Kenya abolished traditional visas for all nationalities on January 1, 2024, replacing them with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Today, every traveler must apply online through etakenya.go.ke before arriving. This guide explains every Kenya visa type available in 2026, including the standard eTA, transit authorization, business eTA, multiple-entry options, and the East African Tourist Visa.
What Changed: Kenya eTA Replaces Traditional Visas
Before January 2024, Kenya issued conventional visas through embassies and visa-on-arrival counters. President William Ruto announced the change during Kenya’s 60th Independence Day celebrations in December 2023, and the new system took effect on January 1, 2024.
The shift to the eTA system means:
- No more embassy visits or paper applications
- All applications go through the single portal at etakenya.go.ke
- Approval is digital and linked to your passport number
- Even infants need their own eTA
If you are still looking for “Kenya visa” information, note that the term now refers to the eTA. See our Kenya eTA: Complete Guide for a full walkthrough of the system.
Standard Kenya eTA (Single Entry)
The standard eTA is the most common authorization for tourists, family visits, and short-term travel. Here are the key details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | USD 32.50 |
| Validity | Single entry |
| Duration of stay | Up to 90 days |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours |
| Application window | 90 days to 3 days before travel |
| Apply at | etakenya.go.ke |
The standard eTA works for most visitors. You can apply as early as 90 days before your trip, but applications must be submitted at least 3 days before departure. Processing typically completes within 72 hours, though some applications are approved within hours.
You will need a valid passport, a recent passport-style photo, proof of hotel reservation (or an invitation letter if staying with friends), and a return or onward flight ticket. If you are coming from a yellow fever endemic country, you must also provide a vaccination certificate.
For step-by-step application instructions, see our How to Apply for Kenya eTA guide.
Kenya Transit eTA
Travelers passing through Kenya on their way to another country can apply for a transit eTA. This is designed for passengers with layovers who may need to leave the airport.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | USD 20 |
| Validity | Single entry |
| Duration | Short stay (typically up to 72 hours) |
| Purpose | Connecting flights or short layovers |
The transit eTA costs less than the standard eTA and is ideal if you have a long layover in Nairobi and want to explore the city or rest at a hotel. If you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration, you may not need an eTA at all.
Passengers in transit who do not leave the international transit zone of the airport are exempt from eTA requirements. However, if you plan to step outside, even briefly, you must have a transit eTA approved before arrival.
For more details on transit-specific requirements, visit our Kenya Transit Visa page.
Kenya Business eTA
Business travelers visiting Kenya for meetings, conferences, trade events, or short-term professional activities use the business eTA. This is not a work permit — it authorizes business-related entry, not employment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | USD 32.50 (same as standard) |
| Validity | Single or multiple entry |
| Duration | Up to 90 days per entry |
| Activities | Meetings, conferences, negotiations, site visits |
The business eTA follows the same application process as the standard eTA through etakenya.go.ke. You may be asked to provide an invitation letter from a Kenyan company or organization, proof of business registration, or conference registration details.
If your business activities extend beyond short-term visits or involve actual employment, you will need a different type of authorization. Consult our Kenya Business Visa guide for more details on what activities are covered.
Multiple-Entry Kenya eTA
Kenya offers multiple-entry eTA options for travelers who need to enter the country several times within a set period. These are especially useful for business travelers, frequent visitors, and those exploring East Africa with multiple stops in Kenya.
| Type | Fee | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | ~USD 100 | 1 year, unlimited entries | Frequent business travelers |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry (US citizens) | ~USD 160 | 5 years, multiple entries | US citizens visiting regularly |
The multiple-entry eTA eliminates the need to reapply before each trip. As long as the eTA remains valid, you can enter and leave Kenya as many times as you need.
Important note on re-entry: Under the current eTA rules, visitors who leave Kenya to travel to other East African Community (EAC) countries may re-enter Kenya on the same eTA, provided it is still valid. This applies to the standard single-entry eTA as well.
For full details on multi-entry options, see our Kenya Multiple Entry eTA page.
East African Tourist Visa
The East African Tourist Visa is a joint visa covering Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Launched in February 2014, it allows travelers to visit all three countries on a single authorization.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | USD 100 |
| Validity | 90 days |
| Entry type | Multiple entry within the three countries |
| Countries covered | Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda |
| Extendable | No |
| Nationality restrictions | None — open to all nationalities |
The East African Tourist Visa must be used to first enter the country that issued it. For example, if Kenya issues your East African Tourist Visa, you must enter Kenya before visiting Rwanda or Uganda.
