Kenya eTA for Chinese Citizens

The Kenyan eTA is a simple online system for Chinese tourists going to Kenya. It makes getting a travel permit easy. You need your passport and other papers to apply if you're from China. You fill out the form online, pay a fee, and then get your travel permit by email in a few days. This permit lets you enter Kenya once and is usually suitable for 90 days.

With the help of an eTA, Chinese citizens can easily visit Kenya, whether for sightseeing, business, or medical reasons. You can get this visa online, which is much simpler than the old way of applying. You don't have to go to an embassy or consulate; you can do everything from your computer or smartphone.

Different eTAs Kenya Issues for Chinese Passport Holders

In simpler terms, here's how the Kenyan government manages electronic travel authorisations (eTAs) for different types of visitors from the People’s Republic of China:

Tourism eTA: If you're going to Kenya for fun, like sightseeing or experiencing the culture, you'll use this eTA. It lets tourists travel around Kenya easily.
Business/Conference/Meeting eTA: This is for people travelling to Kenya for work reasons, like attending conferences or business meetings. It makes the process smoother for those coming to contribute to Kenya's business world.
Family/Friends Visit eTA: If you visit family or friends in Kenya, this eTA is for you. It helps make entering Kenya more straightforward for family visits or gatherings with friends.
Diplomatic Travel eTA: This is for government or diplomatic officials going to Kenya for official duties. It helps them enter the country without hassle, essential for their work.

So, depending on your reason for visiting Kenya, you'll need a different eTA type. Each one is designed to make your specific travel purpose easier.

As a Chinese National, What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Kenyan eTA?

To quickly and successfully apply for your Kenya electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online, ensure you have a few essential documents ready. Here's a simple list of what you need:

A Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to enter Kenya. This is a standard rule for travelling to other countries.
A Passport Photo: You must upload a passport-sized photo of yourself. If you need more clarification about the photo requirements, the eTA system will guide you to ensure your photo is correct.
Your Travel Details: Be ready to share specific information about your trip, like your flight numbers and what you plan to do in Kenya.
Proof of Where You're Staying: You should have something that shows where you'll stay in Kenya, like a hotel booking. The dates on this document should match the dates on your eTA application.

Preparing these things will help your Kenya eTA application go smoothly so that you can look forward to your trip to Kenya without any stress.

What is the Kenyan eTA Application Process for Chinese Passport Holders?

Applying for a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

Choose Your Nationality: Find the 'Nationality' menu on the application page and select your nationality.
Pick the Right eTA Type: Open the Kenya eTA form and select the eTA you need based on your travel purpose.
Enter Personal Information: Fill in your first, middle (optional), and last names as they appear on your passport.
Provide Contact Details: Give a working phone number and email address. You'll get important updates here.
Add Your Birth Date: Enter your birth date in the DD-MM-YYYY format.
Select Gender: Choose Male, Female, or Other from the given options.
Travel Information: Enter your expected arrival date in Kenya in the DD-MM-YYYY format.
Passport Details: Type in your passport number, issue, and expiry dates in the DD-MM-YYYY format.
Choose Processing Time: Select how quickly you need your eTA processed within 3-5 working days.
Complete the CAPTCHA: Type the CAPTCHA code shown on the screen into the field provided.
Final Steps and Document Upload: Confirm you've read the instructions and have all documents in PDF and a photo in JPG/JPEG format. Upload them as guided.
Review and Submit: Double-check all your information and hit ‘submit’ to finish your application.

After Submission, You'll get a confirmation email. Keep an eye on your email for further instructions or updates on your eTA.

How long is an eTA to Kenya valid for Chinese nationals?

Your eTA for Kenya is good for three months from its issuance. After it's approved, you can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days.

How Can a Chinese Citizen Apply for an Urgent eTA to Kenya?

Chinese citizens who must get to Kenya quickly can opt for an urgent electronic travel authorisation (eTA). They can have their applications processed very fast by paying a bit more. Typically, it takes about three days to get a standard eTA for Kenya. But with the urgent option, you can receive your eTA within one to two days after submitting your application.

Are Any Chinese Passport Holders Exempt from Obtaining a Kenya eTA?

