The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon travellers’ arrival. Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel.
The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller. eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.
People exempted from the obtaining eTA
The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors except for the following persons.
- Holders of valid Kenya passports or one-way emergency certificate issued by Kenya missions abroad.
- Holders of Kenya permanent residence, valid work permits and passes.
- Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the government of Kenya.
- Members of the diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Kenya.
- Citizens of the East African partner states. (Exempted for six (6) months).
- All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
- All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
- Members of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
- Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
Requirements to apply for eTA
All visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.
- For all travellers:
- Valid passport for at least six (6) month after your planned date of arrival into Kenya with at least one blank page.
- Selfie or passport-type photo.
- Contact information, email address and phone number.
- Details of your arrival and departure itinerary.
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s).
- Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment.
- Based on your country of residence and citizenships the following may also be required:
- Financial assets or banks letter(s).
- Return transportation booking (flight ticket).
- Based on your country of residence and travel history the following may also be required:
- Yellow fever certificate.
- Other vaccination(s) or test results certificates.
- Based on your purpose of visit the following may also be required:
- Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital.
- Conference invitation/participation letter.
- Employment contract.
- Supporting documents for resettlement.
- For business visits:
- Invitation letter from company.
- Copy of registration of the company.
- For family visits:
- Invitation letter from family/host.
- Identity card or passport or alien card or entry permit of the family member/host.
- For diplomatic travel:
- A diplomatic, official and service passport.
- An official letter from the country of origin/organisation/foreign affairs.
How to apply for the eTA
Here is the procedure to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to kenya.
- Visit eTA Kenya website.
- Click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions.
- Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly.
- Submit the application.
- An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you.
- An email confirming receipt of payment, if applicable, will be sent to you.
- Upon decision by Immigration officer, an email confirming approval/refusal will be sent to you.
- If your application has been approved, please either print the PDF document that has been attached to the email, or download the document to your mobile device or save it in the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app. This is your electronic travel authorisation that needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points.
- If your application has been denied, you will not be able to travel to Kenya for the moment.
- Please contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details.
- You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the eTA Kenya website.
Note: You are only allowed to travel after your application has been approved by the Government of Kenya. ETA charges are $30.
