Kenya’s transit visa was replaced by a Transit Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) on January 1, 2024, costing USD 20 through etakenya.go.ke. If you have a layover in Nairobi or are passing through Kenya en route to another country, you may need a Transit eTA – but not every transit passenger does. This guide covers who needs one, how much it costs, and how to apply online before you travel.
What Is a Kenya Transit Visa?
Kenya used to issue a traditional transit visa at embassies and on arrival. Since January 1, 2024, that system no longer exists. The transit visa has been replaced by the Transit eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), a digital permit you apply for online through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke.
The Transit eTA is designed for travelers who are passing through Kenya on their way to a different destination. Common scenarios include:
- A layover at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi
- Connecting flights with enough time to leave the airport
- Overland transit to a neighboring country like Uganda, Tanzania, or South Sudan
For a full overview of all Kenya entry options, see our Kenya eTA: Complete Guide.
Do You Need a Transit eTA for Kenya?
Not every transit passenger needs an eTA. The rules depend on whether you leave the airport’s international transit zone.
| Situation | eTA Required? | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Staying in the international transit zone | No | Remain airside; no eTA needed |
| Leaving the airport (even briefly) | Yes | Apply for Transit eTA before arrival |
| Overnight layover requiring a hotel | Yes | Apply for Transit eTA |
| Connecting to a domestic flight | Yes | Apply for standard eTA instead |
| Layover under 6 hours, staying airside | No | Remain in transit area |
Key rule: If you stay inside the international transit area of the airport and do not pass through Kenyan immigration, you do not need any eTA. However, the moment you step outside – even to collect and re-check luggage, visit a hotel, or explore Nairobi between flights – you must have a Transit eTA approved before arrival.
Passengers flying Kenya Airways from Nairobi to another destination who change terminals may also need to pass through immigration, which means a Transit eTA is required.
For country-specific exemptions, visit our Kenya Passport Requirements page.
Transit eTA vs Standard eTA: What Is the Difference?
The Transit eTA and the standard eTA serve different purposes. Here is a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Transit eTA | Standard eTA |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | USD 20 | USD 32.50 |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Duration of stay | Up to 72 hours | Up to 90 days |
| Purpose | Layovers and connecting travel | Tourism, family visits, short-term stays |
| Application portal | etakenya.go.ke | etakenya.go.ke |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours | Up to 72 hours |
| Apply as early as | 90 days before travel | 90 days before travel |
| Minimum application lead time | 3 days before departure | 3 days before departure |
Which one should you pick? If your sole purpose is to pass through Kenya en route to another country and your layover is short, the Transit eTA at $20 is the right choice. If you plan to stay in Kenya for tourism or to visit people, you need the standard eTA at $32.50. For all visa type options, see our Kenya Visa Types overview.
Do not apply for the Transit eTA if you intend to stay longer than 72 hours. Immigration officers may question your purpose if your onward flight is more than three days away. In that case, apply for a standard eTA.
Kenya Transit eTA Requirements
To apply for a Transit eTA, you need the following documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | At least 6 months remaining before expiration |
| Passport-style photo | Recent, white background, meeting ICAO standards |
| Onward flight booking | Proof of a confirmed flight leaving Kenya |
| Email address | For application confirmation and eTA delivery |
| Payment method | Credit card or debit card for the $20 fee |
Yellow fever certificate: If your transit involves arriving from or having recently visited a yellow fever endemic country, you may need to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Countries in this list include most sub-Saharan African nations and parts of South America. Check the current list before travel.
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Kenya. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eTA. See our Kenya Passport Requirements guide for full details on passport rules.
How to Apply for a Kenya Transit eTA
The application process is entirely online. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:
Step 1: Go to etakenya.go.ke – Visit the official Kenya eTA portal. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra service fees.
Step 2: Create an account or log in – You need to register with an email address. If you already have an account from a previous application (e.g., you applied for a standard eTA before), you can log in with the same credentials.
Step 3: Select “Transit eTA” – When choosing the type of eTA, select the Transit option. This will set the fee to $20 instead of $32.50.
Step 4: Fill in personal details – Provide your full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, and contact information. Make sure all details match your passport exactly.
Step 5: Upload documents – Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo that meets Kenya’s specifications.
Step 6: Provide travel details – Enter your flight information for both your arrival in Kenya and your onward departure. Include flight numbers and dates.
Step 7: Pay the fee – Pay USD 20 using a credit or debit card. The payment is processed securely through the portal.
Step 8: Wait for approval – Processing takes up to 72 hours, though many applicants receive approval within a few hours. You will receive a confirmation email when the eTA is approved.