This visa is excellent value if you are planning a multi-country East Africa trip. A standard eTA for each country would cost $32.50 + $50 (Rwanda) + $50 (Uganda) = $132.50, while the combined visa costs only $100.
To learn more, visit our East Africa Tourist Visa page.
Who Is Exempt from Kenya eTA?
Not every traveler needs an eTA. Citizens of certain countries can enter Kenya without prior authorization, and several other categories of travelers are also exempt.
Visa-Exempt Countries by Duration of Stay
180 days (6 months): Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
90 days (3 months): 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, Zimbabwe
60 days (2 months): Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia
Other Exempt Categories
Beyond nationality-based exemptions, these groups are also exempt from eTA requirements:
- Children under 16 years old, regardless of nationality
- Transit passengers who remain in the international transit zone
- Holders of United Nations laissez-passer
- Diplomatic and service passport holders from certain countries
- Crew members of aircraft (up to 7 days) and ships (up to 14 days)
- Serving members of the British Armed Forces
- Owners of private aircraft stopping for refueling without leaving the airport
Citizens of Rwanda and Uganda may enter Kenya with a national ID card in lieu of a passport.
For country-specific requirements, see our Kenya Visa Requirements page.
Kenya eTA Fees Summary
| eTA Type | Fee | Entry Type | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | USD 32.50 | Single | Up to 90 days |
| Transit eTA | USD 20 | Single | Up to 72 hours |
| Business eTA | USD 32.50 | Single/Multiple | Up to 90 days |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | ~USD 100 | Multiple | 1 year |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry (US) | ~USD 160 | Multiple | 5 years |
| East African Tourist Visa | USD 100 | Multiple (3 countries) | 90 days |
All fees are payable online during the application process at etakenya.go.ke. There are no additional on-arrival charges.
For a detailed breakdown of costs, visit our Kenya eTA Fee page.
How to Choose the Right Kenya eTA Type
Use this decision guide to pick the right authorization for your trip:
- Tourist visiting Kenya only? Standard eTA ($32.50)
- Passing through Kenya with a layover? Transit eTA ($20)
- Attending a meeting or conference? Business eTA ($32.50)
- Visiting Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda? East African Tourist Visa ($100)
- Traveling to Kenya multiple times per year? 1-Year Multiple Entry eTA (~$100)
- US citizen visiting Kenya regularly? 5-Year Multiple Entry eTA (~$160)
- Citizen of a visa-exempt country? No eTA needed — just bring your passport
FAQs About Kenya Visa Types
Can I still get a Kenya visa on arrival?
No. Kenya eliminated visa-on-arrival for all nationalities on January 1, 2024. All travelers who need authorization must apply for an eTA online at etakenya.go.ke before departure. There is no option to apply at the airport.
What is the difference between a Kenya visa and a Kenya eTA?
The traditional Kenya visa was a physical sticker or stamp issued at embassies or on arrival. The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) replaced it in January 2024. The eTA is entirely digital, applied for online, and linked to your passport number. The term “Kenya visa” still appears in search results but now refers to the eTA system.
How much does a Kenya eTA cost?
The standard single-entry eTA costs USD 32.50. A transit eTA costs USD 20. Multiple-entry options range from approximately USD 100 (1-year) to USD 160 (5-year for US citizens). The East African Tourist Visa costs USD 100 and covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Do children need a Kenya eTA?
Children under 16 years old are exempt from eTA requirements, regardless of their nationality. They can enter Kenya with a valid passport without applying for an eTA. Infants and toddlers also fall under this exemption.
Can I use one eTA to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda?
No. The standard Kenya eTA only covers Kenya. If you want to visit all three countries, apply for the East African Tourist Visa (USD 100), which covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for 90 days with multiple entries.
How long does it take to get a Kenya eTA approved?
Processing typically takes up to 72 hours. Many applications are approved within a few hours. You can apply as early as 90 days before travel, but must submit your application at least 3 days before departure.
Can I extend my Kenya eTA while in Kenya?
The standard eTA allows stays of up to 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Directorate of Immigration Services in Nairobi. The East African Tourist Visa cannot be extended.
Which countries are exempt from Kenya eTA?
Citizens of 76 countries are exempt from eTA requirements, with stays allowed for 60, 90, or 180 days depending on nationality. East African Community members (Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo) get the longest exemption at 180 days.
