Kenya eTA: Maasai Mara Safaris, Nairobi & the Indian Ocean Coast
Before you book flights or accommodation, you need an approved Kenya eTA - the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (also spelled Electronic Travel Authorization) - introduced in 2005 and covering arrivals by land, sea and air. Since January 2024 it has replaced the old eVisa system entirely; online eVisa applications are no longer accepted, though many travellers still search for it as "Kenya visa online" or "Kenya e-visa." A single-entry eTA is valid for 90 days and covers one stay of up to 90 days; US citizens can also get a 5-year multiple-entry version. If you continue on to Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania or Uganda, the same eTA lets you re-enter Kenya while it's still valid.
Kenya eTA approval is required before the journey
Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services states that visitors, including infants and children, must have an approved eTA before the start of their journey. Processing may take a few days, so it's best to apply at least 3 business days before your planned trip to leave room for any document corrections.
Types of Kenya eTA
Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services issues five eTA categories. Which one you need depends on your travel purpose and, for the multiple-entry options, your nationality. On the official eligibility page these appear as the Kenya Standard eTA, Kenya Transit eTA, One Year Multi-Entry eTA and Five Year Multi-Entry eTA.
Tourist eTA
Covers sightseeing, holidays and visits to relatives, with a stay of up to 90 days.
Tourist eTA
Same tourism and family-visit purposes, open only to United States citizens.
Business eTA
For conferences, meetings and short commercial visits, with a stay of up to 90 days.
Business eTA
For United States citizens with recurring business trips to Kenya.
Transit eTA
For travellers passing through Kenya on the way to another destination.
Kenya eTA Pricing
Every plan includes the Kenyan government fee plus our document review and application support. The Kenya eTA application fee is non-refundable once your application is submitted, so double-check your details first. Optional express processing is available on each option - see the full Kenya eTA fees breakdown or how standard processing compares to express.
Single Entry - Tourism (90 days)
Single Entry - Business (90 days)
Transit
Multiple Entry - Tourism (5 years)
Multiple Entry - Business (5 years)
Prices shown are estimated totals in USD at the time of publishing and may change without notice. The government fee is paid to Kenya's Immigration Authority; the service fee covers document review and application assistance provided by VistoRoute, an independent travel authorization platform.
An agent meets you right at the terminal entrance and escorts you through passport control and customs using the fast-track lane, with luggage assistance included.
If your travel date is very close, ask about Emergency Rush Processing - it can get your Kenya eTA processed in around 1 business day.
These are optional, independently arranged services rather than part of the standard government eTA process. Contact our team to check availability for your travel dates.
Countries Eligible for the Kenya eTA
Travellers holding a passport from any of the countries below can apply for the Kenya eTA online - see the full eTA eligibility guide for details. A few nationalities, mainly citizens of neighbouring EAC partner states exempt from the eTA, follow different rules.
The Kenya eTA is required for most passport holders, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Japan and Saudi Arabia. Some nationalities follow different rules: citizens of Nigeria and South Africa fall under separate short-stay exemption limits, and citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states are generally exempt from the eTA altogether. See the eTA exemption countries guide to confirm whether your nationality is ETA required or ETA not required before you apply.
No country matches your search.
Documents Required for Your Kenya eTA
Pick your visa type to see what you'll need to upload.
- A clear photo of the passport's bio-data page
- A photo of the applicant's face, taken on a phone or PC camera
- A return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation - a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a relative
- A personal ID of the hosting relative, where relevant
- A parental consent letter, for applicants travelling as minors
- A clear photo of the passport's bio-data page
- A photo of the applicant's face
- A letter of invitation from the partner company in Kenya
- A clear photo of the passport's bio-data page
- A photo of the applicant's face
- An onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation, if the itinerary includes an overnight stop
Prepare your Kenya eTA in four simple steps
The Kenya eTA online application form takes most travellers under 15 minutes to complete. Before you start, make sure you have the required supporting documents on hand - see the full Kenya eTA requirements or our step-by-step how-to-apply guide. Applying as a family or group? Each traveller needs a separate application, but you can prepare and submit them together.
Fill Out the Form
Select your visa type, then enter your personal and travel details and upload the supporting documents for your route.
Cover the Fees
Pay using whichever method is most convenient for you. You'll receive a confirmation number by email once payment goes through.
Wait for Approval
Once approved, your Kenya eTA is emailed to you as a PDF document. You can check your application status any time before it arrives.
Present It on Arrival
Show your approved eTA to the immigration officer at the border. They will scan the QR code and verify your documents before granting entry.
