Most individuals applying for a Kenya eTA typically receive approval confirmation within a day. It's noteworthy, however, that an application may face rejection if discrepancies or issues arise, potentially resulting in alterations or interruptions to one's travel itinerary.

Fortunately, the likelihood of such setbacks can be significantly diminished. Prospective eTA applicants are encouraged to adhere to the following advice and recommendations, enhancing the probability of a favourable outcome.

Common Mistakes People Make While Applying for Kenya eTA

Obtaining a Kenya eTA involves careful attention to detail and adherence to specific requirements. Denials often occur due to errors made by applicants during the application process or because of missing essential information. To understand this better, let's break down the common reasons for eTA denial. 

Kenya eTA Application Form Errors Leading to eTA Denial

When applying for a Kenya eTA, it's crucial to ensure that every detail on the application form is accurate and corresponds precisely to the information in your passport. Mistakes, however minor they may seem, can lead to your eTA application being denied. Here's a detailed breakdown of the information required and the importance of precision in each field:

• Family and Given Name: These should be entered exactly as they appear in your passport. Pay close attention to spelling, including any middle names or initials. Discrepancies in name spelling are a common reason for application rejection.
• Gender: This should match the gender specified in your passport. Remember, this is a mandatory field and cannot be left blank.
• Date of Birth: Enter your date of birth in the format specified in the form, ensuring it matches the date on your passport. This is crucial for identity verification.
• Country of Passport: This refers to the country that issued your passport, not necessarily your country of residence. Ensure this is accurate, as it affects eTA eligibility and requirements.
• Passport Number: Double-check this number when you enter it. Errors in transcribing passport numbers are easy to make but can have significant consequences, leading to the denial of your eTA application.
• Passport Date of Issue and Expiry: These dates must be copied meticulously. Even a minor mistake, like reversing digits, can invalidate your application. Remember, your eTAs validity is tied to your passport's validity.

What You Should Be Aware of?

It's important to understand that each field in the application form serves a specific purpose in verifying your identity and eligibility for travel to Kenya. Any inconsistency, no matter how small, between the application form and your passport can raise red flags for fraud or misrepresentation, leading to the denial of your eTA.

Applications with missing information are outright rejected. Before submitting your form, review all the details thoroughly. This diligence is about ensuring completeness and verifying the accuracy of each piece of information you provide. In international travel, such precision is not just a bureaucratic requirement but a necessary step to ensure security and proper identification.

Eligibility Issues Resulting in a Kenya eTA Denial

When planning a trip to Kenya, it is essential for travellers from other countries to thoroughly understand and adhere to the requirements for obtaining a Kenya eTA. This preliminary step is crucial in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry process. The primary requirement is possessing a passport issued by a country eligible for the Kenya eTA program. 

Not merely having a passport that matters but ensuring its validity extends for a minimum of six months beyond your anticipated arrival in Kenya. This six-month validity criterion is a standard practice in international travel, serving as a buffer for any unforeseen changes in travel plans or delays.

The eligibility of the passport is not just about the country of issue; it also involves ensuring that the passport is in good condition, with all necessary information legible. 

Any attempt to apply for a Kenya eTA using a passport that falls short of these standards is destined for rejection. This stipulation is in place to safeguard the integrity of Kenya's immigration and border security protocols. A passport must meet these criteria to be deemed reliable and sufficient for verification.

Kenya eTA Arrival and Departure Dates

When applying for a Kenya eTA, it is crucial to carefully consider and plan your travel dates, as these play a significant role in the application process and the validity of your eTA. Here's a detailed breakdown of the critical considerations regarding arrival and departure dates for the Kenya eTA:

• Understanding the 90-Day Rule: Applicants must select an arrival date for their trip to Kenya and ensure that their intended departure date falls within 90 days of this arrival date. 
• Maximum Stay Duration: The Kenya eTA allows a maximum stay of three months (or 90 days) from the country's entry date. This means that once you enter Kenya, you can stay for up to three months. 
• Planning Your Itinerary Accordingly: When planning your trip, aligning your itinerary with these eTA regulations is essential. This involves selecting your arrival and departure dates within the 90-day window and ensuring that your stay does not exceed the three-month limit. 
• Importance of Accurate Dates in Application: During the eTA application process, you will be required to specify your intended arrival and departure dates. Discrepancies between your actual travel dates and those on your eTA could lead to complications at the border or during your stay in Kenya.

