Kenya offers two multi-entry eTA options — a 1-year permit for approximately $100 and a 5-year permit for around $160 — allowing frequent travelers to enter Kenya multiple times without reapplying for each trip. Since Kenya abolished traditional visas on January 1, 2024, and replaced them with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, the multiple entry eTA has become the go-to choice for business travelers, repeat tourists, and anyone visiting Kenya more than once a year.
What Is a Kenya Multiple Entry eTA?
A Kenya multiple entry eTA is a special category of Electronic Travel Authorization that allows you to enter Kenya more than once within its validity period. Unlike the standard eTA, which permits a single entry and costs $32.50, the multiple entry eTA eliminates the need to submit a new application before every trip.
Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services issues these permits through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke. The system was introduced alongside the eTA framework in January 2024 to accommodate travelers who need regular access to Kenya.
The multiple entry eTA comes in two durations:
- 1-Year Multi-Entry eTA — valid for 12 months from the date of issuance
- 5-Year Multi-Entry eTA — valid for 60 months, designed for frequent travelers and US citizens
Each entry still grants a stay of up to 90 days, determined by the immigration officer at the port of arrival.
1-Year Multi-Entry eTA
The 1-year multiple entry eTA costs approximately $100 USD and is ideal for travelers who plan to visit Kenya two or more times within a 12-month period. It covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit purposes.
Key features:
- Validity: 12 months from the date of issue
- Entry allowance: Unlimited entries within the validity period
- Stay per entry: Up to 90 days (as determined at the port of entry)
- Processing time: Typically 3 working days, same as the standard eTA
- Fee: Approximately $100 USD
If you visit Kenya even twice in a year, the 1-year multi-entry eTA already saves you money compared to applying for two separate standard eTA permits at $32.50 each. For travelers making three or more trips, the savings become significant.
5-Year Multi-Entry eTA
The 5-year multiple entry eTA costs approximately $160 USD and is the longest-duration travel authorization available for Kenya. It is particularly popular among US citizens, business professionals with ongoing interests in East Africa, and frequent visitors to Kenya’s national parks and coast.
Key features:
- Validity: 5 years (60 months) from the date of issue
- Entry allowance: Unlimited entries within the validity period
- Stay per entry: Up to 90 days per visit
- Processing time: 3 to 7 working days
- Fee: Approximately $160 USD
The 5-year eTA represents the best value for anyone who visits Kenya regularly. At $160 for five years of unlimited entries, you pay roughly $32 per year — less than the cost of a single standard eTA.
Multiple Entry eTA vs Standard eTA: Cost Comparison
| Feature | Standard eTA | 1-Year Multi-Entry | 5-Year Multi-Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | $32.50 | ~$100 | ~$160 |
| Validity | 90 days (single entry) | 12 months | 5 years (60 months) |
| Entries | 1 | Multiple | Multiple |
| Stay per entry | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Best for | One-time visitors | 2+ trips per year | Frequent travelers |
For travelers making 4+ trips per year, the 5-year multi-entry eTA drops to just $8 per trip annually. Even the 1-year option breaks even at three trips and saves money from the fourth trip onward.
Who Should Apply for a Multiple Entry eTA?
The multiple entry eTA is designed for travelers who visit Kenya regularly. Common use cases include:
- Business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or managing operations in Nairobi, Mombasa, or other Kenyan cities
- Tour operators and travel professionals coordinating safari and beach holidays
- Family visitors with relatives or spouses living in Kenya
- Researchers and NGO workers with ongoing projects in the country
- Investors exploring or managing business interests in Kenya
- Frequent tourists who return for Kenya’s wildlife migration seasons, coastal holidays, or mountain trekking
If your travel pattern involves more than one Kenya trip per year, a multiple entry eTA is almost always more cost-effective than reapplying for a standard eTA each time.
Requirements for the Multiple Entry eTA
The document requirements for a multiple entry eTA are largely the same as those for a standard eTA. You will need:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration from your date of entry, with at least one blank page
- A recent passport-style photograph (digital upload)
- Your travel itinerary, including flight bookings and accommodation details
- A valid email address and phone number
- A credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment method
Additional documents may be required depending on your purpose of visit:
- Business travelers: Invitation letter from a Kenyan company and a copy of the company’s registration
- Family visitors: Invitation letter from your host along with their identification documents
- Conference attendees: Official invitation or participation letter
- Medical travelers: Referral letter from the hospital or doctor
For a full breakdown of document requirements, see our guide to Kenya eTA requirements.
