An e-visa online costs US$51, or equivalent, when paid with a Visa or MasterCard debit card. Credit cards are also accepted for payment, but an additional 3% fee applies, totaling $52.53. Following the Presidential Directive issued on December 12, 2023, that Kenya will be a “Visa Free” country for all travelers from around the world, visitors to Kenya from all over the world will no longer require a visa beginning in January 2024. Instead, the Kenyan government has developed a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya known as the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

ALL passengers, including those who were previously visa-exempt, must apply for the eTA. The eTA costs $30.

The eTA application requests biographic information and responses to eligibility questions from the traveler. To allow enough time for authorization, eTA applications for Kenya should be filed at least three days before travel. Travelers can submit applications up to three months before their trip.

Before embarking on their journey, each qualified tourist must apply for an eTA. You must submit your application using the government’s official website. Applications sent through third-party websites will be automatically declined.

For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent, or accompanying adult is responsible for filling out the application. It is encouraged that families apply in groups.

Once you submit your eTA application, the fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person. This is also true if your eTA is denied for any reason, including a force majeure, or if your scheduled itinerary is altered.

You can amend all application data fields before sending the needed payment information. If an applicant made faults in his or her application, he or she may need to submit a fresh one. The cost will be levied for each new application submitted.

The eTA standard processing period is three (3) working days, although we recommend that online applications be submitted at least 7 working days before travel to allow enough time for the application procedure to be completed.

How long is my eTA valid? Does it have an expiry date?
The eTA is only valid for one voyage (single entry) and must be repeated for each subsequent journey. It expires after you leave the country.

The travel information is a required component of the application procedure. As a result, you may only apply for the eTA once you’ve booked your transportation and accommodations. Travelers can submit applications up to three months before their trip.

What information is necessary when applying for an eTA?

• Valid passport Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months until it expires and two blank pages for visas.
• A recent passport photo OR a selfie shot during the application process.
• Contact information (home address, phone, email)
• Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of first flight in case of connecting flights)
• Proof of reservation for the hotel you will stay at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted).
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic countries (please see the WHO website for an updated list of countries).
• Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable.

How to Apply Online for eTA?

• Click HERE to get to the web site (www.etakenya.go.ke).
• Once in the site, click “Apply Now” and follow the procedures.
• Ensure that all data has been input correctly.
• Submit your application.
• You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application.
• You will receive an email verifying the receipt of payment, if applicable.
• You will receive an email confirming Approval / Refusal after the Immigration officer has made a decision.

If your application was approved, please print the PDF document attached to the email, download it to your mobile device, or save it to the “Kenya Travel Authorization” mobile app. This is your electronic travel authorization, which must be shown at all departure and arrival points. If your application was denied, you will be unable to travel to Kenya at this time. You can check the status of your application at any moment by visiting this URL: https://www.etakenya.go.ke.

Benefits of Kenya eTA system

• Kenya eTA allows travelers to submit the necessary information and documentation from the comfort of their own homes before beginning their journey.
• Travellers can rest easy knowing that they have met the prerequisites for travel to Kenya.
• Travelers no longer need to fill out documents on the plane or upon arrival.
• Kenya eTA also helps airlines by streamlining the check-in procedure.
• Transport carriers may simply verify that passengers have been granted permission to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and possess an approved eTA.

• Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes in the Republic of Kenya by eliminating waits for health, customs, and immigration inspections.

• Kenya eTA supports the Republic of Kenya’s attempts to digitize its government procedures.+

Re-Entry 

The eTA is valid for one entry into Kenya. However, the eTA is still valid for multiple entries if you temporarily leave or enter one or more of the EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda. A visit to a country outside of this block results in re-entry into Kenya subject to a new eTA.