Planning a trip to Kenya and wondering about the eTA fee? You’re not alone. Since Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in January 2024, thousands of travelers search for the exact cost every month.
Here’s the short answer: a standard Kenya eTA costs $30 USD for a single-entry permit. But there’s more to it than just that number — additional processing fees, different categories for different travel needs, and expedited options all affect the final price you’ll pay.
This guide breaks down every fee associated with the Kenya eTA so you know exactly what to budget before you apply.
How Much Does a Kenya eTA Cost?
The official Kenya eTA fee starts at $30 USD for a standard single-entry authorization. This is the fee most tourists and short-term visitors pay. It’s collected by the Kenyan government through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke.
However, the total amount charged to your card will be slightly higher due to service and processing fees. Expect to pay around $32.50 to $34 USD in total for a standard eTA.
Here’s a quick overview of all eTA categories and their fees:
| eTA Category | Government Fee | Approx. Total (with processing) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA (Single Entry) | $30 USD | $32.50 – $34 USD | 90 days |
| Transit eTA | $20 USD | $22 – $24 USD | 72 hours |
| 1-Year Multi-Entry eTA | $300 USD | $302 – $305 USD | 1 year |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry eTA (US nationals) | $185 USD | $187 – $190 USD | 5 years |
Kenya eTA Fee Breakdown by Category
Standard eTA ($30)
The standard eTA is the most common option. It costs $30 USD and allows a single entry into Kenya. Once approved, the eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
This is the right choice for:
– First-time visitors to Kenya
– Tourists on a single trip
– Business travelers attending meetings or conferences
– Transit passengers who plan to leave the airport
Processing typically takes up to 72 hours, though many applicants receive approval within 24 hours.
Transit eTA ($20)
If you’re just passing through Kenya on your way to another country, the transit eTA costs $20 USD. This is the cheapest option available and is designed for travelers who have a connecting flight through a Kenyan airport.
Key details:
– Valid for 72 hours only
– You must have a confirmed onward ticket
– If you plan to leave the airport during a layover, you need this eTA
– Single entry only
1-Year Multiple-Entry eTA ($300)
For frequent travelers to Kenya — business professionals, researchers, or those with family in the country — the 1-year multiple-entry eTA costs $300 USD. This allows you to enter and exit Kenya as many times as you need within a 12-month period.
This option makes financial sense if you plan to visit Kenya more than 10 times in a year, since 10 standard eTAs would cost the same amount.
5-Year Multiple-Entry eTA ($185 for US nationals)
US citizens have access to a special 5-year multiple-entry eTA for $185 USD. This is a bilateral arrangement between Kenya and the United States, offering significant savings for regular travelers.
To qualify, you must:
– Hold a valid US passport
– Apply through the official eTA portal
– Meet all standard eTA requirements
At roughly $37 per year, this is by far the most cost-effective option for Americans who visit Kenya regularly.
Expedited Processing
If you need your eTA approved urgently, you can pay an additional $100 USD for expedited processing. This brings the total cost of a standard eTA to approximately $130 USD with expedited service.
Expedited processing provides:
– Immediate or near-immediate approval (within hours instead of days)
– Priority queue placement
– Ideal for last-minute travel plans
Keep in mind that expedited processing is not guaranteed to be instant — it depends on application volume and whether your documentation is complete.
Additional Fees and Service Charges
Beyond the government fee, there are a few extra costs to be aware of:
Bank and processing fees: When you pay through the official portal, your bank or card issuer may charge a small transaction fee. This typically adds $2-$4 USD to the total. Some banks also apply a foreign currency conversion fee if your card is not denominated in US dollars.
Third-party service fees: Many travelers use visa agencies or third-party services to handle their application. These services charge $40-$100 USD on top of the government fee. While convenient, they’re not necessary — you can apply directly through the official portal and save money.
| Fee Type | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Government eTA fee | $30 – $300 USD | Yes |
| Processing/service fee | $2 – $4 USD | Yes |
| Foreign currency conversion | Varies by bank | Depends on card |
| Third-party service | $40 – $100 USD | Optional |
| Expedited processing | $100 USD | Optional |
Important: Always apply through the official etakenya.go.ke portal to avoid unnecessary third-party markups. Some unofficial websites charge $100 or more for the same eTA that costs $30 on the official site.
