Kenya eTA for US Citizens: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply (2026)

Kenya eTA for US Citizens: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply (2026)

US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya abolished traditional visas and replaced them with the eTA system. The standard eTA costs $30 USD, takes up to 72 hours to process, and must be obtained before your flight at etakenya.go.ke.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?

Yes, but not a traditional visa. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya eliminated visa requirements for all nationalities and introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. US passport holders must apply for a Kenya eTA before traveling – you cannot get one on arrival.

The eTA replaced the previous eVisa system. If you traveled to Kenya before 2024, you may remember the eVisa portal at evisa.go.ke. That system is no longer active. All applications now go through etakenya.go.ke.

Kenya eTA Requirements for US Citizens

Before starting your Kenya eTA application, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Valid US passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kenya
• Digital passport photo – Recent photo meeting Kenya eTA specifications (white background, JPEG format)
• Return or onward ticket – Proof that you plan to leave Kenya within your authorized stay
• Proof of accommodation – Hotel booking confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or an invitation letter from a host in Kenya
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate – Required if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country
• Email address – Your eTA approval will be sent to this email
• Credit or debit card – To pay the application fee online

All travelers, including infants and children, must have their own individual eTA. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors.

How to Apply for Kenya eTA from the US

Follow these steps to apply for your Kenya eTA as a US citizen:

Step 1: Visit the official portal. Go to etakenya.go.ke and click “Apply Now.”

Step 2: Create an account. Register with your email address and set a password. You will need to verify your email before proceeding.

Step 3: Fill in your personal details. Enter your full name, date of birth, nationality (United States), and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport.

Step 4: Upload documents. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a digital passport photo.

Step 5: Provide travel details. Enter your intended date of arrival, port of entry (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the most common), and accommodation details.

Step 6: Pay the fee. Pay $30 USD for a standard single-entry eTA using a credit or debit card.

Step 7: Wait for approval. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours. You will receive your approved eTA by email as a PDF document.

Step 8: Print or save your eTA. Print the eTA or save it on your phone. Present it to immigration officers upon arrival in Kenya.

Kenya eTA Fees for US Citizens

The standard $30 eTA is sufficient for most US tourists visiting Kenya for a single trip. If you plan to visit Kenya multiple times per year for business or family reasons, the multi-entry options offer better value.

For more details on all fees, see our complete Kenya eTA fee guide. You can also review the full list of Kenya visa types to find the right authorization for your trip.

Kenya eTA Processing Time for US Citizens

Processing times depend on which option you choose:

• Standard processing: Up to 72 hours (most common)
• Expedited processing: Available for an additional fee, faster turnaround
• Same-day processing: Some third-party services offer rush processing at a premium

Apply at least one week before your departure date to allow buffer time. During peak travel seasons (December holidays, July-August summer), processing may take longer.

You can check your application status on the etakenya.go.ke portal by logging into your account. For more information, read our Kenya eTA processing time guide.

How Long Can US Citizens Stay in Kenya?

With a standard eTA, US citizens can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days per visit. The eTA is valid for a single entry within 90 days of approval.

If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nairobi before your eTA expires. Overstaying without an extension can result in fines or future entry bans.

Kenya eTA vs Visa: What Changed for US Citizens

Before January 1, 2024, US citizens applied for a Kenya eVisa through evisa.go.ke. The new eTA system has several differences:

The new system is faster and cheaper than the old eVisa. However, it applies to everyone – even transit passengers passing through Kenya must obtain a transit eTA.

Common Mistakes US Citizens Make When Applying

Avoid these frequent errors that can delay or derail your Kenya eTA application:

• Passport validity less than 6 months – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before applying if it expires within 6 months.
• Wrong passport photo – The photo must have a white background, show your full face, and be in JPEG format. Selfies or cropped photos are often rejected.
• Applying too late – Apply at least 1 week before travel. Last-minute applications risk not being processed in time.
• Using unofficial websites – Only use etakenya.go.ke. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or collect your personal data without delivering a valid eTA.
• Not applying for children – Every traveler, including babies, needs their own eTA. Do not assume children can enter on a parent’s authorization.

Yellow Fever Requirements for US Citizens Traveling to Kenya

Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. The United States is NOT a yellow fever endemic country, so a direct flight from the US to Kenya does not require the certificate.

However, if your itinerary includes a layover in a yellow fever risk country (such as Ethiopia, Uganda, or Nigeria), you will need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in Kenya.

Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. The yellow fever vaccine is considered lifelong, so if you were vaccinated previously, your existing certificate is still valid.

Frequently Asked Questions