Kenya no longer offers visa on arrival as of January 1, 2024. The government replaced all traditional visas with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which you must apply for online before your trip. If you show up at a Kenyan airport expecting to get a visa at the border, you will be denied boarding or entry.
This is one of the biggest travel surprises heading to Kenya in 2026. Many guidebooks, blog posts, and even some airline websites still reference the old visa-on-arrival system. This guide explains what happened, what replaced it, and exactly what you need to do instead.
What Happened to Kenya Visa on Arrival?
Kenya offered visa on arrival for decades. Travelers from most countries could land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), Moi International Airport (Mombasa), or other entry points, queue at the immigration desk, pay a fee, and receive a visa stamp in their passport.
That system ended on January 1, 2024. President William Ruto announced the change during Kenya’s 60th Independence Day celebrations on December 12, 2023. The government launched the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system through the official portal etakenya.go.ke.
Timeline of the Change
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 30, 2023 | President Ruto announces visa elimination for African visitors |
| December 12, 2023 | Announcement expanded to all countries globally |
| January 1, 2024 | eTA system goes live; visa on arrival abolished |
| Ongoing | Some confusion persists as old information remains online |
The change was dramatic. Kenya went from requiring visas for most nationalities (with a visa-on-arrival option) to requiring nearly everyone to apply for an eTA in advance, while simultaneously granting visa-free entry to citizens of over 70 countries.
Does Kenya Have Visa on Arrival in 2026?
No. Kenya does not offer visa on arrival in 2026. There is no counter at any Kenyan airport or border crossing where you can obtain a visa upon landing.
Instead, Kenya uses two pathways:
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Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Required for most nationalities. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. Cost: $32.50 USD for standard processing.
-
eTA Exemption – Citizens of approximately 76 countries are exempt from the eTA requirement and can enter Kenya with just a valid passport.
If your nationality is not on the exemption list, you must apply for an eTA before departing for Kenya.
How the eTA Replaces Visa on Arrival
The eTA serves the same purpose as the old visa on arrival – it authorizes your entry into Kenya. The key difference is timing. With visa on arrival, you handled everything at the airport. With the eTA, you handle everything online before you travel.
| Feature | Old Visa on Arrival | Current eTA System |
|---|---|---|
| When to apply | At the airport on landing | Online, before travel |
| Processing time | Immediate (queue wait) | Up to 72 hours |
| Cost | $50 USD (standard) | $32.50 service + $6.17 consular |
| Application method | Paper form at airport | Online at etakenya.go.ke |
| Validity | Single entry, 90 days | Single entry, 90 days |
| Still available? | No (abolished Jan 2024) | Yes (current system) |
The eTA fee has two parts: a $32.50 USD service fee (paid via Citi Bank) and a $6.17 USD consular fee for citizens of 56 specified nationalities. Total for most travelers: approximately $38.67. Children under 8 pay only the service fee. Note: Citi Bank payment processing can occasionally fail (error 2059) and may need to be retried.
Who Is Exempt from the eTA?
Not everyone needs an eTA. Kenya grants visa-free entry to citizens of certain countries. These travelers do not need to apply for anything – they can simply arrive with a valid passport.
90-Day Exempt Countries
Citizens of these countries can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days without an eTA:
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Cyprus, Dominica, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
180-Day Exempt Countries (East African Community)
Citizens of EAC member states can stay for up to 180 days:
- Burundi
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Rwanda (national ID accepted)
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda (national ID accepted)
Additional Exemptions
- Children under 16 are exempt from the eTA regardless of nationality
- Transit passengers who remain in the international zone of the airport do not need an eTA
- Holders of certain diplomatic and official passports from select countries are also exempt
If you are not on any exemption list, you must check the full eTA requirements and apply before travel.
How to Apply for the eTA (Step by Step)
Since you cannot get a visa on arrival, applying for the eTA is now mandatory for most travelers. Here is the process:
- Visit the official portal – Go to etakenya.go.ke (the only official site)
- Create an account – Register with your email address
- Fill out the application – Enter personal details, travel dates, and accommodation information
- Upload documents – Passport bio page photo, passport-size photo, and flight booking confirmation
- Pay the fee – $32.50 USD service fee via Citi Bank, plus $6.17 consular fee for citizens of 56 specified nationalities
- Wait for approval – Standard processing takes up to 72 hours, but can sometimes take up to 90 days
- Download your eTA – Approved eTA arrives via email as a PDF
You can apply up to 90 days before your trip and must submit at least 3 days before departure. For a detailed walkthrough, see our step-by-step eTA application guide.
