cost starts at $30 and includes expedited (immediate processing) at an additional $100.

Can someone apply on behalf of others?

Yes, just ensure that the traveler’s information is provided, and you indicate that you are applying on their behalf when finishing the application.

Do Us Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?

Yes, U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya.

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