How to Apply for a Multiple Entry eTA
The application process for a multiple entry eTA follows the same steps as a standard eTA application, with a few additional considerations.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to etakenya.go.ke and create an account or log in to your existing account. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra service fees.
Step 2: Select the Multi-Entry Option
When starting a new application, you will see options for the type of eTA. Select either the 1-year or 5-year multiple entry option instead of the standard single-entry eTA.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, and accommodation details. The form is the same as the standard eTA application.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload a digital passport photo, a scan of your passport bio-data page, and any additional documents required for your travel purpose.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
Pay the applicable fee ($100 for 1-year or $160 for 5-year) using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment method. The fee is non-refundable.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 3 working days, though some applications may take longer. You will receive an email notification when your eTA is approved. For more details on processing times, see our Kenya eTA processing time guide.
Step 7: Download and Print Your eTA
Once approved, log in to the portal and download your eTA. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone for presentation at immigration.
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, follow our step-by-step application guide.
Multiple Entry eTA vs Business Visa
Before the eTA system was introduced, many frequent travelers relied on Kenya’s business visa. Since January 2024, the multiple entry eTA has replaced the traditional business visa for most travel purposes.
| Aspect | Multiple Entry eTA | Old Business Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active (current system) | Replaced in Jan 2024 |
| Application | Online at etakenya.go.ke | Embassy or consulate |
| Fee | $100-$160 | $50-$200+ |
| Processing | 3-7 days online | 5-14 days |
| Entry allowance | Multiple | Single or multiple |
For business travelers, the multiple entry eTA covers meetings, conferences, trade events, and short-term business activities. If you need to work or reside in Kenya for extended periods, you will need a separate work permit or residence pass from the Directorate of Immigration Services.
Learn more about business travel options in our Kenya business visa guide.
Important Rules and Restrictions
Keep these rules in mind when using a multiple entry eTA:
- The eTA does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers at the port of arrival make the final decision on whether to admit you and for how long.
- Each entry allows a maximum stay of 90 days. You cannot extend your stay beyond this period without applying for an extension at the immigration office.
- The eTA must be used within its validity period. If your 1-year eTA expires before you travel, you need to apply for a new one.
- You must carry the same passport used for the application. If your passport changes (due to renewal or loss), you need to apply for a new eTA.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 1-year Kenya multiple entry eTA cost?
The 1-year multiple entry eTA costs approximately $100 USD. This allows unlimited entries into Kenya over a 12-month period, with each stay lasting up to 90 days.
How much does a 5-year Kenya multiple entry eTA cost?
The 5-year multiple entry eTA costs approximately $160 USD. It provides unlimited entries into Kenya for 60 months and is the longest-duration travel authorization available.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days on a multiple entry eTA?
No. Each entry on a multiple entry eTA allows a maximum stay of 90 days, determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. To stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office in Kenya.
Is the multiple entry eTA the same as a work permit?
No. The multiple entry eTA allows you to enter Kenya for tourism, business meetings, conferences, and family visits. It does not authorize employment. To work in Kenya, you need a separate work permit from the Directorate of Immigration Services.
Do I need a new eTA if my passport expires?
Yes. The eTA is linked to your passport. If you renew your passport or get a new one, you must apply for a new eTA using your new passport details. You cannot transfer an existing eTA to a new passport.
Can US citizens get a 5-year Kenya eTA?
Yes. US citizens are eligible for both the 1-year and 5-year multiple entry eTA options. The 5-year eTA at approximately $160 is particularly popular among American travelers who visit Kenya regularly.
How long does it take to process a multiple entry eTA?
Processing typically takes 3 working days, the same as a standard eTA. However, some applications may take longer, especially for the 5-year option. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Can I use a multiple entry eTA for transit through Kenya?
Yes, you can use your multiple entry eTA for transit. However, if you are only transiting through Kenya’s international airport without leaving the transit zone, you do not need any eTA at all. A dedicated Kenya transit visa is not needed if you hold a multiple entry eTA.
