UK citizens need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Kenya – the standard single-entry eTA costs $30 USD and takes up to 72 hours to process online. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the mandatory eTA, meaning British passport holders must apply and receive approval before boarding any flight to Kenya. There is no visa-on-arrival option for UK travelers in 2026.
For British travelers, Kenya remains one of Africa’s most popular destinations – from the Maasai Mara’s wildebeest migration to Diani Beach’s white sands and Nairobi’s vibrant city life. The good news is that the eTA process is straightforward, entirely digital, and significantly faster than the old embassy-based visa application. This guide covers everything UK citizens need to know: fees, documents, step-by-step application instructions, processing times, and answers to the most common questions.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?
Yes, UK citizens need travel authorization to enter Kenya. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya abolished traditional visas for all nationalities and replaced them with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This applies to every British passport holder, regardless of the purpose of travel – tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
The UK is not on Kenya’s list of eTA-exempt countries. Only citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states – Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – are exempt from the eTA requirement. Holders of diplomatic or official passports from select countries may also be exempt under bilateral agreements, but standard British passport holders must apply for an eTA.
This means that even if you have traveled to Kenya before under the old visa-on-arrival system, you now need to complete the eTA application online before your trip. The process is managed through Kenya’s eCitizen platform at etakenya.go.ke.
Kenya eTA Fees for UK Citizens
The eTA fee structure is the same for all nationalities, including UK citizens. Kenya does not charge different rates based on your country of origin.
| eTA Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | $30 | 90 days | Single entry | Most tourists and short-term visitors |
| Transit eTA | $20 | 72 hours | Single entry | Connecting flights requiring exit from transit area |
| 1-Year Multi-Entry | ~$100 | 12 months | Multiple entries | Frequent visitors, business travelers |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry | ~$160 | 60 months | Multiple entries | Very frequent travelers |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | ~$100 | 90 days | Multiple entries | Visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda together |
The Standard eTA at $30 is the right choice for most UK tourists. It allows a single entry within 90 days of approval and covers stays of up to 90 days per visit.
If you are planning a multi-country East African trip, the East Africa Tourist Visa at approximately $100 allows you to travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda within a 90-day window without needing separate visas for each country. For more details on Kenya’s full fee structure, see our Kenya eTA fee guide.
Important: All fees are paid in US dollars online during the application process. Your UK bank will convert the charge to GBP at the prevailing exchange rate. As of 2026, $30 is approximately £24, though the exact amount depends on your bank’s conversion rate.
Documents Required for Kenya eTA (UK Citizens)
UK citizens need to prepare the following documents before starting the eTA application. Having everything ready will speed up the process and reduce the risk of rejection.
Valid UK Passport
Your British passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Kenya. If your passport expires within six months of your planned arrival, you must renew it before applying for the eTA.
The passport must also have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. While the eTA itself is electronic (not a physical sticker), Kenyan immigration still stamps your passport at the border.
Digital Passport Photo
You need a recent digital passport photo that meets Kenya’s specifications:
- Taken within the last 6 months
- White or light-colored background
- Full face, front view, eyes open
- No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
- JPEG or PNG format
- Minimum 600×600 pixels, maximum 10MB
For detailed photo specifications and tips, see our Kenya eTA photo requirements guide.
Return or Onward Flight Ticket
You must show proof of a return or onward flight departing Kenya within the validity period of your eTA. A booking confirmation or e-ticket from your airline is sufficient. This does not need to be a confirmed ticket – a reservation or itinerary is generally accepted.
Proof of Accommodation
You need to provide evidence of where you will stay in Kenya. This can be:
- A hotel booking confirmation
- A letter of invitation from a host in Kenya (with their address and contact details)
- A safari lodge or tour operator booking confirmation
Travel Insurance
While not strictly mandatory for eTA approval, Kenya recommends that all visitors have travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation. Some airlines may require proof of insurance before boarding. UK travelers should ensure their policy covers activities specific to their trip, such as safari excursions or water sports.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
If you are traveling to Kenya from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. The UK itself is not a yellow fever risk country, so a direct flight from London to Nairobi does not require this certificate. However, if you have a layover in a yellow fever endemic country (such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, or Brazil), you will need the certificate.
Even if not required, the vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Kenya. For more information, see our Kenya entry requirements page.
How to Apply for Kenya eTA from the UK: Step-by-Step
The entire eTA application process happens online. UK citizens do not need to visit an embassy or visa center. Here is how to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official portal. Go to etakenya.go.ke and create an account or log in with your existing eCitizen credentials.
Step 2: Select “Apply for eTA.” Choose the Standard eTA option (or Transit/Multi-Entry if applicable).
Step 3: Fill in personal details. Enter your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of nationality, passport number, and contact information.
Step 4: Upload documents. Upload a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page and your digital passport photo. Ensure the scans are clear and meet the file size requirements.
