Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is an online system used to pre-screen travellers seeking entry into Kenya. It determines whether a visitor is eligible to travel to Kenya for tourism, short-term business engagements, family visits, or similar non-work-related reasons, for a stay of up to six months.

It is important to understand that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Kenya. Final admission is determined by an immigration officer upon arrival at a Kenyan port of entry.

All applications for the eTA must be submitted via the official portal.

Last updated 30/09/2025

The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is an online pre-screening system that collects biographic details and eligibility responses from travellers prior to entry into Kenya. While the standard processing time is typically three (3) working days, an urgent processing option is available. However, it is strongly recommended to apply at least one week before your intended travel date to account for potential delays.

Documents and Information Required for all eTA Applicants

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Contact details including residential address, telephone number, email address, and an emergency contact
• Travel information including arrival flight number, and connecting flight details if applicable
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or letter of invitation if staying with a friend or relative)
• Credit or debit card for online payment of the eTA fee (if applicable)

Additional Documentation Based on Travel Purpose

For Medical Travel:

• Referral letter from the hospital

For Conference Attendance:

• Invitation or participation letter from the conference organiser

For Employment-Related Travel:

• Employment contract or offer letter

For Resettlement:

• Supporting documentation from the relevant agency or institution

For Business Travellers:

• Invitation letter from the hosting company
• Company registration certificate of the host business
• Copy of the host’s ID/passport and contact information

For Family or Private Visits:

• Invitation letter from the host in Kenya
• Copy of host’s ID, passport, Alien Card, or Work Permit

For Diplomatic and Official Visits:

• Diplomatic, Official, or Service passport
• Official letter from the applicant’s government or sponsoring organisation

The following individuals are exempt from obtaining or applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya:

• Holders of valid Kenyan Permanent Residence Permits, Work Permits, or Passes.
• Individuals whose passports are endorsed with a valid Kenyan Re-entry Pass or other written authority in lieu of a Re-entry Pass.
• Citizens of East African Community Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda – for visits not exceeding 180 days.
• From 14 July 2025, citizens of all African countries are exempt from applying for an eTA for stays up to 60 days (some up to 180 days). This exemption excludes Libya and Somalia.
• Passengers transiting through Kenya, arriving and departing on the same aircraft or transferring without leaving the airport precincts.
• Passengers arriving and departing by the same ship who do not disembark from the vessel.
• Members of the crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier listed on a manifest and continuing to a destination outside Kenya.
• Owners of private aircraft stopping in Kenya solely for refuelling who remain within the airport precincts.
• Holders of United Nations Laissez-Passers on official UN business.
• Holders of African Union Laissez-Passers on official AU business.
• Holders of African Development Bank Laissez-Passers on official AfDB business.
• Holders of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa Laissez-Passers on official BADEA business.
• Holders of International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa Laissez-Passers on official IRLCO business.
• Holders of Desert Locust Control Organisation Laissez-Passers on official DLCO business.
• Holders of COMESA Laissez-Passers on official COMESA business.
• Holders of International Monetary Fund and World Bank Laissez-Passers on official IMF/World Bank business.
• Holders of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Laissez-Passers on official IGAD business.
• Holders of African Airlines Travel Association (AATA) Laissez-Passers on official business.
• Holders of Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI) Laissez-Passers on official ELCI business.
• Holders of Union of Radio and Television Networks of Africa (URTNA) Laissez-Passers on official URTNA business.
• Holders of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Laissez-Passers on official ILO business.
• Holders of Preferential Trade Area/Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Bank Laissez-Passers on official business.
• Holders of European Union Laissez-Passers on official EU business.
• Holders of International Potato Center (CIP) Laissez-Passers on official CIP business.
• Holders of African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC) Laissez-Passers on official ARC business.
• Holders of African Housing Fund (AHF) Laissez-Passers on official AHF business.
• Holders of African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) Laissez-Passers on official Afreximbank business.
• Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports from the Islamic Republic of Iran for stays not exceeding 30 days.
• Holders of Diplomatic, Official, Special, and Service Passports from the Republic of Turkey and their family members for stays or transit not exceeding 90 days.
• Holders of Diplomatic, Official, or Service Passports from the Federal Republic of Brazil for stays not exceeding 90 days.
• Holders of Diplomatic, Official, or Service Passports from the Republic of India for stays not exceeding 90 days.
• Holders of Diplomatic, Official, or Service Passports from the People’s Republic of China for stays not exceeding 30 days.
• Serving members of the British Armed Forces.

Travellers must ensure that all required documents are complete and accurately prepared prior to submission.

Standard processing times for the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) are approximately three (3) working days or 72 hours, subject to verification procedures.

An expedited processing option is available for urgent cases and is typically processed immediately upon submission.

The cost of a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) varies based on the type of travel and processing speed selected.

Standard applications start at USD 30.

For expedited processing, an additional USD 100 fee applies, allowing for immediate review and decision.

Applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in Kenya involves a few simple but essential steps. Please ensure all information is accurate and documents are ready before beginning your application.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official eTA application website: www.etakenya.go.ke.

Step 2: Start Your Application
Click on “Apply Now” and follow the step-by-step prompts provided on the platform.

Step 3: Enter Information Carefully
Ensure that all personal, travel, and contact information is entered accurately. Inaccuracies may result in delays or rejection.

Step 4: Submit the Application
After completing the required fields, submit your application electronically through the platform.

Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Retain this for your records.

Step 6: Payment Confirmation
If a payment is required, you will receive an additional email confirming receipt of payment.

Additional Resources

• Directorate of Immigration Services – Electronic Travel Authorisation Portal