Kenya eTA for US Citizens

Travellers from several parts of the world are privileged to enter Kenya without an eTA, a policy that exemplifies Kenya's welcoming stance towards international visitors. However, it's important to note that this eTA exemption does not extend to citizens of the United States. American travellers must secure an eTA before they arrive in Kenya.

The eTA is mandatory for citizens of all ages of the United States to enter Kenya. This travel permit is valid for up to 90 days, or roughly three months, and is designed for a single entry. Should you wish to revisit Kenya's captivating landscapes and rich culture, it will be necessary to apply for a new Kenya eTA for each subsequent visit.

Types of eTAs Issued by Kenya for US Passport Holders

The Kenyan government does not issue a variety of eTAs, yet the documents required for submission can differ based on the visitor's intent. Here's a comprehensive list of reasons a US traveller might seek to visit Kenya:

Tourism eTA: Designed for those journeying to Kenya for leisure, this eTA facilitates the exploration of Kenya's scenic beauty and cultural heritage. It allows tourists to traverse the nation, immersing themselves in the rich Kenyan experience.
Business/Conference/Meeting eTA: Tailored for professionals venturing to Kenya for business pursuits, this eTA encompasses trips for conferences, seminars, and other professional events. It streamlines the process for those contributing to Kenya's economic and commercial landscape.
Family/Friends Visit eTA: This eTA caters to individuals visiting family or friends in Kenya. It eases entering the country for familial and friend gatherings, ensuring that personal connections remain unimpeded by bureaucratic hurdles.
Diplomatic Travel eTA: Reserved for those on diplomatic missions, this eTA is specifically for government or diplomatic officials travelling to Kenya. It ensures a seamless entry, essential for the efficient conduct of diplomatic and governmental duties.

What Do US Citizens Require to Apply for a Kenyan eTA?

For a seamless and successful submission of your Kenya electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online, gathering certain essential documents beforehand is crucial. Here's a quick guide to what you'll need:

A Current Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date into Kenya. This is a standard requirement for international travel.
Photograph of the Applicant: You must upload a passport photo that meets government standards. Don't worry if you need clarification on the specifications; the eTA system offers guidance and support to help you get the right photo.
Detailed Travel Itinerary: Be prepared to provide specifics about your travel plans. This includes your flight details and a clear itinerary outline while in Kenya.
Accommodation Verification: It's essential to have proof of where you'll be staying during your visit. Ensure you have a document that confirms your accommodation, with dates that align with those in your eTA application.

Having these documents ready will ensure your smooth and hassle-free application process, paving the way for an exciting adventure.

How Can a US Passport Holder Apply for Kenya eTA?

Applying for a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a straightforward process, and here's a step-by-step guide to assist you:

S.No	Step	To Do
Step 1	Selecting Your Nationality	Navigate to the 'Nationality' dropdown menu on the application page. Browse through and select your nationality from the list.
Step 2	Choosing the Right eTA Type	Access the Kenya eTA application form. Click on the dropdown menu to explore the different types of eTAs available. Select the eTA type that aligns with your travel purpose
Step 3	Entering Your Personal Information	Name: Input your first name exactly as it appears on your passport. Middle Name (optional): If applicable, enter your middle name. Last Name: Fill in your surname or family name.
Step 4	Providing Contact Information	Phone: Submit a valid phone number for contact purposes. Email ID: Enter a reliable email address; this will be your application's primary communication mode.
Step 5	Date of Birth Details	Enter your birth date in the format of DD-MM-YYYY
Step 6	Selecting Your Gender	Choose from the options provided, such as Male, Female, or Other.
Step 7	Filling in Travel Information	Date of Arrival: Specify your anticipated arrival date in Kenya, formatted as DD-MM-YYYY.
Step 8	Passport Information Entry	Passport Number: Type your passport number as shown in your passport. Passport Issue Date: Enter the date of issue (DD-MM-YYYY). Passport Expiry Date: Provide the expiry date of your passport (DD-MM-YYYY).
Step 9	Choosing Processing Time	Select a processing time option for your eTA, like 'Normal (Process within 3 - 5 working days)
Step 10	Completing the CAPTCHA Challenge	A CAPTCHA code will appear on the screen. Accurately type in the CAPTCHA text in the designated field.
Step 11	Final Declarations and Uploading Documents	Confirm you have read all instructions and possess all necessary documents in scanned PDF format and a photo in JPG/JPEG format. Upload the required documents and photos as per the form’s guidelines.
Step 12	Review and Submission	Thoroughly check all the details you’ve entered. Click ‘submit’ to finalise your application.
Confirmation and Subsequent Communication	Upon submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Stay vigilant for further emails with additional instructions or updates on your eTA application.