How to Pay the Kenya eTA Fee
The Kenya eTA fee must be paid online at the time of application. You cannot pay at the airport or upon arrival.
Accepted Payment Methods
The official Kenya eTA portal accepts:
– Visa credit and debit cards
– Mastercard credit and debit cards
– American Express
– Apple Pay (on supported devices)
The payment is processed in US dollars (USD). If your card is denominated in another currency, your bank will convert it at their current exchange rate, which may include a small conversion fee.
When to Pay
Payment is required at the final step of the application process, after you’ve filled in your personal details, uploaded your passport photo, and provided your travel information. Your application will not be submitted until payment is completed.
Refund Policy
The Kenya eTA fee is generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted. This applies even if your application is denied. Make sure all your information is accurate and your documents meet the requirements before paying.
Kenya eTA Fee vs. Old Visa Fee
Before January 1, 2024, Kenya used a traditional visa system. Here’s how the costs compare:
| Aspect | Old Visa System (pre-2024) | Current eTA System |
|---|---|---|
| Standard fee | $50 USD | $30 USD |
| Application method | Online or embassy | Online only |
| Processing time | 5-10 business days | Up to 72 hours |
| Physical sticker/stamp | Yes | No (electronic) |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days |
The eTA system is $20 cheaper than the old visa for standard travelers, and processing is significantly faster. The transition to an entirely electronic system also means no more embassy visits or waiting for passport stamps.
Kenya eTA Fee for Different Nationalities
The Kenya eTA fee structure is the same for all nationalities. Whether you’re from the United States, United Kingdom, India, Australia, or any other country, the base government fee is:
- $30 USD for a standard single-entry eTA
- $20 USD for a transit eTA
The only nationality-specific exception is the 5-year multiple-entry eTA, which is available to US citizens at $185 USD through a bilateral agreement between Kenya and the United States.
Fee comparison for popular nationalities:
| Nationality | Standard eTA | Transit eTA | Multi-Entry Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| US citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 5-year at $185 USD |
| UK citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| Indian citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| Canadian citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| Australian citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| All other nationalities | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
Note: Some African nationalities are exempt from the eTA requirement entirely. Citizens of certain East African Community (EAC) countries can enter Kenya without an eTA. Check the official eligibility page for the latest exemptions.
Is the Kenya eTA Fee Worth It?
At $30 USD, the Kenya eTA is one of the most affordable travel authorizations in the world. For comparison:
| Country | Travel Authorization Fee |
|---|---|
| Kenya eTA | $30 USD |
| Australia ETA | $20 AUD (~$13 USD) |
| US ESTA | $21 USD |
| Canada eTA | $7 CAD (~$5 USD) |
| UK ETA | 10 GBP (~$13 USD) |
| Europe ETIAS | 7 EUR (~$8 USD) |
While some countries charge less, Kenya’s eTA fee is very reasonable — especially considering the processing time is typically under 72 hours and the entire process is done online.
FAQs
Do you have to pay for Kenya eTA?
Yes. Every traveler must pay the Kenya eTA fee as part of the application process. The fee is paid online through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke. There is no way to apply without paying, and payment must be completed before your application is submitted.
How much is eTA payment to Kenya?
The standard Kenya eTA fee is $30 USD. With processing and service fees, the total comes to approximately $32.50 – $34 USD. A transit eTA costs $20 USD, while multi-entry options range from $185 to $300 USD depending on duration and nationality.
Is Kenya visa free for US citizens?
Kenya is not visa-free for US citizens, but the eTA replaces the traditional visa and costs only $30 USD (or $185 for a 5-year multiple-entry option). US citizens must apply for an eTA before traveling to Kenya.
How far in advance should I apply for Kenya eTA?
You should apply at least 1-2 weeks before your trip to allow for processing time, which can take up to 72 hours. While many applications are approved within 24 hours, applying early gives you a buffer in case additional documentation is requested.
Can I get a refund if my Kenya eTA is denied?
No. The Kenya eTA fee is non-refundable once submitted, even if the application is denied. To avoid losing your fee, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and all information is accurate before submitting.
Do children need to pay the Kenya eTA fee?
Yes. All travelers, including infants and children, must have their own eTA. The fee is the same for children as for adults ($30 USD for standard). Each child needs a separate application and payment.