Step 5: Provide travel details. Enter your intended date of arrival in Kenya, flight information, and accommodation details.
Step 6: Pay the fee. Pay $30 USD (or the applicable fee for your chosen eTA type) using a credit or debit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
Step 7: Submit and wait. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours, though many applications are approved within 24 hours.
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our complete Kenya eTA application guide.
How Long Does Kenya eTA Processing Take for UK Applicants?
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours, but most UK applicants receive approval within 24-48 hours. The processing time begins after you have successfully submitted your application and paid the fee.
| Processing Type | Timeframe | Additional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 72 hours | Included in fee |
| Expedited | Several hours | Additional fee applies |
Tip for UK travelers: Apply at least one week before your flight to allow a buffer for any issues. While most applications are processed quickly, occasional delays can occur due to high volumes (especially during peak safari season from July to October) or if your application requires additional review.
You can check your application status at any time by logging into your eCitizen account. Once approved, you will receive a PDF confirmation via email. Print this document or save it on your phone to present at check-in and immigration.
UK to Kenya: Travel Tips for British Visitors
Flights from the UK to Kenya
Direct flights operate from London Heathrow (LHR) to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) with Kenya Airways and British Airways. Flight time is approximately 8-9 hours. Indirect routes via the Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) are also popular and sometimes cheaper.
Best Time to Visit Kenya
- July to October: Peak safari season, Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. Higher prices, but best wildlife viewing.
- January to March: Calving season, excellent for bird watching. Warm and dry.
- April to June: Green season with fewer tourists and lower prices. Some roads may be difficult due to rain.
- December: Popular with UK visitors over the Christmas holidays. Book early.
Currency and Payments
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Nairobi, major hotels, and tourist areas. However, carry some cash (USD or KES) for smaller establishments, markets, and tips. ATMs are available in cities and airports.
Health and Safety
- Yellow fever: Recommended vaccination, and required if arriving from an endemic country.
- Malaria: Kenya is a malaria zone. Consult your GP about antimalarial medication before traveling.
- Tap water: Drink bottled or purified water only.
- Travel insurance: Strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies and evacuation.
Common Reasons for Kenya eTA Rejection (UK Citizens)
While most UK applications are approved without issues, here are the most common reasons for rejection or delays:
- Passport validity less than 6 months from the date of entry
- Blurry or non-compliant passport photo that does not meet Kenya’s specifications
- Incorrect passport number or mismatch between application and passport details
- Incomplete application – missing travel details, accommodation information, or documents
- Previous immigration violations in Kenya or other countries
- Criminal record that flags during background checks
If your application is rejected, you can reapply after correcting the issue. There is no refund for rejected applications, so double-check all details before submitting.
Kenya eTA vs Old Visa System: What Changed for UK Citizens?
Before January 1, 2024, UK citizens could obtain a visa on arrival at Kenyan airports for $50. The new eTA system has several key differences:
| Feature | Old System (Pre-2024) | New eTA System (2024+) |
|---|---|---|
| Application | On arrival or at embassy | Online only, before travel |
| Cost | $50 | $30 |
| Processing | Immediate (on arrival) | Up to 72 hours (online) |
| Format | Physical visa sticker | Electronic authorization |
| Passport validity | 6 months | 6 months |
The eTA is cheaper ($30 vs $50) but requires advance planning. You can no longer show up at the airport without prior authorization. For UK travelers who were used to the old visa-on-arrival system, the key change is to apply online at least a few days before your flight.
FAQs About Kenya eTA for UK Citizens
Do I need a Kenya eTA if I hold a British Overseas Territories passport?
Yes. All British passport holders – including British Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), and other categories – need a Kenya eTA. The requirement applies based on your travel document, not your residency status.
Can I get a Kenya eTA on arrival at the airport?
No. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya has eliminated visa-on-arrival for all nationalities. You must apply for and receive your eTA online before boarding your flight to Kenya.
How long can UK citizens stay in Kenya with an eTA?
The standard eTA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi before your eTA expires.
Do children with UK passports need a separate eTA?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children of all ages, must have their own individual eTA. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors using the child’s passport details.
What happens if my Kenya eTA is expired when I arrive?
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry by Kenyan immigration. The eTA must be valid on your date of arrival. Apply for a new eTA if your previous one has expired.
Can I work in Kenya with a standard eTA?
The standard eTA covers short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, and site visits. However, it does not authorize employment. If you plan to work in Kenya, you need a separate work permit.
Is the Kenya eTA fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The eTA fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected. Ensure all your documents and information are correct before submitting.
Do I need to print my Kenya eTA approval?
While not strictly required (immigration can verify your eTA electronically), it is strongly recommended to carry a printed copy as a backup. Some airlines require a physical copy at check-in.