Entry Ports & Arrival Requirements
When you apply, you will select your planned point of entry. Kenya accepts eTA holders at the following airports, border crossings and seaports - see the full entry requirements on arrival.
Airports
Border crossings
Seaports
What immigration checks on arrival
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date, with two blank pages
- Your approved Kenya eTA, carrying a valid QR code
- A yellow fever vaccination record, for travellers arriving from at-risk countries
Good to know before you travel
- Every traveller, including infants and children, needs an approved eTA to enter Kenya.
- The Tourist and Business single-entry eTAs are valid for 90 days from approval.
- A Transit eTA is available for travellers connecting through Kenya to another destination.
- An approved eTA does not permit taking up employment in Kenya.
- Extensions can only be requested in person at the Immigration Services office in Nairobi.
- A single-entry eTA generally covers one visit, but you may re-enter Kenya if you travel onward to Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania or Uganda while your eTA is still valid.
- Frequent visitors and eligible US citizens can apply for the One Year Multi-Entry eTA or Five Year Multi-Entry eTA instead of reapplying for every trip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most delays come down to the same handful of slip-ups - see the full list of Kenya eTA rejection reasons. Already submitted and spotted an error? Visit our eTA correction guide.
The bio-data page photo needs to be well-lit and uncropped, with every detail clearly readable.
Photo requirementsSkip sunglasses, hats or filters, and use a plain background - the officer needs to match your face to your passport at a glance.
Check spelling, date of birth and passport number against your passport - a small typo is enough to delay approval.
A conference trip needs a Business eTA, not a Tourist one. Picking the wrong category is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
Leave at least 3 business days of buffer, so there is time to fix anything if a document gets rejected.
You need at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your arrival date, plus two blank pages.
Passport validity rulesFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about the Kenya eTA, processing times, and eligibility. For general visa questions, visit the full FAQ hub.
Still have questions? Start your application01 Do I need a Kenya eTA before I travel?
Most visitors, including infants and children, need an approved Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization before starting their journey. A small number of nationalities and transit categories are exempt or follow different rules.
02 How long does the Kenya eTA take to process?
Processing may take a few days. Official guidance recommends applying at least 3 business days ahead of travel, so allow extra time if you want a buffer for correcting any document issues.
03 What documents do I need to apply?
You will typically need a valid passport, a recent passport-style photo or selfie, contact details, your travel itinerary, and any accommodation or invitation documents relevant to your travel purpose.
04 Can I apply for the whole family together?
Yes, each traveller - including children and infants - needs their own approved eTA, but applications for a family or group can be prepared and submitted together.
05 What happens if my Kenya eTA application has an error?
Mismatched names, passport numbers, or travel dates are common causes of delay. Reviewing every field against your passport before submission is the best way to avoid rejection or resubmission.
06 Is the Kenya eTA the same as the Kenya eVisa?
Yes. The Kenya eVisa and "Kenya visa online" were the names used before January 2024. They have been fully replaced by the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and the old eVisa portal no longer accepts applications.
07 Do I need a Kenya eTA if I am only transiting through Kenya?
Travellers connecting through a Kenyan airport or border on the way to another destination generally need a Transit eTA, which is a separate category from the Tourist and Business eTAs.
08 Is the Kenya eTA application fee refundable?
No. The Kenya eTA application fee is non-refundable once submitted, even if the application is refused, so it is worth double-checking every detail before you pay.
Need a hand preparing your documents?
Our team can review your application and flag errors before you submit.
Kenya eTA Guides
A few more articles if you want to dig deeper before you apply.
How to Apply for a Kenya eTA in 2026: Requirements, Fees & Processing Time
Your complete Kenya eTA guide for 2026 - who needs it, how the 90-day single-entry and US 5-year options work, what it costs, how long processing takes, and the delays to avoid.
Read the guide
Kenya eTA Explained: Who Needs It, Who May Be Exempt, and How Entry Works
Understand Kenya eTA eligibility, common exemptions, available eTA routes and the difference between travel authorisation and permission to enter.
Read the guide
Top 20 Places to Visit in Kenya in 2026 (Safari, Beaches & Hidden Gems)
From the Maasai Mara to Diani Beach and Lake Turkana - explore the 20 best places to visit in Kenya in 2026, with costs, best times, and eTA travel tips.
Read the guideA few places worth planning around
Three regions most first-time visitors build their Kenya trip around.
Ready to apply for your Kenya eTA?
Start online, upload your documents, and get your approval by email.