logo
Kenya
20,750+ Travel Documents processed by iVisa
 
   
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1.2M happy customers

24/7support

+42,000 reviews

10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Learn More: ETA

Apply today for the Kenya ETA with us!

Last updated: March 2024

Discover Kenya's majestic beauty with ease! Embark on a journey to the heart of Africa with the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Fill me in

We've simplified the application process for the Kenya ETA with this handy online guide.

What is the Kenya ETA?

The Kenya ETA is a travel document designed for eligible international travelers who wish to visit Kenya.

This ETA replaces the Kenya eVisa. Unlike the eVisa, a fully digital version of a traditional visa, the ETA is a pre-arrival registration. The process is quicker and easier than a regular visa application.

What can I do with the Kenya ETA?

This visa allows you to do the following in the country:

  • Tourism
  • Business activities, attend conferences
  • Visiting friends & family
  • Enables plane/ship crew (including fishing vessels) to enter the country
  • Official visit by a diplomat
  • Medical care
  • Religious visit
  • Study/Education
  • Transit

What can’t I do with the Kenya ETA?

The ETA is for short visits only, and does not allow you to live in Kenya.

Who can apply for the Kenya ETA?

All visitors except those from EAC states must have the ETA before they enter the country.

Who doesn’t have to apply for the Kenya ETA?

Citizens of East African Community (EAC) states are exempt from the ETA requirements for Kenya:

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Burundi
  • Rwanda
  • South Sudan
  • Uganda
  • Tanzania

Do minors have to apply for the Kenya ETA?

Yes, children/minors also need the ETA to visit Kenya. Parents/legal guardians can apply on their behalf.

How long is the Kenya ETA valid?

You can visit Kenya once with the ETA and stay for up to 90 days after issued.

You must apply at least 3 days before your departure date.

Can I extend the Kenya ETA?

The ETA is not extendable. If you’d like to stay longer, you must exit the country before your ETA expires and apply for a new one. You can get it in just a few days when applying with us!

Kenya ETA: Required documents

We require the following documents to submit your application for the ETA.

All applicants

  • Passport scan: High-quality scan of your passport. It must have a validity of at least 6 months after arriving in Kenya and two blank pages for entry/exit stamps

  • A photo of yourself: Taken within the last 3 months (this can be a selfie or passport photo)

  • Airline/cruise booking confirmation: Arrival flight number and round trip dates. Also, include any travel information on connecting flights (if applicable)

  • Proof of accommodation: If staying in a hotel, include a confirmation of your booking. If staying with family or friends, include a letter of invitation and a copy of your host's ID card

Business and working travelers

  • Letter of an employer: If traveling for business. This can be a letter from an agency, company, or employer justifying the applicant’s presence in Kenya, confirming the employment status and contact information for the host company

  • Crew ID or Seaman Book: Required for crew from planes or ships and seaman entering the country

Diplomatic or official visit

  • Letter of Mission: For official duties, or transiting through Kenya to a third country for official business or duties, present an official letter from the Country of Origin/Organization/Foreign Affairs

  • Copy of passport front cover (official/diplomatic passport)

Medical care

  • Medical Referral Letter: A referral letter issued by a doctor or a hospital justifying your presence in Kenya

Study/educational reasons

  • School/college/university admission letter

Travel disruption/unplanned travel

  • Letter from airline: A letter from your airline indicating disruption to your travel

  • Boarding pass: Original and new boarding pass

How to apply for the Kenya ETA with us

The Kenya ETA application is very straightforward and can be completed in just 15 minutes. Follow the simple steps below:

  • Step 1: Fill out your personal and travel details on our platform or app.

  • Step 2: Choose your preferred processing time and pay the fees using a credit/debit card, Venmo, or PayPal.

  • Step 3: After the payment, upload the required documents and wait for your approved ETA confirmation to arrive in your email inbox!

Upon approval, you can print the PDF or download it on your mobile device. When you arrive in Kenya, present your ETA and matching passport.

Costs and processing times of the Kenya ETA

The fees are made up of two parts:

  • Kenya ETA government fee: USD $35.00

  • iVisa service fee: Varies based on the processing speed you choose.

We generally offer three different processing times. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget:

  • Standard: For those who have applied for their Kenya trip far in advance, this is the most affordable option and usually takes a few days.

  • Rush: For those who need their ETA sooner than the standard option, select our Rush service to get it quicker for an additional fee.

  • Super Rush: For travelers who require their Kenya ETA as soon as possible, this option is the way to go. Get it ASAP for an express fee.

Check the exact fees for your nationality by starting your application now!

Do I need the Kenya ETA to transit through the country?

You don’t need the Kenya ETA if you’re staying at the airport during a layover. However, you may need a Transit Visa or ETA to leave the airport and enter the country, on your way to another destination.

Kenya entry requirements or restrictions

Besides the ETA, there are some other entry regulations for Kenya to keep in mind:

  • While the Kenya ETA will replace the Kenya eVisa, travelers who currently hold a valid visa can continue to travel using their visa until it expires

  • It is illegal to import or export drones without prior approval from the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Contact them well in advance of traveling if you wish to bring a drone to Kenya

  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission

  • COVID-19 restrictions and rules for entering the country do not exist at this time

Need more info about traveling to Kenya?

If you have questions about the Kenya ETA or traveling to another country, let us know by contacting our customer service team via online chat or WhatsApp

Required Documents to Apply

Important Instructions

  • Allows single-entry for a max. stay of 90 days in Kenya
  • You must apply at least 3 days before your travel date
  • Some required documents for the Kenya ETA application include your valid passport, a photo, flight confirmation, and proof of accommodation, plus proof of your travel reasons (see complete list below)

Questions?

No worries. Contact our customer team as soon as possible, and they will be happy to help you resolve the problem. Our visa experts are available 24/7.

iVisa review your documents and assists you during the application process to avoid rejection. But sometimes, this isn’t enough, and the Kenyan government may reject or cancel a visa application. In this case, you are eligible for a full refund of the iVisa processing fee related to the number of rejected applicants. Otherwise, we do not refund the government fees.

You may consider re-applying for the Kenya eVisa, depending on the reasons for cancellation or rejection.

If you have been criminally convicted, this may be a reason for a rejected visa application.
The Kenya eVisa is an official document allowing travelers to enter Kenya. Just ensure you are traveling during the eVisa validity period.
At iVisa, we understand that your time is valuable, and we strive to provide you with the fastest service possible. Our processing times are estimated based on the average duration it takes governments to process visa applications. These estimated times begin from the moment we receive all the correct information for your application until you receive your visa. While we work diligently to expedite the process, it’s important to note that we are reliant on the processing times set by the government authorities.
Need help? Visit our Help Center or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Disclaimer
  • iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://immigration.go.ke/

Stay in touch!

Join our newsletter to receive the best traveling tips

Thanks! Please check your email and confirm you want to join our Newsletter.

© 2014-2024 iVisa.com. All rights reserved. iVisa and iVisa logo are registered trademarks of iVisa.com.

en flag English
$ USD
Intercom Chat