Kenya Evisa/Entry Requirements
A safari to Kenya is on the horizon, or maybe you have even booked it already. It is a wonderful destination with a great variety of possibilities. From huge game parks, beautiful lakes, diverse landscapes, and a vibrant culture, to the Big 5 animals and expansive beaches. Before you immerse yourself in this East African country, it is important to consider the correct travel documents. What do you need to visit this country? Below is a detailed explanation.
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application
Most travelers visiting Kenya for tourism or business must first obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It is best to apply for the eTA a few weeks before your planned travel date to avoid any last-minute stress. The application process is simple and can be completed fully online from anywhere in the world.
When completing the online application, you will also need to pay the required authorization fee of US$30 per person using a credit card. After you finish the application and make the payment, you will receive a confirmation message and your approved travel authorization. You must present this confirmation when you arrive in Kenya, so keep a digital or printed copy with your travel documents.
The eTA remains valid for three months from the date it is issued. For this reason, it is important not to apply too early. Your travel to Kenya must take place within this validity period, and you must also leave the country before the authorization expires.
To begin your application, go directly to the official Kenya eTA website, create your account, and carefully follow the steps provided to complete your request.
ETA Requirements
Before starting your eTA application for Kenya, make sure you have the following documents and information ready. Preparing these in advance will make the process faster and easier.
- Valid passport – Your passport must be in good condition and valid for at least six months after your departure from Kenya.
- Blank passport page – Your passport must have at least one empty page.
- Passport photo or selfie – A recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie.
- Contact details – A valid email address and phone number.
- Travel itinerary – Information about your arrival and departure dates.
- Return or onward ticket – Proof that you will leave Kenya after your visit.
- Proof of sufficient funds – Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay.
- Travel documents – Proof of the purpose of your visit, such as hotel reservations or a tour booking.
- Payment method – A credit card, debit card, or another accepted payment option to complete the application fee.
Details and exemptions
The Kenya eTA is normally valid for one single entry into Kenya. However, there is an exception. Travelers who visit nearby countries such as Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda immediately after Kenya may re-enter the country using the same eTA. This is only possible if you do not visit any other country, and your eTA is still valid when you return to Kenya.
The eTA requirement does not apply to the following travelers:
- Travelers holding an East African Tourist Visa issued by Uganda or Rwanda, when traveling directly between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya without visiting any other country.
- Travelers who are permanent residents of Kenya or hold a valid Kenyan work permit.
- Cruise ship passengers who arrive and depart on the same vessel and do not leave the ship.
- Citizens of East African Community partner states, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. These travelers may stay for up to six months without an eTA.
- Transit passengers who arrive and depart on the same aircraft or transfer to another flight without leaving the airport area in Kenya.
- Private aircraft owners or passengers stopping in Kenya only for refueling and who remain within the airport area.
Comments from the Kenyan Immigration Service
- Please fill in all information correctly. This includes your names according to your passport, dates, number of days before the visa application, passport number, date of birth, etc.
- Please check it carefully again before you press the send button at the end or hand in the form at the airport (depending on the type of application).
- If it turns out you made a mistake, you may have to resubmit the application and pay again (unfortunately, no refund of previously incurred costs is possible).
- eTA for single entry must be arranged online in advance
- If you travel to Kenya multiple times, for example, with a stopover on your return trip, you must apply for a new ETA for each entry after leaving East Africa. Downloading the “Kenya Travel Authorization” mobile app is recommended. It stores all the information from the previous application, making it easier to apply again.
If you visit Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania and then return to Kenya, the ETA remains valid as long as you remain within its 90-day validity period. - The Kenyan Embassy warns you that fraudulent websites are circulating, such as www.kenya-evisa-online.com. Do NOT use this site; it is not affiliated with the Kenyan government, but it looks very similar, uses the same logos, and charges much more than the recommended government website. The one that is valid is https://etakenya.go.ke/
How to Apply Online for Your eTA
You must apply for your single-entry eTA before traveling to Kenya. The application is completed online through the official website etakenya.go.ke.
First, create your personal account on the website. Then fill in the required information and upload the requested documents. The application fee is US$30 per person, which must be paid online during the process.
Do not apply for your eTA too early. The authorization is valid for three months from the date it is issued. This means you must enter and leave Kenya within this period. For this reason, it is best to apply only a few weeks before your trip.
Personal responsibility
According to our booking terms and conditions, every traveler is responsible for having the correct and valid travel documents. This includes passports, visas, and any other required permits for your journey.
