Planning a trip to Kenya and searching for tourist visa costs? Here is what you need to know: Kenya no longer issues traditional tourist visas. Since January 1, 2024, all visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead, which costs $30 USD for a standard single-entry permit. The total you pay at checkout, including processing fees, comes to approximately $32.50 – $34 USD.
This guide breaks down every cost involved so you know exactly what to budget before you apply online.
What Replaced the Kenya Tourist Visa?
Kenya abolished its traditional visa system on January 1, 2024. The old tourist visa cost $50 USD and required either an embassy visit or an online application through a separate portal. It was replaced by the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), managed entirely through the official government portal at etakenya.go.ke.
The eTA serves the same purpose as the old tourist visa – it authorizes foreign nationals to enter Kenya for tourism, business, or transit. But the process is fully digital, cheaper, and significantly faster.
If you are searching for “Kenya tourist visa cost,” the answer is the eTA fee:
| Category | You Pay | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA (tourist) | $30 USD | 90 days | Single |
| Transit eTA | $20 USD | 72 hours | Single |
| 1-Year Multi-Entry eTA | $300 USD | 1 year | Multiple |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry eTA (US citizens) | $185 USD | 5 years | Multiple |
How Much Does a Kenya Tourist eTA Cost in Total?
The government fee is $30 USD, but that is not the only charge. When you complete payment on the official portal, your total will be slightly higher due to mandatory processing fees.
Here is what you can expect to pay:
| Fee Component | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Government eTA fee | $30 USD | Yes |
| Platform processing fee | $2 – $4 USD | Yes |
| Foreign currency conversion | Varies by bank | If paying in non-USD currency |
| Third-party agent service | $40 – $100 USD | No – avoid if possible |
| Expedited processing | +$100 USD | No – optional upgrade |
A standard tourist eTA purchased directly through the official portal costs between $32.50 and $34 USD in total. That is the real number most travelers pay.
Warning: Many unofficial websites charge $80 to $150 for the same eTA that costs $30 on the official portal. These sites look legitimate but add heavy service markups. Always apply at etakenya.go.ke directly.
Kenya Tourist eTA vs. the Old Visa Fee
The switch from traditional visa to eTA saved travelers money. Here is how the costs compare:
| Aspect | Old Tourist Visa (before 2024) | Current eTA (2024+) |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $50 USD | $30 USD |
| Application method | Embassy or online | Online only |
| Processing time | 5 – 10 business days | Up to 72 hours |
| Physical stamp required | Yes | No |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days |
You save $20 USD compared to the old system, and you receive your authorization much faster. Most applicants get approved within 24 hours.
What Nationalities Pay for a Kenya Tourist eTA
The eTA fee is the same for all nationalities. Whether you hold a US, UK, Indian, Australian, or any other passport, the standard tourist eTA costs $30 USD. There are no surcharges based on nationality.
| Nationality | Tourist eTA Fee | Multi-Entry Option |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $30 USD | 5-year at $185 USD |
| United Kingdom | $30 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| India | $30 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| Canada | $30 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| Australia | $30 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| All other countries | $30 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
The only exception is the 5-year multiple-entry eTA available exclusively to US citizens at $185 USD, based on a bilateral agreement between Kenya and the United States.
Some African nationalities are exempt from the eTA requirement entirely. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states can enter Kenya without an eTA. Check the official eligibility list for current exemptions.
Is Kenya’s Tourist Visa Cost Worth It?
At $30 USD, Kenya’s eTA is competitively priced compared to travel authorizations from other countries:
| Country | Travel Authorization | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya eTA | $30 USD | 90 days validity |
| US ESTA | $21 USD | 2 years validity |
| UK ETA | 10 GBP (~$13 USD) | 2 years validity |
| Australia ETA | 20 AUD (~$13 USD) | 1 year validity |
| Canada eTA | 7 CAD (~$5 USD) | 5 years validity |
| Europe ETIAS | 7 EUR (~$8 USD) | 3 years validity |
While some countries charge less at the entry level, Kenya’s eTA fee includes access to one of Africa’s most popular tourism destinations. The entire application process takes about 15 minutes online, and approval typically arrives within 72 hours.
How to Pay the Kenya Tourist eTA Fee
Payment happens online at the final step of the application. You cannot pay at the airport or upon arrival.
Accepted payment methods:
– Visa credit and debit cards
– Mastercard credit and debit cards
– American Express
– Apple Pay (on supported devices)
All payments are processed in US dollars (USD). If your card is denominated in another currency, your bank applies its exchange rate, which may include a small conversion fee.
Refund policy: The eTA fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Verify that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and that all information is accurate before submitting.
What About Children and Infants?
Every traveler, including infants and children of any age, must have their own eTA. The fee for children is the same as for adults: $30 USD for a standard tourist eTA. Each child requires a separate application and separate payment.
There is no reduced rate or exemption based on age.
FAQs
How much does a Kenya tourist visa cost?
A Kenya tourist visa costs $30 USD as an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). With processing fees, the total comes to $32.50 – $34 USD. Kenya replaced its traditional tourist visa with the eTA system in January 2024. The eTA is valid for 90 days and allows a single entry.
Is Kenya visa free for tourists?
No. Kenya is not visa-free for most nationalities. All visitors must apply for an eTA before traveling. The eTA costs $30 USD and is applied for entirely online at etakenya.go.ke. Some African nationalities (mainly East African Community members) are exempt from the eTA requirement.
Can I get a Kenya tourist visa on arrival?
No. Kenya does not offer a tourist visa on arrival. You must apply for and receive your eTA before boarding your flight. The eTA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport, and airlines will verify it before allowing you to board.
How far in advance should I pay for the Kenya eTA?
Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before your trip. While processing typically takes up to 72 hours and many approvals come within 24 hours, applying early gives you a buffer if the Kenyan authorities request additional documentation.
What happens if my Kenya eTA application is denied?
If denied, you lose the $30 USD fee as it is non-refundable. You can reapply with corrected information or additional supporting documents. Common denial reasons include incomplete documentation, passport validity issues, or mismatched personal details.
Do I need to pay extra for a multi-entry tourist eTA?
Yes. A 1-year multi-entry eTA costs $300 USD, and a 5-year multi-entry eTA (available to US citizens) costs $185 USD. These are worthwhile only if you plan multiple trips to Kenya within the validity period. For a single vacation, the standard $30 USD eTA is sufficient.
