Guide to the Kenya electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, which replaced the traditional visa. Covers application steps, required documents, fees, and entry rules.
Confirm that Kenya now uses the eTA (not traditional visas)
Kenya replaced its visa system with the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in January 2024. All visitors who previously needed a visa must now apply for an eTA instead. The eTA costs $30 USD for most nationalities.
Check if your nationality is exempt from the eTA requirement
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC, Somalia) do not need an eTA. Citizens of about 30 other countries also have exemptions — check the official portal for the full list.
Note the eTA validity: 90 days for tourism
The tourist eTA allows a stay of up to 90 days. The eTA itself is valid for 3 months from the date of approval, meaning you must enter Kenya within 3 months of receiving it. Multiple entries are permitted during the validity period.
Gather Required Documents
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Kenyan immigration will deny entry if your passport falls short of the 6-month requirement.
Recent passport photograph (digital, JPEG format)
The photo must be front-facing with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. File size must be between 100KB and 500KB. Dimensions should be at least 600x600 pixels.
Return or onward flight ticket
Upload a PDF or JPEG of your confirmed return or onward travel booking. If entering by land from Tanzania or Uganda, provide proof of onward transport. One-way tickets without onward travel proof may cause rejection.
Proof of accommodation in Kenya
Hotel booking confirmations, safari lodge reservations, or an invitation letter from a host in Kenya. If doing a multi-stop safari, list all planned accommodations. Booking.com or hotel email confirmations are accepted.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from an endemic area)
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America). The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Without it, you face vaccination at the airport or entry denial.
eTA Online Application
Create an account at etakenya.go.ke
Use the official portal only — the URL is etakenya.go.ke. Several scam websites mimic the official site and charge $60-100 instead of the official $30. Check the URL carefully before entering any information.
Register with a valid email address
Verify your account via the confirmation email
Start a new eTA application and select 'Tourism' as the purpose
Other purpose categories include business, medical, transit, and education. Each category may require different supporting documents. For safari tourism, select 'Tourism' — no additional business documents needed.
Fill in personal details matching your passport exactly
Enter your full name, date of birth, passport number, and nationality exactly as they appear on your passport. Mismatches between the eTA and passport cause denial at immigration. Double-check before submitting.
Upload all required documents (passport scan, photo, bookings)
Accepted formats are JPEG and PDF. Each file must be under 5MB. Upload clear, legible scans — blurry or cropped documents are the most common reason for application delays. The system allows re-uploads if needed.
Pay the $30 USD eTA fee online
Payment is accepted via Visa, Mastercard, and M-Pesa. The fee is non-refundable even if your eTA is denied. You receive an electronic receipt immediately after payment. Some cards may require 3D Secure verification.
Wait for approval (typically 3 business days)
Most eTAs are approved within 72 hours, though it can take up to 7 business days during peak periods. You can check your application status by logging into your account. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for any delays.
Download and print the approved eTA
Print the eTA approval on A4 paper in color. Also save a digital copy on your phone. Airlines may check your eTA at the boarding gate, and Kenyan immigration will verify it on arrival.
Arriving in Kenya
Present your eTA, passport, and vaccination certificate at immigration
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa), go to the 'eTA holders' line. Immigration processing takes 5-15 minutes. The officer stamps your passport with the entry date and allowed stay.
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the counter
Kenya collects fingerprints and a digital photo from all arriving visitors at the immigration counter. This takes about 2 minutes. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
Clear customs and declare any restricted items
Duty-free allowances include 1 liter of spirits, 250g of tobacco, and goods worth up to $500 USD. Firearms, drugs, and counterfeit goods are strictly prohibited. Fresh fruits and vegetables require phytosanitary certificates.
During Your Stay and Extensions
Carry your passport and eTA printout when traveling between cities
Police checkpoints exist on major highways, especially between Nairobi and Mombasa and in northern Kenya. Officers may ask to see your passport and eTA. A photocopy is not officially accepted — carry the original.
Apply for a stay extension if needed (before 90 days expire)
Extensions are processed at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi (Nyayo House) or Mombasa. Apply at least 2 weeks before your eTA expires. An extension of up to 90 additional days costs approximately 2,000 KES (about $15 USD).
Understand the East Africa Tourist Visa option for multi-country trips
If visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on one trip, the East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 USD and covers all three countries for 90 days. Apply through any of the three countries' immigration portals. This saves you from paying separate visa/eTA fees for each country.
Overstay penalties and enforcement
Overstaying your eTA results in a fine of $1 USD per day of overstay, payable at the immigration office or airport before departure. Extended overstays (beyond 30 days) may result in detention and deportation. Future eTA applications could be denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Kenya eTA?
Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in January 2024. Apply through the official Kenyan eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) at least 72 hours before travel. You need a valid passport, a digital passport photo, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and a credit/debit card. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days but can take up to 2 weeks during peak season. The eTA is single-entry and valid for 90 days.
How much does a Kenya eTA cost?
The Kenya eTA costs $30 per person for a single-entry authorization valid for 90 days. Children under 16 traveling with a parent are exempt from the eTA fee. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Payment is made online during the application process via credit or debit card. Previously, Kenya charged $50 for a standard tourist visa, so the eTA represents a significant cost reduction.
What vaccinations do I need for Kenya?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers aged 1 year and older arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. It is not required for direct arrivals from non-endemic countries (like the US or Europe), but some border officers may still ask for it. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and routine boosters (Tetanus-Diphtheria). Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended for most of Kenya, especially coastal areas and the Lake Victoria region. Consult a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
Is the Kenya eTA valid for Zanzibar and other East African countries?
The Kenya eTA is valid only for Kenya. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and requires a separate Tanzanian visa. However, if you plan to visit multiple East African countries, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days with multiple entries between those three countries. This is excellent value if your itinerary includes any combination of these destinations. Tanzania and Burundi have their own separate visa systems.