Kenya eTA's Visual Signature: Unraveling the Official Features

Take a closer look at the distinctive elements that define the visual identity of Kenya's eTA, securing its authenticity and fostering recognition in the electronic travel authorization landscape.

What is the Validity of Kenya eTA for US Travellers?

The eTA for Kenya you obtain will remain valid for three months starting from the date of issuance. Once your eTA receives approval, you can visit and explore Kenya for up to 90 days.

Can US Nationals Apply for an Urgent Kenya eTA?

Yes, US nationals can apply for an urgent Kenya eTA provided they are willing to pay an additional amount for super quick processing of their eTA applications. The standard eTA to Kenya arrives within three business days. However, the urgent Kenyan eTA can come between 24 and 48 hours after application submission.

Is There any Category of US Passport Holder Who is Exempt from Kenya eTA?

Technically yes. There are specific categories of US passport-holders who are exempt from obtaining a Kenya eTA to enter its territories:

Individuals who possess valid Kenyan Permanent Residency and those holding current Work Permits and Passes.
Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations that have received accreditation in Kenya.
Passengers transiting through Kenya are covered under this directive, provided they arrive and depart on the same aircraft or connect to a different flight without leaving the airport's designated areas.
Passengers who travel on the same ship, remaining on board without disembarking while in Kenyan waters, fall under this policy.
Crew members of any mode of transport, be it a ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier, are also included, given that their names and details are duly listed in the official crew manifest. This applies to those journeying through Kenya to a destination outside its borders.
Furthermore, private aircraft owners who make stopovers in Kenya for refuelling purposes are permitted as long as they only venture within the airport's confines.

How Much Should a US Traveller Pay to Obtain a Kenyan eTA?

The pricing for a Kenya eTA varies based on the selected processing speed - options include standard, urgent, and super urgent. Each category has its specific fee, with the base Kenya eTA cost set in USD. However, the final amount payable for the eTA is determined by combining this base fee with the respective processing charges.

Recognising the fluctuating nature of these fees, we've developed a dedicated eTA application fee tool to provide our readers with up-to-date and accurate cost information, ensuring convenience and clarity in planning their travel.

How Much Time Does It Take to Process a US Citizen’s Kenya eTA Application?

A US citizen’s Kenya eTA application form request is usually processed within three business days. Sometimes, it might take a little longer due to various unforeseen circumstances. Urgent eTA application requests from US citizens are generally processed between 24 and 48 hours in exchange for an additional processing fee.

What Should US Travellers Do If Their eTA Expires?

US travellers must apply for a new eTA to Kenya if their eTA expires. There are two scenarios - eTA expiring while in Kenya and eTA expiring while not in Kenya. The process to re-apply in both scenarios is the same as mentioned here.

Can a US Passport Holder Extend Their Kenya eTA?

No, US passport holders cannot extend their Kenya eTA once the eTA expires or they leave the country before it expires.

Is eTA on Arrival Facility Available for US Citizens?

No, eTA on arrival in Kenya is not available for citizens of the United States.

Is There Any Special Requirement for Green Card Holders Applying for Kenya eTA?

No, the government of Kenya has not outlined any separate or exclusive eTA application requirements for Green Card holders from the United States. Head to the link here - Kenya eTA Application Process for Green Card holders for all the latest details.

FAQs

It is mandatory to apply for a Kenya eTA before your journey. The application process is exclusively online and cannot be done upon arrival in Kenya.

In case of an unsuccessful eTA application, travelling to Kenya is not permissible. You can submit another eTA application, but approval in subsequent attempts is not guaranteed.

Adjustments to your travel dates are feasible through the Kenya eTA portal. This option is available provided your eTA remains valid. Do note that altering your dates might incur a nominal fee.