If you travel without the proper documents, any costs, delays, or problems that may occur will be your own responsibility. Greenway Nature Tours cannot be held responsible for the outcome of a visa or travel authorization application. The approval or rejection of such applications is entirely the responsibility of the traveler.
Kenya Evisa/eTA Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital system that checks whether travelers are eligible to visit Kenya. It gives permission to travel to the country and is issued by the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
However, an approved eTA does not guarantee entry into Kenya. Final permission to enter the country is always decided by immigration officers when you arrive at the airport or border. During the application process, travelers provide personal information and answer several eligibility questions.
Most applications are processed within about three days, although it can sometimes take longer. If needed, you may choose expedited processing for faster approval. It is recommended to apply for your eTA at least two weeks before your trip. Applications can be submitted up to three months before travel. For the best experience, apply as soon as your flights and accommodation are confirmed.
How long is the eTA valid for?
Your eTA is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. You must enter Kenya within this period. The eTA is required only for entry into Kenya and is normally valid for one single entry. If your eTA expires while you are already in Kenya, you do not need to apply for a new one as long as you entered the country during its validity period.
Does the eTA allow for multiple entries to Kenya?
In most cases, the eTA allows only a single entry into Kenya. However, there are a few exceptions. Your eTA can still be used for more than one entry if:
- You travel to one of the East African Community (EAC) partner states: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- You do not visit any other country during your trip.
- Your eTA is still valid within the 90-day period from the date of issue.
In addition, some travelers may apply for a multiple-entry eTA, depending on their nationality. These multiple-entry authorizations can be valid for one year or up to five years.
I Won’t Be Staying in a Hotel – How Do I Complete My eTA?
Every traveler to Kenya must provide valid accommodation for their stay. If you stay in a hotel, use your booking confirmation. If you are staying with friends or family, provide a letter of invitation from your host with their contact details and address.
Who owns the eTA platform?
The Kenya eTA is owned and managed by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. It is a semi-automated system that checks whether visitors are eligible to travel to Kenya. The eTA grants permission to travel, but it does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers will decide admissibility when you arrive in Kenya. The application collects your personal information and answers to eligibility questions. To avoid delays, submit your eTA at least 3 days before travel. You can apply up to 3 months in advance.
What to Do If Your eTA Is Refused?
If your eTA application is denied, you cannot travel to Kenya at that time. You should contact the Kenya Immigration Service for guidance and more details: etakenya@immigration.go.ke. They can explain the reason for the refusal and advise on next steps.
I am a resident of an EAC country, am I exempt from the eTA?
If you are a resident but not a passport holder of the following EAC countries, you are still required to complete an eTA: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Should I use other websites for faster processing?
The official Kenya eTA website is https://etakenya.go.ke. We do not recommend using third-party websites. They often charge much more and cannot guarantee faster processing. Always use the official government site for your application.
Do children or infants also need an eTA?
Yes, all foreign visitors, including children and infants, must have an eTA. For travelers under 18, a parent, guardian, or accompanying adult must complete the application on their behalf. We strongly recommend applying for the whole family together to make the process easier and smoother.
Can I cancel my eTA application?
Unfortunately, there is no way to cancel your eTA application once it has been submitted.
I'm at the airport, can you approve my application urgently?
If you are at the airport and need your eTA approved urgently, you can have your application processed faster by selecting Urgent processing.
My name is incorrect on my eTA. How can I fix it?
Your name on the eTA is taken exactly as it appears in your passport. If your name is long, some letters might be shortened or omitted. In most cases, this does not affect the validity of your eTA. If you notice wrong letters or errors, contact etakenya@immigration.go.ke for guidance on how to correct it.
Can I travel to Kenya with a valid East Africa Tourist Visa?
Yes, you can travel to Kenya with a valid East Africa Tourist Visa and there is no requirement to complete an eTA.
How do I check the status of my eTA application?
You can check your eTA status anytime at https://www.etakenya.go.ke .
A few minutes after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming it has been received. This email includes your reference number, which you will need to check the status of your application.
Important: Do not re-apply immediately—use your reference number to track your current application.
I've made a mistake on my application, how can I change it?
If you notice a mistake in your eTA application, you can correct it by following these steps:
- Locate the acknowledgement email with the subject “Application Received.”
- Open the email and click the link provided to update your submission.
- You will see options to edit your application. Select the section that needs correction and update the details.
Make sure to review all information carefully before saving your changes.
Do I need any vaccinations to enter the country?
There are currently no vaccination requirements to enter Kenya.