Kenya has transitioned from traditional visa systems to a streamlined Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) regime. Whether you’re visiting for business, tourism, medical reasons, or family reunions, understanding the eTA process is essential for a smooth entry into the country.
What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
The Kenya eTA is a digital pre-screening system introduced by the Directorate of Immigration Services. It replaces the traditional eVisa and is mandatory for all travelers, including infants and children, who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya except for persons expressly exempted by Kenyan law.
It allows the Kenyan government to assess travelers before arrival, enhancing border security and simplifying entry procedures.
Who Needs to Apply for the Kenya eTA?
All foreign nationals traveling to Kenya must apply for an eTA before starting their journey, unless they fall under the exemption categories (see below). Each traveler must submit a separate application.
How Do You Apply for the Kenya eTA?
Applications must be submitted online via the official eTA portal. The process involves:
- Creating an account on the portal
- Filling in personal and travel details
- Uploading required documents
- Paying the application fee
- Awaiting approval via email
What are the General Requirements for eTA Application?
All applicants must provide:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, with at least one blank page)
- A recent passport-style photo or selfie
- Valid email address and contact details for correspondence.
- Travel itinerary (arrival and departure details)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details)
- Valid payment method (credit/debit card)
- Additional documents, depending on the purpose or nationality, such as listed below
What Additional Documents Are Required Based on the Purpose of Visit?
| Purpose of Visit | Additional Requirements |
| Business Travel | Invitation letter from host company + copy of company registration |
| Family Visit | Invitation letter from host + copy of host’s ID/passport |
| Medical Treatment | Appointment or referral letter from a hospital/doctor |
| Conference/Event | Invitation or participation letter |
| Diplomatic/Official | Diplomatic/official passport + letter from the relevant authority |
N.B.: Immigration reserves the right to request more documentation based on nationality, travel history, or risk profiling.
What Is the Cost of the Kenya eTA?
The standard application fee is approximately USD 34. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
Standard processing time is 3 working days. However, applicants are advised to apply at least 7 days before travel to accommodate potential delays
What is the Validity of the Kenya eTA?
- The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and allows for a single entry.
- The actual duration of stay is determined by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry
- Extensions may be granted upon application to the immigration office in Kenya
Which Persons or Nationalities Are Exempted from the eTA Requirement?
Recent changes to Kenya’s immigration regulations have broadened eTA exemptions. Major exemptions include:
- All African nationals, except citizens of Somalia and Libya, for short stays (either 60 or 90 days based on nationality).
- Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states (such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and DRC) are exempt for six months.
- Certain Caribbean and Pacific nations’ nationals are exempt for up to 90 days.
- Holders of valid Kenyan passports, permanent residence, work permits, re-entry passes, and certain diplomatic and UN travel documents.
- Airline/transit passengers and crew are not leaving airports, and cruise passengers are not disembarking.
- Diplomatic, official, and service passport holders traveling on official duty may receive a gratis eTA (i.e. no charge) for the authorization.
- Holders of United Nations Organization Laissez-Passers whilst on official UN Business.
- Holders of African Union Laissez-Passers whilst on official A.U. business.
- Holders of African Development Bank Laissez-Passers, whilst on official A.D.B. business.
You can find the full exemption list on the Kenya Immigration website.
Does Possession of an eTA Guarantee Entry?
No. The final decision rests with the Immigration Officer at the point of entry. Travelers must carry a printed or digital copy of their approved eTA and ensure all details match their passport.
Is the Kenya eTA Secure and Legitimate?
Yes. Applications must be made through the official government portal to avoid scams. The system is managed by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and complies with international data protection standards.
Can I Apply for an eTA for Multiple Entries or Extend My Stay?
The standard eTA is single-entry and valid for up to 90 days per visit. Travelers requiring additional time must seek extensions from immigration authorities after arrival; however, approval is discretionary and not automatic. For subsequent visits, a new eTA application is required.
What are the Tips for Travelers?
- Apply early to avoid last-minute delays
- Double-check all entries for accuracy
- Use official channels only
- Keep a copy of your approved eTA during travel
- Understand your visa category and prepare supporting documents
How Njaga & Co. Advocates LLP Can Help with Immigration in Kenya
At Njaga & Co. Advocates LLP’s Immigration Law, we recognize that travel to Kenya often involves much more than obtaining an eTA. Our immigration practice is designed to guide individuals, families, and corporations through the entire spectrum of Kenyan immigration and residency needs.
We assist clients with:
- Travel Authorisation & Entry Compliance – Advising whether you need an eTA, whether you qualify for exemptions, and ensuring your documentation meets the requirements to avoid delays at the border.
- Work & Residence Permits – Guiding expatriates, investors, professionals, and retirees through applications for Class D, G, K, N and other permits, including renewals, variations, and appeals before the Permit Determination Committee.
- Dependants, Families & Students – Assisting with Dependant’s Passes, Student Passes, and family reunification applications, ensuring dependents are lawfully recognized and protected.
- Permanent Residency & Citizenship – Advising on pathways to Permanent Residence (Categories A–D) and Kenyan citizenship, including regaining citizenship for former Kenyans, naturalisation, and dual citizenship.
- Corporate Immigration Support – Helping employers structure expatriate recruitment, draft understudy plans, maintain compliance logs, and liaise with the Immigration Department on behalf of staff.
- Document Legalisation & Compliance – Handling legalization of foreign documents in Kenya (authentication, apostille, consular attestation) and ensuring compliance with Kenyan law in corporate, employment, or personal transactions.
- Tailored Immigration Strategy – For investors and expatriates with property or business interests, we design strategies linking immigration status with corporate structuring, property ownership, and tax compliance.
If you’re planning to travel, work, invest, or settle in Kenya, let us be your trusted legal partner. We combine legal precision with strategic insight to help you navigate Kenya’s immigration landscape with clarity and confidence.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not substitute legal advice on specific circumstances of any individual or organization. While the information is accurate as of the date published, we cannot guarantee it remains accurate at the time you read it or that it will stay current. Before acting on any of this information, please seek professional legal advice tailored to your situation.
