The Kenya eTA application form is completed entirely online at etakenya.go.ke and takes about 15-20 minutes to fill out. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya replaced traditional visas with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. Every traveler, including children and infants, must fill out the eTA application form before boarding a flight to Kenya. The form collects your personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation information, and supporting documents.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the required documents ready. The portal does not save partial applications, so gathering everything beforehand prevents lost progress.
Where to Find the Kenya eTA Application Form
The only official Kenya eTA application form is available at etakenya.go.ke. This is the government’s official portal managed by the Directorate of Immigration Services. Do not use unofficial websites that charge extra service fees or claim to expedite your application.
When you visit the portal, you will see two main options:
- Tourists & Visitors — for tourism, business, family visits, medical travel, conferences, and any other reason requiring a visit to Kenya
- Diplomats — for holders of Diplomatic, Official, or Service passports
Most travelers will select the “Tourists & Visitors” option. The diplomatic pathway requires additional official documentation from the country of origin or relevant organization.
Step-by-Step: Filling Out the Kenya eTA Application Form
The application form is divided into several sections. Here is what each section asks for and how to complete it correctly.
Step 1: Accept Terms and Declarations
After clicking “Apply Now,” you will see two disclosure screens:
- How to Apply — an informational page describing the process. Read it and click Continue.
- Declaration of Consent — a legal agreement. Check the box confirming you agree to the terms and click Continue.
You do not need to opt in to any special offers or giveaways presented during this step.
Step 2: Select Your Country of Residence
Choose the country where you currently reside from a dropdown menu. Frequently selected countries appear at the top of the list for convenience. This does not have to be your country of citizenship — it should be where you are applying from.
Step 3: Choose Individual or Group Application
You have two options:
| Application Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Single applicant | Solo travelers |
| Group | Up to 9 applicants (yourself + 8 others) | Families, tour groups |
Group applications allow you to submit one payment for multiple travelers. Each person in the group still needs their own passport photo and documents, but the process is streamlined under a single application.
Step 4: Personal Information
This section collects your identity details. You will need to provide:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality / citizenship
- Passport number and expiry date
- Email address
- Phone number
Important: Your name must match your passport exactly. Spelling differences between your application and passport can result in denied boarding or deportation upon arrival.
Step 5: Travel Details
Provide your planned travel information:
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, medical, conference, family visit, transit, etc.)
- Date of arrival in Kenya
- Date of departure from Kenya
- Flight number and airline (if known)
- Port of entry (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport)
The eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from the date of issuance. Once you arrive in Kenya, the immigration officer determines the actual duration of your stay at the point of entry.
Step 6: Accommodation Details
Enter where you will be staying in Kenya:
- Hotel name and address, OR
- Host details (if staying with family or friends)
You need to upload a booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host.
Step 7: Upload Documents
The form requires you to upload several files:
| Document | Format | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Passport bio-data page | JPEG or PNG | Clear scan or photo of the information page |
| Passport-style photo | JPEG or PNG | Recent, white background, face clearly visible |
| Travel itinerary | JPEG, PNG, or PDF | Flight booking confirmation |
| Accommodation proof | JPEG, PNG, or PDF | Hotel reservation or host invitation letter |
Additional documents may be required based on your purpose of visit:
- 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
For detailed photo specifications, see our Kenya eTA photo requirements guide.
Step 8: Review and Submit
Before final submission, the portal displays a summary of all your entered information. Review every field carefully:
- Check that your passport number is correct
- Verify arrival and departure dates match your itinerary
- Confirm your email address is spelled correctly (this is where you will receive your eTA approval)
Once you are satisfied, proceed to payment.
Step 9: Payment
The Kenya eTA application form ends with a secure payment page. You can pay using:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
The standard eTA fee is approximately $32.50 USD. Transit eTA costs $20 USD. A 1-year multi-entry eTA costs around $100 USD. After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.
Kenya eTA Application Form: All Fields at a Glance
Here is a complete overview of every field in the application form:
| Section | Fields |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | Full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, passport expiry, email, phone |
| Travel Details | Purpose of visit, arrival date, departure date, flight number, airline, port of entry |
| Accommodation | Hotel name/address OR host name and address, booking confirmation |
| Documents | Passport scan, photo, itinerary, accommodation proof, additional purpose-specific documents |
| Payment | Credit/debit card or mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) |
Common Mistakes on the Kenya eTA Application Form
Avoid these errors that cause delays or rejections:
- Name mismatch — Your name on the form must match your passport exactly. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations.
