Beginning January 1, 2024, Kenya has introduced a new entry requirement for international visitors. Instead of a traditional visa, travellers will now use an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This new system has effectively replaced the previous eVisa system.

For detailed information and the application process for the ETA, please visit the official website at eTA KENYA. The application involves an online processing fee. This requirement applies to all non-Kenyan citizens wishing to enter Kenya, including children and infants.

The Kenyan government has developed this digital platform to streamline travel while maintaining essential security checks for all incoming travellers. The advantage of this system is eliminating the need for a traditional visa and simplifying travel procedures. To apply for the ETA, visitors should visit the website mentioned above. It's advisable to apply for the ETA at least three days before the intended travel date to allow sufficient time for authorisation. Applications can be submitted up to three months in advance, and it's recommended to apply as soon as travel arrangements, such as flights and accommodations or tour bookings in Kenya, are confirmed.

What are the Eligibility Requirements to Apply for a Kenyan eTA?

According to detailed instructions provided on the ETA website, every visitor, regardless of age, including newborns, is required to have the following documents to be eligible for a Kenyan eTA:

• A passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the date you intend to arrive in Kenya should have at least one unmarked page available.
• A recent photograph of yourself, similar to the style used in passports.
• Your current contact details, including a valid email address and a phone number.
• A complete itinerary of your travel plans covers your arrival and departure schedules.
• Confirmations for your accommodation reservations.
• A form of payment, such as a credit card or debit card.

It must be noted that the above Kenya eTA eligibility criteria are only for visitors entering Kenya for tourism purposes. Some additional requirements for specific visitor categories are mentioned in the sections below. 

Kenya eTA Requirements for Visiting for Different Purposes

People who wish to enter Kenya for the following purposes must produce some additional documents apart from the ones mentioned above:

List of Countries Eligible for Kenya eTA

As mentioned above, citizens from East African Partner States do not need an eTA to enter Kenya, but others do. Here is the list of countries whose citizens must obtain an eTA to enter Kenya:

Who Does Not Need an eTA to Enter Kenya?

• Individuals possessing either a current Kenyan Passport or a one-time Emergency Certificate issued by embassies overseas.
• Individuals who have obtained Permanent Residency in Kenya and those with valid Work Permits and other official Passes.
• Persons holding a valid United Nations Conventional Travel Document issued by the Kenyan government.
• Representatives of diplomatic entities and international bodies that are officially recognised in Kenya.
• Nationals from East African Partner States, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, are exempt for six months.
• Transit passengers who enter and exit Kenya on the same aircraft or connect to a different flight, provided they remain within the airport's designated areas.
• Travellers arriving and departing on the same vessel without disembarking from the ship.
• Crew members of any form of transport, such as ships, aircraft, trains, vehicles, or carriers, whose details are listed on the respective crew manifest and travelling through Kenya to another destination.
• Private aircraft owners who make stopovers in Kenya for refuelling purposes on the condition that they do not leave the airport's precincts.

How is Kenya's eTA Beneficial Over a Normal Visa or e-visa?

Listed below are all the advantages of a Kenyan eTA over a regular Kenya visa or Kenya e-visa:

• The Kenya eTA system offers a convenient way for travellers to prepare for their journey to Kenya by allowing them to submit necessary information and documents from home. It ensures they are ready for travel, providing a sense of security. 
• The need to complete forms during the flight or upon arrival is also eliminated. 
• The eTA system also streamlines airline check-in procedures, as transport carriers can quickly confirm that travellers have received authorisation from the Kenyan government and possess a valid eTA. 
• Furthermore, the introduction of the Kenya eTA is set to enhance entry procedures into Kenya, significantly reducing wait times for health, customs, and immigration checks upon arrival. This initiative is part of Kenya's broader strategy to modernise its governmental operations through digitalisation.

Are there any Terms & Conditions for a Kenyan eTA?

Yes, while being eligible to apply for an eTA to Kenya, you have to agree to specific terms and conditions set by the Kenyan Government. All of them have been listed below for your understanding:

• When you apply for your eTA, remember that the fee for this application is final and cannot be refunded. If you decide to proceed with your application, you should know that this fee remains non-refundable, regardless of whether your eTA is approved. It applies even if there are unforeseen changes to your travel plans, including circumstances beyond your control.
• While we have strived to provide accurate and reliable information, please note that we cannot be held liable for any claims, losses, demands, or damages arising from using this website. You bear all the risks associated with accessing and using this website as a user.
• We endeavour to keep the information on this website up to date and accurate to the best of our knowledge.
• Suppose you're applying for a Kenyan eTA on behalf of a minor. In that case, as a parent, guardian, or accompanying adult, it is your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the information submitted.
• In processing the data collected, the Government of Kenya engages third-party services, including Travizory Border Security SA. How these third parties use your information is subject to their privacy policies.
• Please be aware that we do not endorse or verify the content found on third-party websites linked through our site.
• Should you link to our website from another, please do not imply any form of endorsement, association, or approval by us of your website, products, or services.
• The materials on this website cannot be used for commercial purposes without prior consent from Travizory Border Security SA.
• By providing your details, you consent to their use in assessing your travel eligibility and for contact purposes before, during, and after travel. If you choose not to provide the necessary information, your travel request may not be processed, hindering your trip to Kenya.
• Before finalising your application, you can modify any part of it. However, a new application and associated fee may be required if an error is discovered after submission.

FAQs

What is the Kenya ETA system, and when did it replace the eVisa system? How much is the processing fee for the Kenya ETA application? What are the basic eligibility requirements for a Kenyan eTA? Are there additional requirements for specific visitor categories? Who is exempt from needing a Kenya eTA to enter the country? How does the Kenya eTA benefit travellers compared to a standard visa? Are there any terms and conditions associated with a Kenyan eTA? Can I modify my eTA application after submission? What if I provide the necessary information for my eTA application? What happens if there are unforeseen changes to my travel plans after paying the eTA fee? Is the information on the eTA website kept up-to-date and accurate? What should parents or guardians consider when applying for a Kenyan eTA on behalf of a minor? Can I get a refund if my eTA application is not approved?