Step 9: Print or save the eTA – Download and print your approved eTA, or save it on your phone. Present it to the airline at departure and to immigration on arrival in Kenya.
For a detailed application walkthrough with screenshots, see our How to Apply for Kenya eTA guide.
Kenya Transit eTA Fee
The Transit eTA costs USD 20 per person. This fee is:
- Paid entirely online during the application at etakenya.go.ke
- Non-refundable, even if your application is denied
- Charged per person (including children who are not exempt)
- The same for all nationalities
Children under 16 years old are exempt from eTA requirements and do not need to pay the fee. However, the parent or guardian should carry the child’s passport as proof of age.
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transit eTA application | USD 20 |
| Service fee (official portal) | $0 – included |
| On-arrival charges | None |
| Extension fee | Not applicable (Transit eTA cannot be extended) |
For a comparison of all eTA fees (transit, standard, business, multiple entry), see our Kenya eTA Fee breakdown.
Transit eTA Validity and Duration
The Transit eTA is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 72 hours (3 days). Key points:
- You must enter Kenya within the validity period printed on your eTA
- You cannot extend a Transit eTA while in Kenya
- If your layover exceeds 72 hours, apply for a standard eTA instead
- The 72-hour window starts from the time you clear Kenyan immigration
- If you overstay even by a few hours, you may face fines or future entry issues
The Transit eTA is linked electronically to your passport number. You do not need a physical sticker in your passport – immigration officers verify it through their system.
Special Situations: Transit Without Leaving the Airport
If your transit through Kenya does not involve leaving the international transit zone – for example, a 2-hour connection at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where you stay airside – you are exempt from eTA requirements. The exemption applies when:
- Your connecting flight departs from the international transit area
- You do not pass through Kenyan immigration
- You do not need to collect and re-check your luggage
However, in some cases, you may need to:
- Change terminals – Some terminal changes require passing through immigration
- Collect luggage – If your luggage is not checked through to your final destination
- Overnight layover at a nearby hotel – You must leave the airport to reach the hotel
In any of these cases, apply for a Transit eTA before your trip. It is better to have it and not need it than to be denied boarding or turned back at immigration.
FAQ About Kenya Transit Visa
Do transit passengers need a visa for Kenya?
Transit passengers who remain in the international transit zone of the airport do not need an eTA. If you leave the airport for any reason (hotel, sightseeing, or connecting to a domestic flight), you must have a Transit eTA approved before arrival. The Transit eTA costs $20 and is applied for online at etakenya.go.ke.
How much is a Kenya transit visa in 2026?
The Kenya Transit eTA costs USD 20. This replaced the traditional transit visa on January 1, 2024. The fee is paid online during the application at etakenya.go.ke and is the same for all nationalities. Children under 16 are exempt and do not need to pay.
Can I leave the airport during a layover in Nairobi?
Yes, but only if you have an approved Transit eTA. If your layover is long enough and you want to explore Nairobi or rest at a hotel, you must pass through immigration, which requires a Transit eTA. Apply for one before your trip at etakenya.go.ke. Processing takes up to 72 hours, so apply at least 3 days before departure.
How long can I stay in Kenya on a transit eTA?
The Transit eTA allows a stay of up to 72 hours (3 days). You cannot extend it. If your layover is longer than 72 hours, apply for a standard eTA ($32.50), which allows stays of up to 90 days.
What is the difference between a transit visa and a transit eTA for Kenya?
The traditional transit visa was a physical document issued at embassies or on arrival. Kenya abolished it on January 1, 2024, and replaced it with the Transit eTA – a digital authorization applied for online at etakenya.go.ke. The term “Kenya transit visa” still appears in search results but now refers to the Transit eTA.
Can I get a Kenya transit visa on arrival?
No. Kenya eliminated all visa-on-arrival options on January 1, 2024. Every traveler who needs authorization (including transit) must apply online at etakenya.go.ke before arriving. Airlines may deny boarding if you do not have an approved eTA.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Kenya transit?
If you are arriving from or have recently visited a yellow fever endemic country, you should carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate even for transit. This requirement applies to most travelers transiting through Kenya from sub-Saharan African or South American countries.
Can I use a standard eTA instead of a transit eTA?
Yes. A standard eTA ($32.50) also covers transit situations and allows stays of up to 90 days. If you are unsure whether your plans might change and you may want to stay longer, applying for a standard eTA gives you more flexibility. The Transit eTA is the cheaper option for passengers who are certain they will leave within 72 hours.
