Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation
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Kenya Visa on Arrival and Visa-Free Countries
An exemption can remove the eTA requirement but does not remove entry conditions. Important route note: VistoRoute is an independent information and application-assistance platform. The current VistoRoute service estimate is 69 hours; it is not an authorisation or entry promise.
Current guidance includes EAC Partner State citizens for defined stays, selected nationalities for 60- or 90-day periods, and special categories such as airport transit passengers, crew and holders of certain status documents. The exception details matter, so check the passport and travel circumstances together.
Keep a valid passport, arrival and departure details, accommodation information and any health documents relevant to the origin or transit route. An exemption from an eTA is not a promise of admission. Use the passport that will be used for entry and confirm whether an eTA is required, then collect readable documents and make sure the purpose evidence matches the selected route.
Enter names, numbers and dates exactly as shown on the passport, then compare all attachments. Review the current payable amount, submit the application and save the reference number.
Before You Start the Application
A short passport and purpose check confirms whether an exemption actually covers your trip.
Use the passport you will carry for the journey, not the country where you live.
Choose the travel purpose that matches your documents.
Check whether an exemption may apply before paying.
Keep arrival, departure and accommodation details consistent.
VistoRoute is an independent information and application-assistance platform. Its current service estimate is 69 hours; this is not an authorisation or entry promise.
Kenya eTA Document Preparation
Even exempt travellers should carry the documents that prove their category: the general file and the purpose file for travel-specific evidence.
General documents
Passport, photograph, contact details, itinerary, accommodation and payment method.
Additional evidence
Business, conference, family, medical or other purpose evidence may be required.
Collect readable documents and make sure the purpose evidence matches the selected route. Enter names, numbers and dates exactly as shown on the passport, then compare all attachments.
How to Apply and What Happens Next
- 1
Review the route
Check passport eligibility, exemptions, purpose and document requirements.
- 2
Complete the application
Enter names, passport numbers and dates exactly as they appear on the travel document.
- 3
Pay and submit
Review the final amount, submit the application and save the reference number.
- 4
Wait for the decision
VistoRoute's 69-hour estimate is a service estimate, not a promise of approval or entry.
Processing and Planning
Kenya's published route guidance generally refers to processing within three business days or 72 hours, but verification can take longer. VistoRoute's application-assistance estimate is 69 hours. Apply early enough to allow for document questions, corrections or route-specific review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an exemption remove all entry requirements?
No. Exemption from an eTA does not remove passport, health, itinerary or border-entry conditions.
How long does the Kenya eTA process take?
VistoRoute currently uses a 69-hour service estimate. This is an assistance estimate and not an approval promise; current route processing can take longer when verification is needed.
Do children need a separate Kenya eTA?
Yes. Each traveller, including children and infants, should be checked separately unless a current exemption applies.
Can I travel before approval?
No. Plan to travel only after the authorisation has been approved and keep the approval document with your passport and itinerary.
Content Disclaimer
Content is independent guidance and reflects the latest updates as of October 2026; Kenya routes, exemptions, fees and processing conditions can change; review the final application details before payment and travel.