Consequences of Overstaying 

Overstaying beyond the three months or the 90-day window can have profound implications, including fines, deportation, or a ban on future travel to Kenya. Respecting the eTA conditions to ensure a hassle-free visit and maintaining good travel records are crucial.

Image Issues Leading to Rejection of Kenya eTA Approval

To successfully apply for the Kenya eTA, applicants must submit several vital documents, including a clear image of their passport and a recent passport-style photograph.

The passport image should display all personal information without any obstructions. It's advisable to avoid using a flash while capturing the image as it can create glare, potentially leading to an eTA rejection if any details are obscured.

Adherence to the specific requirements for the passport-style photograph for the Kenya eTA is crucial. This encompasses ensuring that the photo is of the prescribed size and format. Please comply with these guidelines to ensure the application is accepted.

Proof of Travel Related Issue for Kenya eTA Rejection

To ensure the eTA application aligns with the applicant's travel purpose, specific proof of travel must be provided. For tourists, this includes a confirmed hotel booking and tickets for outbound flights. Individuals entering the country for different reasons, like business engagements or medical treatments, must submit pertinent documents related to their visit. Neglecting to provide these essential documents will result in the eTA application being declined.

What Should I do if I make a Mistake in my Kenya eTA Application Form?

The answer to this question depends on whether you identify your Kenya eTA mistakes before or after submitting the application form. We have discussed both the scenarios below:

Should I Apply for a New eTA if There is a Minor Error in My Application Form?

While a Kenyan eTA might not be initially rejected due to inaccuracies, reapplying is still prudent. The reason is that upon arrival in Kenya, a border official might spot these inconsistencies and, as a result, could deny the traveller entry into the country. This preemptive measure ensures smoother travel and minimises the risk of unforeseen complications at the border.

What Should I Do If My Kenya eTA Application Is Rejected?

If a Kenya eTA application is not approved, it is recommended that applicants thoroughly review and rectify any inaccuracies or omissions in their application before submitting a new request. It is important to note that the fee the Kenyan government charges for the eTA application is non-refundable. Therefore, this fee must be paid again in the event of reapplication.

For those who apply through our website, we offer a unique guarantee: a complete refund if, contrary to expectations, the eTA application is unsuccessful. Our team of specialists meticulously review each application before submission, significantly reducing the likelihood of rejection due to incorrect or incomplete information. In the rare instance that an application is declined, applicants will be promptly notified via email, along with detailed guidance on the following steps.

Although the processing of the eTA is typically swift, we advise travellers to submit their applications well before their planned travel date. This precaution ensures ample time to address any unforeseen complications or delays that may arise during the travel permit processing period.

Can My Kenya eTA be Denied After Approval?

Obtaining a Kenyan eTA is an initial step towards planning your visit to Kenya, but it's essential to understand that it only sometimes ensures your entry into the country. When you receive an eTA, it signifies that, based on the information provided at the time of application, you are deemed eligible for entry into Kenya for a specific purpose.

However, the final decision rests with the Kenyan immigration authorities at your entry point. Upon arrival, they will conduct a thorough review, assessing your situation in light of the prevailing immigration regulations.

It's reassuring to note that most travellers experience smooth entry into Kenya. Instances of eTA holders being denied entry at the border are unfamiliar, provided all conditions and documentation are in order. This ensures a pleasant and welcoming experience for most visitors to Kenya.

FAQs

If my visa application for Kenya was denied before, will this affect my current ETA application? How can I stay informed about any updates to the ETA requirements or reasons for rejection in Kenya? I'd like to ask for detailed reasons if my ETA application is rejected with a vague explanation? What is the advisable waiting period before reapplying for an ETA after a rejection? As a freelancer without a steady income, how can I strengthen my ETA application for Kenya? Will a history of overstaying visas in other countries affect my Kenya ETA application? Why might one person's ETA application be rejected when travelling in a group? What are my options if my ETA application for Kenya is repeatedly denied? What additional checks might occur at Kenyan airports even with a valid ETA?