The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a pre-travel authorisation used by Kenya to assess whether a traveller is eligible to travel to the country. An approved eTA permits travel to Kenya but does not guarantee admission, which is decided by immigration officers at the port of entry.

How long does Kenya eTA processing take?

Kenya's official eTA portal states that applications are generally processed in about three working days, although individual applications can take longer. Travellers are advised to apply well before departure.

What documents are normally required for a Kenya eTA?

Typical requirements include a passport valid for at least six months after planned arrival with at least one blank page, a recent photo or selfie, contact details, travel itinerary, accommodation details and a method of payment. Extra documents may be required depending on travel purpose.

Does an approved Kenya eTA guarantee entry?

No. An approved eTA authorises travel to Kenya, but final admission and the permitted duration of stay are determined at the port of entry.

Kenya eTA 2026: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply Online

Reviewed against Kenya's official eTA information

What is the Kenya eTA?

The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation is Kenya's semi-automated pre-travel screening system, operated by the Directorate of Immigration Services. It replaced the old general eVisa process for most foreign visitors and must normally be approved before travel unless the traveller falls within an official exemption. The eTA assesses a traveller before departure and, when approved, allows that person to travel to Kenya and present themselves for immigration inspection.

The eTA is not the same as guaranteed entry. Border officers retain authority to admit a traveller, request supporting documents and determine the permitted stay.

Best for Tourism, business, family visits and other eligible short travel.

Apply before travel Submit and receive approval before beginning your journey when an eTA is required.

Individual approval Each traveller normally needs their own authorisation, including children unless exempt.

Important change: pages that still describe Kenya's old electronic visa as the standard entry document can mislead travellers. For current trip planning, use Kenya's eTA terminology and verify your category before departure.

How to apply for a Kenya eTA

A well-prepared application reduces avoidable delays. Check your passport, itinerary and supporting documents before you begin.

Prepare your travel details

Have your passport, photo, contact details, accommodation information and arrival/departure itinerary ready.

Complete the application

Enter your personal and trip information carefully. Extra evidence may be requested depending on your purpose of travel.

Receive and check the decision

Keep the approved authorisation accessible on your phone and, where practical, carry a printed copy for travel.

Kenya's official guidance says processing is generally around three working days (72 hours), but applications can take longer. The official site recommends applying at least two weeks before travel where possible. An expedited service is also listed, with an additional US$100 charge.

Kenya eTA requirements

Required evidence varies by traveller and travel purpose. The following are the core items commonly requested by the official system.

Passport: valid for at least six months after your planned arrival in Kenya, with at least one blank page.
Photograph: a recent selfie or passport-style image.
Contact information: an active email address and phone number.
Travel itinerary: planned arrival and departure information.
Accommodation: hotel or other accommodation booking confirmation.
Payment method: accepted credit card, debit card or another supported payment option.

Extra documents that may be requested

Travel purpose	Possible supporting evidence
Business	Company invitation letter and a copy of the inviting company's registration.
Family visit	Invitation from the host plus the host's identity or immigration-status document.
Conference / event	Conference invitation or participation letter.
Medical travel	Referral, appointment or supporting letter from the hospital or medical provider.
Diplomatic / official	Relevant diplomatic, official or service passport and an official supporting letter.

Kenya eTA fees and categories

Kenya's official eligibility page currently publishes different eTA categories. Government charges can change, and payment-processor or third-party service charges may be separate.

Standard eTA

US$30

Single-entry travel authorisation category.

Transit eTA

US$20

For eligible travellers transiting through Kenya.

1-year multi-entry eTA

US$300

For eligible travellers needing repeated entry during one year.

5-year multi-entry eTA

US$185

Officially listed for qualifying United States nationals.

Urgent processing: the official FAQ lists expedited processing at an additional US$100. Card or payment-processing charges may also apply.

Fee transparency: KE-Visa is an independent assistance service. If you use a third-party service, any service or support charge should be shown separately from the Kenyan government fee before payment.

Processing time, validity and when to apply

Topic	Practical guidance
Typical processing	Official information states about three working days in normal cases, although additional verification can extend this.
Recommended lead time	Do not wait until departure day. Kenya's official information advises applying well in advance and recommends about two weeks before travel where possible.
Use after approval	Official application guidance states that the eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from the date it is issued. For a standard eTA, this is a single-entry authorisation.
Length of stay	The actual stay granted is determined by immigration at the point of entry; the eTA itself is not a promise of a specific stay period.

Who may be exempt from the Kenya eTA?

Not every traveller has to obtain an eTA. Kenya's official guidance lists several exemption groups. Examples include Kenyan passport holders, qualifying Kenya residents or permit holders, certain accredited diplomatic personnel, eligible East African Community citizens, and some travellers remaining airside in direct transit.

The official portal specifically identifies citizens of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda as East African Partner State citizens covered by the stated exemption framework.

Exemption rules can depend on passport, immigration status and type of journey. Check the official eTA portal immediately before travel rather than relying on an old nationality list.

What to carry when you travel to Kenya

Approval is only one part of travel readiness. Border officers or transport providers can ask for supporting evidence that matches the information in your application.

Your passport used for the eTA application.
Your approved eTA, saved digitally and preferably also printed.
Return or onward travel details where applicable.
Accommodation or host information.
Supporting business, family, medical or conference documents if relevant.
Any health documentation required for your itinerary or country of origin/transit.

Common Kenya eTA application mistakes to avoid

Passport mismatchUse the same passport for the application and travel, and check every number carefully.

Late applicationLeave enough time for document checks or additional verification.

Weak uploadsMake sure photos and scans are readable, current and not cropped.

Wrong travel datesConfirm flights and accommodation details before submission.

Old visa adviceDo not rely on pre-eTA Kenya eVisa pages for current entry planning.

Assuming entry is guaranteedBorder admissibility is a separate decision made on arrival.

Kenya eTA FAQ

Do children need a Kenya eTA?

Official guidance states that visitors, including infants and children, generally need an approved eTA before travel unless they fall within an exemption.

How long does a Kenya eTA take?

The official portal says applications are generally processed in about three working days (72 hours), but some cases can take longer because of verification. Applying around two weeks before travel is recommended where possible.

Can I travel as soon as I submit the application?

No. Where an eTA is required, you should wait until you have received an approval before beginning your journey.

Does an eTA guarantee that I will be admitted?

No. It authorises travel to Kenya. Final admission is decided by immigration officers at the point of entry.

Can someone submit an eTA application for another traveller?

Kenya's official FAQ says another person can apply on a traveller's behalf as long as the traveller's information is supplied correctly and the application indicates that it is being submitted for someone else.

Where is the official Kenya eTA website?

The official Government of Kenya eTA portal is etakenya.go.ke.

Editorial review

Reviewed 21 August 2026 against current information published by Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services. Immigration rules and fees can change, so travellers should re-check official sources before departure.

Official source and independent-service disclosure

KE-Visa is not a Kenyan government website. Travellers may use the Government of Kenya's official Electronic Travel Authorisation portal directly. This page is designed to explain the process in clearer language and help users prepare their information before applying.

Official reference: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation — Directorate of Immigration Services: https://etakenya.go.ke/.