ETA Kenya 🇰🇪

Tourism / Business / Visit to acquaintances

On January 1, 2024, Kenya abolished the visa requirement for all nationalities. In return, the country has made it compulsory to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which can be obtained online before boarding the plane. It is impossible to obtain this document on arrival in Kenya. Only nationals of neighboring countries (Burundi, Uganda, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania) do not have to do this.

All reasons for travel are covered, and you'll need to upload the necessary documents once you've completed the form. Allow 3 working days on average for a reply from the Kenyan authorities.

Adults and minors of all ages must apply for an ETA for Kenya.
⚠️ Please note that the document is only valid for a single entry and for stays of less than 90 days.

Start an ETA Kenya application

Single rate of 39 € per passenger
Excluding consular fees, if applicable


Frequently asked questions about ETA Kenya

TheETA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is a new system introduced by the Kenyan government on January 1, 2024. It replaces the electronic visa that was previously compulsory for foreign nationals wishing to travel to Kenya.

Details of the new mandatory document: the ETA

The ETA is a travel authorization allowing a stay of less than 90 days. It is valid for a single entry and must be obtained before departure.
The ETA applies to all nationalities except 6: Burundi🇧🇮, RD Congo🇨🇩, Rwanda🇷🇼, Sudan Sud🇸🇸, Tanzanie🇹🇿 and Ouganda🇺🇬.

Unlike the old e-Visa, minors - even those under 16 - must apply for a nominative ETA. The rule: 1 passport = 1 ETA.

To apply for an ETA, foreign nationals must complete an online form on the official Kenyan government website or via an agency such as Visamundi.

The ETA applies to all reasons for travel. Travelers must provide the following information and documents:

  • Last name, first name, date of birth
  • Passport number, expiry date
  • E-mail address
  • Phone number
  • Home address
  • Country of residence
  • Profession
  • Trip objective
  • Flight information
  • The cost of the ETA is 50 USD. Payment can be made by credit or debit card.

These documents must also be provided once the form has been completed:

  • Photocopy of passport valid at least 6 months after arrival
  • Passport photo
  • Accommodation certificate
  • For business purposes only: letter of invitation and certificate of company registration in Kenya
  • For family visits only: letter of invitation or accommodation and copy of host's identity card in Kenya

Once the ETA application has been approved, the traveler will receive a confirmation e-mail. The ETA must be printed and presented to the immigration authorities on arrival in Kenya. It is likely that the airline or shipping company will check the ETA on boarding and may deny you the right to board if the ETA is missing or invalid.

⚠️ It is now impossible to obtain this document on arrival. Embassies do not deal with this document and will refer you to the Internet.

Have you always wanted to travel to Kenya to discover the beauty of Tsavo West National Park and the charm of Kakura Forest, to admire Lake Nakuru or experience a unique safari in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve? You'll need an electronic travel authorization before you arrive in Kenya.

As a French agency specializing in the management of travel documents for professionals and individuals, Visamundi accompanies nationals from all over the world to obtain their ETA for Kenya or elsewhere, among the many destinations where we are able to handle formalities. Get your mandatory document for Kenya online with ease, thanks to our high-quality support service.

How do I obtain an ETA for Kenya online?

Eligible at all possible points of entry to Kenya, the Kenya ETA offers many advantages for easy travel to Kenya. In particular, it is possible to make a group application for a Kenya ETA online. However, consular fees will be multiplied by the number of travelers benefiting from the Kenya procedure. The average turnaround time for obtaining an ETA for Kenya online is generally quite fast. For your convenience, however, we advise you to apply at least 3 days before your arrival.

All the documents you need to complete your application are to be sent by internet (email for secure cloud), with no postal procedures required. Once you have completed the form, you will need to send us your documents so that we can check them before forwarding them to the Kenyan authorities.

Once you have obtained the approval of the Kenyan authorities, we will send you a travel authorization in electronic format (PDF), which you simply need to print out in color and present on boarding and on arrival in Kenya. Please note that the validity period of the ETA for Kenya (90 days) only begins whenyou arrive in Kenya, not when the ETA is issued.