What You Need to Apply
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date |
| Passport photo | Recent photo meeting eTA photo specifications |
| Flight booking | Confirmed return or onward ticket |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel reservation or invitation letter |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required if traveling from an endemic country |
eTA Fees Compared to Old Visa on Arrival
The standard eTA costs $32.50 USD as a service fee (paid via Citi Bank) plus a $6.17 USD consular fee for citizens of 56 specified nationalities. Here is the fee breakdown:
| eTA Type | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | $32.50 service + $6.17 consular | Single entry, 90 days |
| Transit eTA | $20 | For layovers/transit |
| 1-Year Multi-Entry | ~$100 | Multiple entries, 1 year |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry | ~$160 | Multiple entries, 5 years |
See our complete eTA fee breakdown for all pricing details.
What to Do Instead of Visa on Arrival
If you are planning a trip to Kenya in 2026, here is your action plan:
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Check if you are exempt – Review the exemption lists above. If your country is listed, you only need a valid passport.
-
If not exempt, apply for the eTA – Go to etakenya.go.ke at least 1 week before your trip. Do not wait until the last 3 days.
-
Prepare your documents – Valid passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, flight booking, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate if applicable.
-
Save your eTA PDF – Download the approval email and keep a digital and printed copy. Airlines and immigration may ask to see it.
-
Do not use third-party agents – Many unofficial websites charge $100+ for eTA processing. The official fee is $32.50 (service) + $6.17 (consular) at etakenya.go.ke. The only official help email is [email protected].
FAQs About Kenya Visa on Arrival
Can I still get a visa at Nairobi airport?
No. There is no visa counter at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or any other Kenyan port of entry. Immigration officers will ask for your eTA confirmation before allowing you to proceed. Without an approved eTA, you will be denied entry.
Will Kenya bring back visa on arrival?
There are no current plans to restore visa on arrival. The eTA system aligns with Kenya’s goal of digitizing immigration and promoting tourism through a simpler, cheaper process. The government has invested heavily in the etakenya.go.ke platform and considers the transition a success.
What if I didn’t know about the change?
If you arrive at the airport without an eTA, airlines will typically deny you boarding since they are responsible for passengers who are refused entry. Your options are: apply for an urgent eTA (some travelers report same-day approvals, though not guaranteed), rebook your flight to allow 3 business days for processing, or contact the nearest Kenyan embassy for emergency assistance.
Do infants and children need an eTA for Kenya?
Children under 16 are exempt from the eTA requirement regardless of nationality. Children aged 16 and older need their own eTA applied for at the official portal etakenya.go.ke.
Is the Kenya eTA the same as a visa?
Functionally, yes – it authorizes your entry into Kenya. But technically, the eTA is not a visa. Kenya officially became a “visa-free” country in January 2024, replacing the visa system with the authorization framework. The practical difference for travelers is the online application process and lower fee. For more details, read our guide on Kenya visa types.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?
The standard eTA costs $32.50 USD as a service fee (paid via Citi Bank) plus $6.17 USD consular fee (for citizens of 56 nationalities), valid for 90 days. Transit eTA costs $20, while multi-entry options range from $100 (1-year) to $160 (5-year). Children under 8 pay only the service fee. See our complete fee guide for details.
Can I apply for the eTA at the airport instead of online?
No. The eTA must be applied for exclusively online at etakenya.go.ke. There is no in-person application option at any airport, embassy, or border crossing. You must complete the application and receive approval before your flight.
How long does the eTA take to process compared to visa on arrival?
The old visa on arrival was processed immediately at the airport (though you might wait in a long queue). The eTA typically takes up to 72 hours, though in some cases processing can take up to 90 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to avoid stress. If payment fails with error 2059, retry through the Citi Bank payment gateway.
