Applying for a Kenya eTA takes about 15 minutes online at etakenya.go.ke and costs $30 for standard processing. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya replaced traditional visas with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, meaning every traveler, including children and infants, must obtain an approved eTA before boarding a flight to Kenya. This guide walks you through the entire application process step by step.
If you’re planning your first trip to Kenya, reviewing the general Kenya eTA guide and the visa requirements beforehand will help you prepare the right documents.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these documents before opening the application portal. Having everything ready prevents timeouts and lost progress.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity from arrival date, at least one blank page |
| Passport photo | Clear, recent photo against a plain white background |
| Selfie | Passport-style photo taken against a plain background |
| Travel itinerary | Flight numbers, arrival and departure dates |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel booking confirmation or host details |
| Payment method | Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay |
| Contact information | Valid email address and phone number |
Depending on your visa type, you may need additional documents:
- Business travelers: invitation letter from a Kenyan company plus company registration copy
- Medical visitors: referral letter from a hospital in Kenya
- Conference attendees: invitation or participation letter
- Family visits: invitation letter from host and host’s ID or passport copy
When Should You Apply?
You can submit your Kenya eTA application up to 3 months before your travel date. The government recommends applying at least 2 weeks before departure to allow for processing delays. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours (3 working days), but it can take longer during peak travel seasons.
Do not wait until the last minute. While most applications are processed quickly, delays happen. An expedited option is available for travelers within 7 days of departure at a higher fee. Check current eTA processing times and fees for the latest information.
How to Apply for Kenya eTA: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps on the official portal to complete your application correctly.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to etakenya.go.ke and click the “Apply Now” button. This is the only official portal for Kenya eTA applications. Avoid third-party websites that charge extra service fees.
Step 2: Accept the Terms
Read the “How to Apply” disclosure and click Continue. Then read the Declaration of Consent, check the agreement box, and click Continue again. You do not need to opt in to any special offers or giveaways.
Step 3: Select Your Country of Residence
Choose the country where you currently reside from the dropdown menu. The most frequently selected countries appear at the top. Click Continue once selected.
Step 4: Choose Individual or Group Application
Select “Individual” if you are applying for yourself only. Choose “Group” if you are submitting for yourself and up to 8 additional travelers (9 total). Group applications are useful for families traveling together.
Step 5: Upload Your Passport Photo
Upload a clear photo of your passport’s bio-data page. The system automatically scans and extracts your full name, passport number, date of birth, and expiry date. Check the box confirming that the extracted information is correct.
If the scan fails, retake the photo in better lighting with the passport page flat and fully visible.
Step 6: Take or Upload Your Selfie
Upload a passport-style photo or use your webcam to take one. The selfie must be taken against a plain or white background. The system cross-references your selfie with your passport photo. If they do not match, you will get an error and need to retake the selfie.
Tip: Try to recreate the angle and lighting of your passport photo for best results. Do not select “Use this photo” on the first attempt unless the system confirms a match.
Step 7: Enter Your Contact Details
Fill in your phone number, email address, residential address, occupation, and emergency contact details. The Continue button activates once all fields contain valid information.
Step 8: Enter Travel Details
Select “Tourism” as your primary purpose of visit (unless traveling for business, medical, or other purposes). Enter your arrival and departure information:
- Arrival airport: typically Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa)
- Airline: search for your carrier, then select the flight number from the dropdown
- If your flight is not listed, click “Can’t find your airline or flight number?” to enter details manually
- Enter addresses of your accommodation in Kenya (press “Add Another” to include multiple hotels)
Step 9: Answer Background Questions
Complete the remaining personal questions including:
- Country of birth and nationality at birth
- Marital status
- Previous visits to Kenya
- Criminal conviction history
- Whether your trip is financed by a third party
- Whether you are carrying more than $10,000 (select “No” unless applicable)
Step 10: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload copies of your flight booking confirmation and accommodation confirmation. Photos must be saved as JPEG files, maximum 293KB in size. If a file is too large, compress it before uploading.
Step 11: Review and Confirm
Read through the application summary and check all information for accuracy. Select the confirmation checkbox and click Continue.
Step 12: Choose Processing Speed and Pay
Select between Standard and Expedited processing. Standard processing costs approximately $32.50 plus a $1.59 bank fee ($34.09 total). Premium or expedited options may appear depending on your travel date.