Yes, some people with a Chinese passport don't need a Kenya eTA to go to Kenya. This includes:

People who live in Kenya permanently or have work permits.
Diplomats and people working for international groups in Kenya.
People just pass through Kenya without leaving the airport as long as they stay on the same plane or switch planes without leaving the airport.
People who stay on a ship are travelling while it's in Kenyan waters.
Crew members of ships, planes, trains, or other vehicles, as long as they're listed on the crew list, are just passing through Kenya.
Private plane owners who stop in Kenya just to refuel can do so if they stay inside the airport.

How Much is the Kenya eTA Application Fee in Chinese Yuan?

The cost of a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) depends on how fast you need it processed. There are three speeds: standard (the slowest), urgent, and supercritical (the fastest). Each speed has its price, which starts from a basic amount in US dollars. But the total you pay is this starting price plus some extra charges for processing.

These prices often change, so we created a unique tool to check the eTA application fees. This way, you can always find the most recent and exact costs. This tool makes it easier and more transparent for you to plan your trip.

What is the Kenya eTA Processing Time for Chinese Travellers?

The process for a Chinese citizen to get a Kenya eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) is usually fast. Typically, it takes about three days to process the application. However, sometimes, it might take a bit longer because of unexpected issues. If a Chinese citizen needs their eTA quickly, they can get it processed faster, usually within 24 to 48 hours, but they must pay an extra fee for this urgent service.

How Can Chinese Travellers Extend Their Kenyan eTA?

If you have a Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorisation), you can't extend it after it expires. Also, leaving Kenya before your eTA runs out means you can't use it again.

Does Kenya Offer eTA on Arrival to Chinese Citizens?

If you're from Mainland China and going to Kenya, you can't get an eTA when you arrive there.

FAQs

Yes, Chinese citizens must obtain a visa to enter Kenya legally. Acquiring a Kenya visa is straightforward and can be completed online in under an hour. The eVisa, either single or multiple entry, allows for a 90-day stay.

Upon arrival, you must present your approved eVisa and the passport used for the application. Travelling with the same passport as the eVisa is linked to it is crucial. The passport should be valid for at least six months from entering Kenya.

To extend your stay, visit an immigration office in Kenya with a copy of your passport, original visa, and any necessary permits. Extensions are often immediate. The main offices in Nairobi and Mombasa are most efficient for processing.

Yes, applying for the eVisa before making travel arrangements is advisable. The process takes up to three working days. Apply with your passport details, contact information, travel dates, and a recent passport-sized photo. You'll receive an email confirmation to print and present upon entry.

The amount varies based on your stay duration, activities, and spending habits. Consider costs for accommodation, dining, transportation, sightseeing, souvenirs, and emergencies. Research average costs, create a daily budget, and carry a mix of cash and cards.

Nairobi is unique as the only capital with a national park nearby. It's an ideal base for safaris and home to attractions like Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The city offers diverse experiences in wildlife, culture, and business.

Applying for an eTA to Kenya is quite simple. Visit the eTA website at eTA to Kenya and complete the application form. You'll need to provide details from your passport your travel itinerary, and answer a few basic questions about your background. The application fee can be paid using a credit card. Once your application is processed and approved, you'll receive your eTA electronically.

There are various reasons for the denial of an eTA application. Common issues include incomplete applications, missing required documents, or factors unrelated to your travel, such as a criminal record. To resolve this, contact the Kenyan immigration authority for detailed information and consider reapplying after rectifying any highlighted problems.

The processing time for eTA applications can vary. Although the official guideline is up to 48 hours, delays are possible. It's advisable to check the status of your application online using your unique reference number or reach out to the eTA support team for an update.

When travelling with family, ensure each member, including children, applies for their eTA. Verify that everyone's passport is valid and that travel dates are accurate. Keep copies of all confirmation emails handy for reference at the airport.

Yes, you can. One eTA application can cover you and up to four additional family members travelling together. Ensure that all travellers have valid passports and meet the necessary criteria for application.

Currently, eTA applications do not accept Alipay. Payment can be made using Visa, Mastercard, or other major credit cards.