Soon, the Kenyan government announced plans to introduce mobile applications to further simplify the filing of ETA applications.

How much does an ETA for Kenya cost online?

On our application form, you will find a clear and detailed price list, which will show you the price of the different ETA reasons available for entering Kenya. For example, if you are a tourist or business traveler, the price of an ETA for a single entry with a maximum duration of 90 days will be 32 €This rate includes only consular fees, and excludes the service charges inherent in having your ETA processed by an intermediary.

Why fill in your ETA Kenya form on Visamundi ?

When you fill in your online application form for Kenya on Visamundi, you benefit from the in-depth expertise of an agency specialized in travel document management, able to offer you comprehensive support in making your travel plans a reality. We offer numerous advantages to facilitate your online ETA application for Kenya. We systematically check the documents transmitted via our site, and ensure that your personal data is totally secure, in accordance with our confidentiality charter. By opting for our service, you can obtain a response from the Kenyan authorities within 3 days on average, and benefit from a full refund if your ETA for Kenya is refused. Finally, we guarantee the security of your data and payments on European platforms if you use our services.

If you obtained an e-visa before January 1, 2024 for a trip taking place in 2024, it remains valid for this trip and will act as an ETA.
East Africa Visa

The East Africa Visawhich allows you to visit 3 countries(Kenya🇰🇪, Ouganda🇺🇬 and Rwanda🇷🇼) for a consular fee of 100 USD, is still valid, despite this visa exemption for Kenya. It can still be requested for entry from Kenya to visit the other two countries on a single-entry basis.

What are the recommended timeframes for this ETA?

It is advisable to apply at least 3 days before arrival in Kenya.

Can I request this document if I plan to volunteer?

All reasons for travel are visa-exempt, including volunteering (or NGO). The ETA is in fact an authorization to travel to Kenya for any purpose. You will need to provide the invitation documents from the local organization and its registration certificate.

Can I get an ETA if I'm in transit?

Travellers in transit by air or sea, who do not leave the seaport or airport, are not affected by the ETA.

How do I use my ETA?

This document must be printed out and presented to the immigration authorities when you enter the country. In exchange, you will receive an entry stamp in your passport.

It's likely that your airline or shipping company (if you're entering by these means) will check them beforehand, with the freedom to refuse you in the event of a problem.

Can I use my travel authorization to enter and leave Kenya several times?

The ETA allows entry into Kenya only once, unless you are visiting one of Kenya's neighboring countries and return within 90 days of first entry.

Can I apply for an ETA for Kenya if I am a foreign national married to a Kenyan citizen?

The ETA depends on your passport, not your marital status.

How can I renew or extend my ETA for Kenya?

The ETA is not a visa, so it cannot be renewed or extended. However, if you wish to re-enter Kenya, you will need to reapply for a visa on leaving the country, without having to respect any deadline for re-filing your application.

Do I need to apply for an ETA if I am a Kenyan national living abroad?

Kenyans holding a Kenyan passport are exempt from applying for an ETA.

How long does it take to process an electronic visa application for Kenya?

It is recommended that you submit your request for electronic travel authorization for Kenya more than 3 days before your scheduled arrival date to avoid any delays or potential problems.

How long can I stay in Kenya with the visa waiver?

The maximum duration of stay in Kenya without a visa is generally 90 days from the date of entry into Kenya, whether or not you are ETA-exempt.

Can I apply for an ETA for Kenya if I am already in Kenya?

No, you cannot request an ETA for Kenya if you are already in Kenya. It must be requested before you arrive in the country, and you will probably be asked for it when you board your flight. The ETA is a document authorizing you to travel to Kenya to benefit from visa exemption, just as the ESTA for the USA can.

Do I need travel insurance to stay in Kenya?

Travel insurance is not required to obtain an ETA for Kenya, although it is always advisable to take out insurance for long-distance travel. Often, the insurance included with credit cards is not sufficient to cover health expenses in the event of hospitalization.

Can I work in Kenya with an ETA?

All foreign visitors are required to have an ETA, even if they have a work visa for Kenya. The ETA is not a work visa.

