Kenya abolished Visa requirements for all visitors starting 1st January, 2024. However, a digital platform https://www.etakenya.go.ke has been developed to ensure that all travelers to Kenya are identified in advance through an electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
Kenya 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.
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.
Who must obtain the eTA?
The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors except for citizens of EAC Member States that want to travel to Kenya. The 8 EAC Member States include: The Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It is mandatory to use the Government’s official website to submit your application. Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.
Do children or infants also require an eTA?
Yes, all foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. We highly recommend that families apply as a group.
What do I do if I am refused the eTA?
If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details.
What information is required to apply for an eTA?
- Valid passport
- Recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during application process
- Contact details (home address, telephone, email)
- Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights)
- Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries (please check the WHO website for the updated list of countries)
- Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable
How do I check the status of my eTA application?
You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the following URL: https://www.etakenya.go.ke
Within minutes after submitting your application, the system will send you an email confirming receipt of your application. This email will contain the reference number assigned to your application. Use this number to check your application status. Do not immediately re-apply for a travel authorisation.
How far ahead of my travel should I apply for an eTA?
Processing time will vary depending on the type of eTA and your country of citizenship.
Standard processing time is three (3) working days.
Visitors wishing a faster turnaround or visitors requiring assistance by officers should apply for premium service.
Can I apply for an eTA even before booking my journey?
No, the travel information is an obligatory section of the application process. Therefore, it is only possible to apply for the eTA after having booked your transport and accommodation.