Kenya eTA: Visa Types, Requirements, & Application Guide

The Kenya ETA visa is a pre-authorization travel requirement, foreign nationals must get hold of this Kenya online visa before boarding their flight to Kenya.

The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online travel authorization that performs the task of a visa. It securely accesses the information of the traveler as entered in the passport and application form. Once the Kenya electronic visa application is approved, travelers will receive the Kenya eta visa via mail, granting them permission to enter and explore Kenya for a short stay

As the process is entirely online, the travelers need to complete the Kenya eTA application process online. The travelers filling the form do not have to visit the Kenyan embassy in their home country at any stage. The processing of the application will take around 3-7 business days, and approved Kenya eta visa will be mailed to the travelers provided email address.

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Kenya eTA Overview

Kenya eTA or Online Kenya Visa was introduced in 2024 by the Directorate of Immigration Services of Kenya, so that they are able to make the application process simple and faster, entry smoother, pre-screen the travelers before giving them the Kenya evisa, and to enhance the country’s border security systems.

All foreign nationals entering Kenya for short term stay in the country they require to obtain the Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), an online travel authority. In this Kenya electronic visa application process, your information will be securely accessed and on verifying, will grant permission to let you enter Kenya.

Kenya eTA Validity and Entry Rules

The validity of the Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is 90 days or 3 months, and foreign visitors must make their plans to visit Kenya within this period.

The maximum number of days allowed to stay with this Kenya eTA from the date of arrival is 90 days (3 months).

The standard Kenya eTA for tourism or business is a single-entry travel permit, foreign visitors will be allowed to enter and exit Kenya only once (one-time). If you want to re-enter the country, you will have to submit a fresh Kenya eTA / Kenya online visa application.

1. Apply for Kenya eTA

2. Receive eTA by email

3. Enter Kenya

What is Kenya eTA Application?

The Kenya eTA is a pre-travel authorization requirement, travelers must obtain the eTA before traveling to Kenya, otherwise you can expect denial of boarding the flight to Kenya at the airport.

Instead of applying for the traditional visa or visa on arrival, visitors from eligible foreign countries can take the privilege of the online travel authorization.

Foreign travelers no longer require to visit the Kenyan embassy or consulate to submit the application, each step involved needs to be completed online.

Kenya eTA grants short-term entry for approved activities such as tourism, business visits, or short stopovers (transit). Foreign nationals must obtain it before entering the country, as it is a mandatory document.

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Who are Eligible to Apply for Kenya Visa Online or Kenya eTA?

More than 200 foreign countries are eligible to apply for the Kenya eTA, if they are planning to visit Kenya for a short term stay. Only Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states are exempted from obtaining a Kenya eTA or Kenya online visa for entering the country, as they have signed agreements.

Foreign nationals from eligible countries are eligible to apply for Kenya visa or eTA if they are entering the country for the following purposes:

  • Tourism: Exploring the sightseeing places, wildlife safari, beach vacation, etc.
  • Business travel: Attending meetings, seminars, trade fairs or participating in conferences
  • Visiting friends or relatives
  • Transit: Passing through Kenya's international en route (connecting flight) to another destination

As mentioned above, the Kenya eTA or Kenya online visa was solely introduced for short term stay in Kenya, no one can use this visa to work, or reside in the country.

Holders of the Kenya online visa or eTA must obey the rules of the visa, involving in any kind of employment, both paid and unpaid work is strictly prohibited. For such activity related to work or employment there is a separate visa, get in touch with the embassy to get hold of the appropriate work visa or permit.

Countries Eligible for Kenya

What Types of Kenya Visa are available for travelers?

Have a look at the important details related to the types of Kenya visa or Kenya eTA available for travelers:

Kenya eTA for Tourism

Kenya has a diversified landscape, blessed with deserts, beaches, vast savannahs, snowy peaks, volcanoes, hot springs, canyons, rich ecosystems and wildlife. If you are keen on taking a thrilling wildlife tour or know about their indigenous tribes for cultural experience, visit Kenya. And the simplest way to plan your trip is book your Kenyan safari tour, flight tickets and most importantly the Kenya eTA for Tourism.

This Kenya eTA for Tourism is valid for 3 months, offers Single Entry and grants a maximum stay limit of 90 days.

Documents required to apply for Kenya visa for Tourism

  • Valid passport (one of the Kenya evisa eligible countries)
  • Return ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel itinerary (if visiting for safari, booking details of the safari package).

