Filipino citizens need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya abolished traditional visas and replaced them with a mandatory online eTA system. Philippine passport holders must apply through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke before traveling. The standard eTA costs $30 USD and takes 24-72 hours to process.
This guide covers everything Filipino travelers need to know about the Kenya eTA, including requirements, fees, application steps, and common questions. For a general overview of the eTA system, see our Kenya eTA guide.
Do Filipino Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?
Yes, Filipino citizens need authorization to enter Kenya. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya abolished traditional visas for all nationalities and replaced them with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Philippine passport holders are not exempt from this requirement.
The eTA is mandatory regardless of the purpose of your visit – tourism, business, volunteer work, family visit, or transit. There is no visa-on-arrival option at Kenyan airports or border crossings. You must obtain approval before boarding your flight.
The Philippines is not part of the East African Community (EAC), and no special bilateral visa exemption exists between the Philippines and Kenya. Therefore, every Filipino citizen, including children and infants, must apply for their own individual eTA.
Kenya eTA Requirements for Filipino Citizens
To apply for a Kenya eTA, Filipino citizens need the following documents and information:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Philippine passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Kenya |
| Passport photo | Digital passport-style photo (white background, recent) |
| Email address | Active email for receiving eTA confirmation |
| Travel itinerary | Flight details, accommodation information |
| Payment method | Credit or debit card for the $30 USD fee |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country |
Passport Validity
Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Kenya. For example, if you plan to arrive on March 15, 2027, your passport must be valid until at least September 15, 2027. Passports with less than six months validity will be rejected.
Photo Requirements
The eTA application requires a digital passport-style photo. The photo must be:
– Recent (taken within the last 6 months)
– White or light-colored background
– Clear, well-lit, and in focus
– Showing your full face without sunglasses or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
For detailed photo specifications, see our Kenya eTA photo requirements guide.
How to Apply for Kenya eTA from the Philippines
The application process is entirely online. Filipino citizens do not need to visit an embassy or consulate. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to etakenya.go.ke – this is the only official website for Kenya eTA applications. Avoid third-party websites that charge extra fees.
Step 2: Create an Account
Register with your email address and create a password. You’ll need to verify your email before proceeding.
Step 3: Choose Your eTA Type
Select the appropriate eTA category based on your travel purpose. Filipino citizens can apply for several types:
| eTA Type | Fee | Duration | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | $30 | 90 days | Single entry |
| Transit eTA | $20 | 72 hours | Single entry |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | $100 | 1 year | Multiple entries |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 | 90 days | Multiple entries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) |
Step 4: Fill in Personal Details
Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your Philippine passport. This includes:
– Full name (as printed on passport)
– Date of birth
– Passport number
– Nationality (Philippines)
– Contact information
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload a clear scan or photo of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo meeting Kenya’s requirements.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Pay the applicable fee using a credit or debit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
Most applications are processed within 24-72 hours. You’ll receive an email notification when your eTA is approved.
Step 8: Download Your eTA
Once approved, log in to your account and download the eTA as a PDF. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone.
For a step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, see our how to apply for Kenya eTA guide.
Kenya eTA Fees for Filipino Citizens
The eTA fees are the same for all nationalities, including Filipino citizens:
| eTA Type | Fee (USD) | Approximate PHP* |
|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | $30 | ₱1,700 |
| Transit eTA | $20 | ₱1,130 |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | $100 | ₱5,650 |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 | ₱5,650 |
*PHP amounts are approximate and depend on the current exchange rate.
There are no additional government fees beyond the amounts listed above. Payment is made online during the application process. For a complete breakdown, see our Kenya eTA fee guide.
Important: The East Africa Tourist Visa allows you to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with a single visa – a great option for Filipino travelers planning a multi-country East African trip.
Kenya eTA Processing Time for Filipino Applicants
Standard processing takes 24 to 72 hours. However, many Filipino applicants report receiving approval within a few hours.
| Factor | Impact on Processing |
|---|---|
| Application completeness | Incomplete applications may take longer |
| Peak travel seasons | December, July-August may see delays |
| Accuracy of information | Mismatches can trigger manual review |
| Weekend applications | May not process until next business day |
It’s recommended to apply at least one week before your travel date to account for any unexpected delays. You can apply up to 90 days before your trip.
For more details, see our Kenya eTA processing time guide.
