Kenya eTA (eVisa) Application Rejection Reasons and Appeal Process

The process for applying for an eTA in order to travel to Kenya is generally straightforward and done easily online through the official portal. Usually, rejections occur when certain requirements or standards are not attained. Knowledge of the common reasons for rejection and avenues for appeal or reapplication will go a long way in assisting travelers to avoid problems and make the process of application less frustrating. This guide explains the most common reasons for the rejection of a Kenyan eTA  application and the steps for reapplication or appeal.

Kenya eTA Application Rejections-Overview

Kenya's eTA makes the application process easy for foreign nationals to obtain entry authorization for either tourism, business, or transit purposes. While the process is straightforward, applications can be rejected because of errors or omission of certain information in the form. Understand common reasons for denial and how you can avoid them, as well as options when the application gets denied.

Common Reasons for Kenya eTA Rejection

Identifying the common frequent reasons for rejection will help the applicant evade mistakes and increase the potential for success.

1. Incomplete/Incorrect Application Information

Applications must be complete and accurate. In the case of an incomplete field or a piece of incorrect information, such as personal information, passport number, or travel dates, the visa application will be immediately rejected.

How to Avoid It

All information entered on the application form should be double-checked for accuracy before form submission. All fields should be filled in and the information should match your passport.

2. Passport Validity or Quality Problem

Kenya's eTA requirements clearly state that your passport must have a minimum six months' validity from the date of your entry. A clear and high-quality scan of the information page of the passport must also be provided.

How to Avoid It

Check that your passport is valid and attach a high-resolution picture where your passport details will clearly appear.

3. A low-quality or non-complying passport photo

One of the frequent cases of refusal is sending an improper passport photo concerning Kenyan photo requirements. It has to be clear, colored, and of a specific size and background that Kenyan requirements demand.

How to Avoid It 

The photo should meet the requirements for Kenya's eTA: it has to be on a plain white background, of high resolution, and with the appropriate size. The quality of the picture needs to be checked twice before uploading it.

4. Submission of Insufficient Documents

Depending on the type of visa applied for, whether it be for tourism, business, or transit, supporting documentation may be required. One can have an application refused for lack of proof of a return ticket, itinerary, or proof of sufficient funds.

How to avoid it 

Check the required documents for your visa type and ensure that you upload clear and readable copies of all necessary paperwork.

5. Discrepancies in Information Between Documents and Application Details

Any inconsistency between your application information and supporting document details regarding travel itinerary, passport, and personal information can be a means of visa rejection.

How to Avoid It 

Check your application and supporting documents for consistency in all the details.

6. Criminal Record or Security Concerns

Kenya can deny an eTA application if the applicant has a criminal record or even based on security or immigration violation concerns.

How to Avoid It

In case of a criminal record, check on the official Kenya immigration website or with a legal expert whether you are eligible before applying.

7. Unclear or Inconsistent Travel Purpose

Applications with vague or ambiguous statements of travel purpose may be flagged, such as selecting "tourism" but specifying business meetings in the intended itinerary. This may raise more questions and, in some instances, may be rejected.

How to avoid it

Clearly indicate your travel intentions and make sure all involved documents match the statement.

What to Do If Your Kenya eTA Application Is Rejected

If denied, an applicant can reapply or seek an explanation from the immigration authorities. Here is how to proceed if your application is denied:

Step 1: Review the Reason for Rejection

Kenya's eTA portal normally indicates the reason for rejection. The clarification of a specific reason can be useful in the improvement of future applications.

Tip: Document the rejection message for review of the details for accuracy to reapply or appeal.

Step 2: Rectify Errors and Re-apply

If there was some error in the application-either wrong information or missing information-you can correct them, accordingly, and resubmit the application.

• New Application: Start fresh with all accurate detail and upload all the required documents.
• Information Double Check: Go through all the fields cautiously so that similar mistakes are not repeated.
• Processing Time: Re-submission is considered a fresh application and hence the timeline for processing starts afresh.

Step 3: Appeal, if Applicable

This option is open in those cases where there is no probable reason for rejection or the applicant feels that the taken decision was wrong.

How to Appeal:

• Immigration Office: Contact the contact details from the official eTA website and enquire about the appeal process. Explain your case and request an explanation regarding the actions and steps that will be taken.
• Supporting Documents: Obtain clear, neat photocopies of your application, passport, and other supporting documents needed for your appeal.
• Do follow the guidelines on appeal: For each case, it is different, and for Kenya, immigration may give guidelines for the appeal. Follow the guidelines precisely.

Note: An appeal is no guarantee of approval, and sometimes it's faster to correct the problem and lodge a new application.

Tips to Have a Successful Application for a Kenya eTA

Here are some dos to remember while filling out your Kenya eTA application form to increase its successful submittal:

• Apply Early: Allow a week or even two weeks from the date of application to your intended travel date for probable hitches in processing or something unplanned.
• Comply with Requirements Depending on Visa Type: Kenya's eTA requirements may differ whether it be for a tourist, business, or transit visa. Ensure that your documents will conform with your type of visa.
• Scan and attach good quality documents and photos: Upload clear and high-quality documents and passport photos. Blurred or low-quality pictures are one of the most common reasons for rejection.
• Use consistent information: All information in your application and the supporting documents- at least not limited to purpose of travel, date of travel, details of passport among others-should be correct and consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How soon can I reapply if my Kenya eTA Application is rejected?

There is no waiting period for reapplications. You can immediately send in a new application once you address whatever issues led to the refusal.

Q2: Will I be refunded the application fees in case my Kenya eTA is refused?

No, an application for an eTA for Kenya is not refundable in case of application denial. Make sure you carefully go through all details and documents to avoid expensive mistakes.

Q3: Can I appeal against a refusal to grant me a Kenya eTA through the eTA portal?

You can contact the Immigration authorities for help on your application through the eTA portal, but to go through the process of appeal in some cases, you are required to get in touch with the immigration office via email or by phone as it shall give you particular recommendations in this respect.

Q4: Will I be informed of the reason behind my refused eTA?

The Kenya eTA rejection usually indicates the reason, which is important to understand for improving any problem in further applications.

Q5: After a rejection, should one appeal or reapply?

If the reason for this is minor or based on an error in the application, many times it's quicker just to reapply. Sometimes, if that reason is not that clear, an appeal may be useful for clarifying what the issue is.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules and traveling norms might change.