Kenya eTA Application Steps and Other Travel Requirements
From January 2024, Kenya became a Visa-free country for all travelers across the world. This followed a presidential directive issued on 12th December 2023. Instead, the Kenyan Government has developed a semi-automated system (eTA) that determines the eligibility of travelers to the country.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) application costs $30 for all applicants including travelers from countries that were previously Visa exempt. All the applications MUST be submitted through the Government’s official immigration website for approval.
However, the possession of an eTA document is not the final authority to enter Kenya. You will need to have a valid passport and a yellow fever vaccination certificate applicable to travelers aged 1 year or over arriving from regions with risk of yellow fever transmission.
How to apply for eTA travel visa
Before you start applying for an eTA, ensure you are ready with the following documents.
- Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival in Kenya, with at least one blank page
- Selfie or passport-type photo
- Contact information, email address, and phone number
- Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
- Credit card, debit card, or other means of payment
Step 1: Visit the etakenya.go.ke website and click on ‘apply now.’ Before that, you may want to go through some general information in the portal including FAQs, privacy policy, and terms and conditions. For children under the age of 18, a parent or the legal guardian is responsible for filling in the application.
Step 2: Choose your category of application from the list provided. There is an option for tourists and visitors, Kenyan and East Africa State passport holders, and diplomats and laissez passer holders respectively. Read every detail in your category and click ‘continue’ to proceed.
Step 3: Read the declaration consent and click to check that you have understood and agreed to all the terms. Proceed and select if you are applying for one individual or family. It is recommended that families apply as a group. A successful eTA approval cannot be transferred to another person.
Step 4: Pick on your country of residence and you will be directed to a page where you will provide your biographic information. Once done, the system will require a valid credit or debit card to pay and complete the transaction. If the payment does not work, please wait a few minutes and try again.
Step 5: Upon decision by the Immigration Office, an email confirming approval or refusal will be sent to you. If your application has been approved, download the PDF document to your mobile, or print it. The electronic travel authorization needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points.
Once you submit your eTA application, the fee is non-refundable. If you need any assistance, send an email to etakenya@immigration.go.ke or call us at +254 202 222 022. You can also launch a live chat with the Customer Support Agent at the tab on the right bottom corner of the website.
Tip: Before submitting your eTA for approval, make sure to correct any errors in the application fields. Mistakes might force you to submit a new application that will also be charged.
Persons who are exempted from eTA
The following are categories of travelers to Kenya exempted from the eTA application.
- Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
- Holders of valid Kenya eVISAs
- Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations Accredited to Kenya (exempt from payment only).
- Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)
- All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
- All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
- Members of the crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier; and who are proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
- Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
Benefits of Kenya eTA system
Unlike the traditional visa application process, Kenya’s eTA enables travelers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their homes. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that you have met the requirements before traveling to Kenya.
The technology has also bypassed filling out forms on the plane or upon arrival. This has improved the clearance time at the customs and immigration inspections. Kenya eTA has also simplified the check-in process for airlines.
While termed as ‘visa-free’ eTravel is actually paid for and the country is reaping big from the applications. The eTA system also supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitize its government processes.
FAQs
Here are the frequently asked questions about Kenya’s eTA and their answers.
How long does a Kenya eTA visa take?
The eTA Standard processing time is three working days but the directorate of immigration recommends that Online Applications be made at least 7 working days prior to travel. This will offer ample time for the application process to be completed.
Can I reuse my Kenya eTA?
Your eTA is valid for a single entry to Kenya. However, the document remains valid for more than one entry in case of temporary departure/entry to one or more EAC Partner States (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Somalia and Uganda)
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