Enter your payment details using Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, and approve the payment.
Step 13: Save Your Reference Number
After successful payment, you will see a confirmation page with your application reference number and a status-check link. Copy and save this link immediately. You will also receive a confirmation email from [email protected] with your reference number and payment receipt.
After You Apply: What Happens Next
Processing typically takes 3 working days. You can check your application status at any time using the reference link saved during submission, or by visiting the eTA status page.
Once approved, you will receive an email with your eTA as a PDF attachment. Download and print this document, or save it on your phone. Immigration officers at the airport will verify your eTA before you board your flight and upon arrival in Kenya.
Kenya eTA Fees at a Glance
| eTA Type | Cost | Processing Time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Single Entry | $30 | Up to 72 hours | 3 months, single entry |
| Transit | $20 | Up to 72 hours | 72 hours |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | ~$100 | Up to 72 hours | 1 year, multiple entries |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry | ~$160 | Up to 72 hours | 5 years, multiple entries |
| Expedited | Varies | Faster | Same as selected type |
The complete fee breakdown covers all nationalities and special circumstances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying too late: submit at least 2 weeks before departure, not 2 days
- Uploading blurry passport photos: the auto-scan will fail and waste time
- Choosing the wrong travel purpose: “Tourism” works for sightseeing, safaris, and beach holidays; business travelers need separate documentation
- Forgetting the selfie match: your selfie must resemble your passport photo reasonably well
- Using an unofficial website: only etakenya.go.ke is the official portal; third-party sites add service charges
- Not saving the reference number: without it, checking your status becomes difficult
Do You Need an eTA for Transit?
If you are transiting through Kenya on the same flight ticket and do not leave the airport, you do not need an eTA. However, if you plan to leave the airport during a layover, you must apply for a transit eTA.
Who Is Exempt from the Kenya eTA?
Several categories of travelers do not need an eTA, including:
- Holders of Kenya permanent residence or valid work permits
- Citizens of East African Partner States (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) for stays up to 180 days
- Citizens of select countries (South Africa, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and others) for stays up to 90 days
- Passengers transiting through Kenya without leaving the airport
- Members of diplomatic and service passport holders from specific countries
- UN and African Union laissez-passer holders on official business
The full exemption list is available on the official etakenya.go.ke website.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a phone for easier form filling and photo uploads
- Keep all documents in JPEG format under 293KB each
- Save your application progress frequently to avoid losing data
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your intended arrival date
- Double-check flight numbers and dates before submitting
- Apply during Kenya business hours (EAT, GMT+3) for potentially faster processing
FAQs About Kenya eTA Application
How far in advance can I apply for a Kenya eTA?
You can apply up to 3 months (90 days) before your travel date. The government recommends applying at least 2 weeks before departure to account for processing time.
What is the official website for Kenya eTA?
The only official website is etakenya.go.ke, run by the Directorate of Immigration Services of Kenya. Do not use unofficial third-party sites that charge extra fees.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?
Standard processing costs $32.50 plus a $1.59 bank fee, totaling approximately $34.09. Transit eTA costs $20. Multi-entry options range from $100 to $160 depending on duration.
What documents do I need for a Kenya eTA?
You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a passport photo, a selfie, travel itinerary, accommodation booking, and a payment method. Business and medical travelers need additional supporting documents.
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA on my phone?
Yes, the application works on mobile devices. However, a laptop or desktop is recommended for easier photo uploads and form navigation.
How long does Kenya eTA processing take?
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours (3 working days). Expedited processing is available for travelers within 7 days of departure at an additional cost.
Do children need a Kenya eTA?
Yes. All travelers, including infants and children, must have their own approved eTA before traveling to Kenya. Each child requires a separate application.
What happens if my Kenya eTA is denied?
If your eTA application is denied, you will receive a notification by email with the reason. You may reapply with corrected information or contact eTA support at [email protected] for clarification.
Do I need to print my Kenya eTA?
It is recommended to carry both a printed copy and a digital copy on your phone. Immigration officers verify your eTA at the airport before boarding and upon arrival in Kenya.
Is the Kenya eTA the same as a visa?
No. Since January 2024, Kenya replaced traditional visas with the Electronic Travel Authorization system. The eTA serves a similar function but is obtained entirely online and is generally easier to acquire than the old visa process. See our guide on eTA vs visa differences for details.