Kenya eTA for Filipino Families and Children
Every Filipino traveler, regardless of age, needs their own eTA. This includes:
– Infants and newborns
– Children under 16
– Elderly travelers
Children must have their own Philippine passport to apply. Parents or guardians can submit applications on behalf of minors. The children’s eTA fee is the same as for adults ($30 for standard eTA).
When traveling with children, you may also need:
– Birth certificate (for the child)
– Parental consent if traveling with only one parent
– Special documentation for minors traveling alone
Transit Requirements for Filipino Travelers
If you’re transiting through Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), you need a Transit eTA only if you plan to leave the international transit area. If you’re staying in the transit zone for a connecting flight, you do not need an eTA.
However, most Filipino travelers visiting Kenya as their final destination need the standard $30 eTA.
Common flight routes from the Philippines to Nairobi:
– Manila (MNL) → Nairobi (NBO) via Dubai, Doha, or Addis Ababa
– Cebu (CEB) → Nairobi (NBO) via connecting hubs
Yellow Fever Certificate Requirement
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. The Philippines is not a yellow fever endemic country, so Filipino travelers arriving directly from the Philippines do not need a yellow fever certificate.
However, if your travel itinerary includes a stopover in a yellow fever risk country (such as Ethiopia, which is a common transit point), you may need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in Kenya.
Recommendation: Even if not mandatory, consider getting vaccinated before traveling to Kenya, as yellow fever is present in some regions of East Africa.
Arriving in Kenya: What Filipino Travelers Should Expect
When you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi:
- Immigration: Present your printed eTA and passport. The officer will verify your eTA electronically.
- Biometrics: Fingerprints and a photo may be taken at the immigration counter.
- Baggage claim: Collect your luggage from the carousel.
- Customs: Proceed through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Processing at immigration typically takes 15-30 minutes for Filipino travelers with a valid eTA.
Common Questions at Immigration
Immigration officers may ask:
– Purpose of visit
– Duration of stay
– Where you’ll be staying
– Return flight details
Have your hotel booking confirmation and return ticket readily available.
Rejected eTA Applications: What to Do
If your Kenya eTA application is rejected, you can reapply. Common reasons for rejection include:
- Incorrect passport information
- Poor quality passport scan
- Mismatch between application details and passport
- Previous immigration violations
Steps to take after rejection:
1. Review the rejection email for specific reasons
2. Correct any errors in your application
3. Submit a new application with accurate information
4. Pay the fee again (previous fee is not refundable)
There is no waiting period between applications. Filipino citizens can reapply immediately after addressing the issues that caused the rejection.
Tips for Filipino Travelers to Kenya
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your trip.
- Check passport validity: Ensure your Philippine passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Print your eTA: Always carry a printed copy, even though you have a digital version.
- Keep documents handy: Have your return ticket and hotel booking accessible during immigration.
- Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies in Kenya.
For a complete list of entry requirements, see our Kenya eTA requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Filipino citizens get a Kenya visa on arrival?
No. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya abolished visa on arrival for all nationalities. Filipino citizens must obtain an eTA before traveling to Kenya. Airlines will check for a valid eTA before allowing you to board your flight.
How long can Filipino citizens stay in Kenya with an eTA?
The standard eTA allows Filipino citizens to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days per visit. The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Kenya Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi.
Do Filipino citizens need a yellow fever certificate for Kenya?
Not if traveling directly from the Philippines. However, if your itinerary includes transit through a yellow fever endemic country (like Ethiopia), you will need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Kenya.
Can I work in Kenya on a standard eTA?
No. The standard eTA is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits only. If you’re a Filipino citizen planning to work in Kenya, you need a separate work permit. Contact the Kenya Department of Immigration Services for work permit requirements.
What payment methods can Filipino citizens use for the eTA fee?
You can pay the eTA fee using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Some Filipino travelers have successfully used GCash-issued Visa cards. PayPal is not accepted on the official portal.
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. This is why it’s important to double-check all information before submitting your application.
Can Filipino citizens apply for a Kenya eTA on behalf of family members?
Yes. You can submit applications for family members, including children and elderly parents. However, each person needs their own individual application, their own passport, and their own fee payment.
Do Filipino citizens need a visa for Uganda or Rwanda if visiting from Kenya?
The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days. This is a great option for Filipino travelers planning to visit multiple East African countries. Otherwise, you’ll need separate visas for Uganda and Rwanda.