Kenya eTA for Business

Kenya is one of the emerging business hubs in Africa, opening opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs to research and invest in its economy. If you need to visit Kenya for business meetings, conferences, seminars, contract negotiations, attend workshops, trade fairs and so on for a short visit to the country, the Kenya eTA for Business is designed for travelers entering Kenya for such activities.

The Standard Kenya eTA for Business is valid for 3 months, offers Single Entry and grants a maximum stay limit of 90 days.

Documents required to apply for Kenya visa for business

  • Valid passport (one of the Kenya e visa eligible countries)
  • Business documents, such as agreements, proposals, or an official invitation letter from the organization or company, along with their application, etc.

Kenya eTA for Transit

Those travelers who have to pass through Kenya's international airport to board a connecting flight and need to be in the transit area during a layover, it is mandatory for them to obtain the Kenya eTA for Transit.

This Kenya online visa or eTA permits travelers to stay in the airport's transit area, up to 72 hours.

Documents required to apply for Kenya visa for Transit

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of onward travel.

What are the Documents required for Kenya eTA or Kenya online visa?

To apply for Kenya visa or eTA online, travelers must be from one of the Kenya e visa eligible countries and must furnish the following documents, which are important Kenya eTA requirements:

  • Valid passport (must be from one of the Kenya evisa eligible countries)
  • Your working email address
  • Latest colored clear front face passport photo
  • Valid Debit or Credit card to pay the Kenya e visa or eTA fee
  • Confirmed Hotel booking (as proof of accommodation)
  • Return ticket or Round-trip confirmation

You should provide confirmed travel details, including arrival and departure dates, to ensure that the validity date offered in the Kenya online visa or Kenya eTA are correct.

Your Online Application Guide: How to Get Your Kenya e-Visa Online

Directorate of Immigration Services has made Kenya eTA application process easy and straightforward. Applying for your travel visa is instant and takes only minutes on any computer with an internet connection. Just begin by gathering the documents you will need for travel and follow our simple, three-step application process.

Complete Kenya eTA Application

Provide travel and personal details for each applicant in the Kenya eTA form.

Step 1
Review and Make Payment

Make Secure Payment using a Credit or Debit card.

Step 2
Receive Kenya eTA

Receive your Kenya eTA approval to your email from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Kenya (IRCC).

Step 3

Select Your Visa Type and Gather Documents

You will first have to determine what type of e-Visa is most appropriate for your purpose of travel. All e-Visas are single-entry visas:

  • Tourist e-Visa: For leisure travel, visiting friends or relatives, and for 90 90-day stay.
  • Business e-Visa: For business visit, for example, negotiation of contracts, meeting, or conference, and for 90 90-day stay.
  • Transit e-Visa: For transit passengers to Kenya to a destination. A short-stay visa, to be valid for 72 hours from the planned date of arrival.

Complete the Online Application and Pay

Go to our easy online application form and input your personal details, travel information (including intended date of arrival), and current email address. Verify information is accurate before uploading required supporting documents. Finish by making an online secure payment via one of several easy options on our site.

Check for Email Approval and Confirmation

After your payment has been successfully registered, a confirmation number is automatically transmitted to your email. Your authorized Kenya e-Visa will be delivered to the same email within the given maximum processing time of 72 hours.

You must print out your accepted Kenya e-Visa in color as a PDF and present it along with your passport when you arrive at the airport to obtain convenient entry into Kenya.

ETA Permitted Ports of Entry

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the Kenyan e-Visa (or ETA) can be used at most official ports of entry across the country, including air, sea, and land borders. The Principal Airports that receive the electronic permit include: Busia, Kisumu, Kuinga, Lamu, Malindi, Mbita, Muhuru Bay, Old Port, Shimoni, and Vanga. For Seaport entry, the principal point of entry is Kilindini Seaport.

Passengers through Land Border Crossing Points can also enter by: Busia, Isebania, Liboi, Loitokitok, Lungalunga, Malaba, Mandera, Moyale, Nadapal, Namanga, and Taveta. You must ensure your journey is planned to utilize one of these specific, designated ports to gain entry with your electronic permit.

Travel to Kenya has never been easier! Use our professional website services to ensure a stress-free entry. Our Kenya ETA service is available to citizens from numerous eligible countries. Find your country on the list and apply online today.

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