- Passport validity — Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned arrival date with at least one blank page.
- Wrong photo format — Upload a clear JPEG or PNG. Blurry or cropped photos will be rejected.
- Incorrect dates — Double-check your arrival and departure dates. The eTA is valid for 90 days from issuance.
- Typos in email — Your eTA approval is sent to the email address you provide. A typo means you will not receive it.
- Expired passport scan — Make sure you upload your current passport, not an old one.
- Missing accommodation proof — Even if staying with friends, you need a letter of invitation.
Group Applications on the Kenya eTA Form
If you are traveling with family or a group, the group application option lets you submit up to 9 applications under one session. Each traveler needs:
- Their own passport details
- Individual passport photo
- Personal travel information
The group leader pays once for all applications. This is especially useful for families with children, as each child (including infants) must have their own eTA.
After Submitting the Kenya eTA Application Form
Once you submit and pay, here is what happens next:
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Confirmation email | Within minutes of payment |
| Application under review | 1-3 working days (standard) |
| eTA approval email | Sent to your registered email |
| Download eTA | Print or save the PDF for your trip |
Standard processing time is 3 working days. During peak travel seasons, it may take longer. If you need to travel within 7 days, an expedited option is available at a higher fee.
You can check your application status at any time using your application reference number on the official portal.
Who Does Not Need to Fill Out the Kenya eTA Application Form
The following travelers are exempt from the eTA requirement:
- Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda (up to 180 days)
- Nationals of approximately 42 countries with 90-day visa exemption (including Barbados, Botswana, Fiji, Ghana, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, and others)
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence or valid Work Permits
- Transit passengers staying in the international zone of the airport
If you are unsure whether you need an eTA, check the eligibility tool on etakenya.go.ke or read our complete Kenya eTA requirements guide.
Tips for a Smooth Kenya eTA Application
Follow these tips to avoid problems:
- Apply early — Submit your application at least 2 weeks before your travel date
- Use a desktop computer — The form is easier to complete on a larger screen
- Save your reference number — Write down or screenshot your application reference number after payment
- Check spam folder — If you do not receive a confirmation email within 30 minutes, check your spam or junk folder
- Use the official portal only — etakenya.go.ke is the only legitimate government portal for Kenya eTA applications
For a complete walkthrough of the entire process, see our step-by-step Kenya eTA application guide.
FAQs About the Kenya eTA Application Form
How long does it take to fill out the Kenya eTA application form?
The form takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete if you have all your documents ready. Gathering documents beforehand is the most time-consuming part.
Can I save the Kenya eTA application form and finish later?
No, the official portal does not save partial applications. You must complete and submit the form in one session. Have all documents ready before you start.
What happens if I make a mistake on my Kenya eTA application?
Minor errors can sometimes be corrected by contacting the support team at [email protected]. However, significant errors (wrong passport number, incorrect name) may require a new application and payment.
Can someone else fill out the Kenya eTA application form for me?
Yes, a family member, travel agent, or friend can complete the form on your behalf. They will need all your personal details and documents. The confirmation email will go to the address entered in the form.
Do children need their own Kenya eTA application form?
Yes, every traveler including children and infants must have their own eTA. Parents or guardians can submit a group application for the whole family.
Is the Kenya eTA application form free?
No, there is a fee. The standard eTA costs approximately $32.50 USD, transit eTA costs $20 USD, and multi-entry options cost more. Payment is made online at the end of the application.
What if my Kenya eTA application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you will receive an email with the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation or passport issues. You can reapply after addressing the issue.
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA at the airport?
No, there is no visa on arrival in Kenya. The eTA must be approved before you travel. Airlines will check for a valid eTA before allowing you to board.
What payment methods does the Kenya eTA application form accept?
The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. A valid payment method is required to complete the application.
How do I check my Kenya eTA application status after submitting?
Use your application reference number on the official portal at etakenya.go.ke. Click “Check Status” on the homepage and enter your reference number. See our Kenya eTA status check guide for detailed instructions.