Do I need a ticket proving that I am leaving the country to obtain an ETA?

Travelers wishing to obtain an ETA for Kenya do not need to present a return ticket to obtain the document.

The immigration officer may still ask for proof that you are not going to overstay, but this is not systematic.

What are the consequences if I don't comply with the visa waiver conditions?

If you fail to comply with these conditions, you may be subject to penalties, including fines, denial of entry or prosecution.

How can I check the status of my ETA application?

You can track the status of your request by contacting our agents, either via online chat or email. You can also make a follow-up request on our websites.

Do I need to apply for an ETA for a minor?

Before January 1, 2024, visas were free for minors under 16. Now exempted, minors under 16 must still apply for an ETA, like all travelers. They must also have their own passport.

Can I obtain an ETA if I am a citizen of a country without a Kenyan embassy?

As ETA's application is handled directly by the Kenyan authorities, this poses no problem.

Can I enter Kenya from Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes, it is possible to enter Kenya from Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, which lies on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. However, you'll need to make sure you obtain an ETA before entering Kenya.

Can I apply for an ETA if I have a criminal record?

This depends on the content of your criminal record and the seriousness of the offence. The Kenyan authorities may refuse to grant entry to a person with a criminal record, particularly if the offence is considered serious or if it could be considered a threat to national or public security. ETA's application data is merged with Interpol databases and may result in an automatic and irrevocable refusal.

Are ETA Kenya fees refundable if my application is refused?

Consular fees for Kenya are non-refundable if your ETA application is refused. However, if you use our service and we are unable to obtain your ETA, we will refund your full payment.

I can't pay my ETA for Kenya. What should I do?

The first step is to make sure that your payment card is eligible for international online payments in foreign currencies. Once this check has been carried out, you can try paying on another web browser.

If this still doesn't work, you can try contacting your bank to see if the problem isn't with their Internet platform. It's not out of the question that the problem may be with the authorities' website, which is known to have a few temporary problems. Going through a private agency used to dealing with this kind of situation will relieve you of the hassle.

Who does not need to apply for an ETA Kenya?

  • Holders of a valid Kenyan passport or a one-way emergency certificate issued by Kenyan missions abroad.
  • Persons with a valid work permit, permanent residence or laissez-passer in Kenya
  • Holders of a valid United Nations travel document issued by Kenya
  • Members of international organizations and diplomatic missions accredited to Kenya
  • Residents of East African partner countries such as Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda (visa-free stays of up to 6 months)
  • All transit passengers in Kenya arriving and departing on the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and do not leave the Kenyan airport premises
  • All passengers arrive and depart from the same boat and do not leave the boat.
  • Members of the crew of a ship, aircraft, train or any vehicle, whose names and contact details are given in the crew manifest, and who are travelling from Kenya to another country.
  • Pilots of private aircraft who do not leave the airport premises and make a stopover in Kenya to refuel.

ETA Express: does it really exist?

The Kenyan authorities have in fact introduced a "VIP" ETA, supposedly processed more quickly (a few hours) and allowing you to change your dates if necessary. We advise against this approach, given the recent launch of the ETA, which is sold by the authorities at a higher price. Above all, never never double if you become impatient with the lack of response to your requests, as this may result in a blanket refusal.

Kenya: mandatory and recommended vaccines

Mandatory vaccines

  • Yellow fever: Vaccination is recommended for travellers, unless their itinerary is limited to the following areas: the entire North Eastern Province, the states of Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi and Tana in the Coastal Province, and the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa; in these areas, however, vaccination may be considered if there is a risk of exposure to mosquito bites. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over one year of age from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended vaccines

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B: For long or repeated stays.
  • Malaria: There is a year-round risk of malaria throughout the country. There is normally little risk in the city of Nairobi and in the Highlands (above 2500 m) of the following provinces: Central, Nyanza, West, East and Rift Valley.
  • Rabies: In case of prolonged stay, in isolation (children: as soon as they walk).
  • Typhoid fever: in case of prolonged stay or in precarious hygienic conditions (children: from age 2).