Do UK citizens need a Kenya visa or eTA?
For normal short visits, British citizens now use Kenya's eTA system rather than the old general eVisa process. GOV.UK states that travellers using a full “British citizen” passport must apply online for electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel.
Full British citizen passport
Use the passport you will actually carry to Kenya.
Kenya eTA
Apply online before departure unless another specific status applies.
US$30
Current Standard eTA base fee, excluding payment charges.
Decided in Kenya
An approved eTA permits travel but does not guarantee entry.
Kenya eTA requirements for British citizens
6 months after arrival
Current GOV.UK advice says the expiry date must be at least six months after the date you arrive in Kenya.
At least 2
GOV.UK currently specifies at least two blank passport pages for British citizens.
Recent selfie / passport-style image
Use a clear image suitable for identity verification.
Arrival and onward/return itinerary
Prepare your current travel details and booking information.
Hotel, lodge or host details
Accommodation information should match the itinerary you submit.
Email, telephone and payment method
Use contact details you can access while the application is being processed.
How British citizens apply for Kenya eTA
Use the correct passport
Check validity and blank pages before starting.
Prepare digital documents
Passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation and contact details.
Complete the online form
Enter names, dates and passport number exactly as printed.
Add purpose-specific evidence
Business and family visits can require additional documents.
Pay the fee
Pay the applicable government charge plus any disclosed payment charge.
Travel after approval
Keep your approval accessible when checking in and on arrival.
Tourism, family visits and business travel
Holiday or safari
Prepare passport, trip itinerary and accommodation evidence.
Host invitation
Kenya can request invitation and host identification/status documents.
Company invitation
Business applicants can be asked for an invitation plus company registration evidence.
Kenya eTA fees for UK citizens
Transit eTA
US$20Current official base fee for the transit category.
Standard eTA
US$30Current official base fee for one entry into Kenya.
One-Year Multi-Entry
US$300Current official category for eligible repeated travel.
Five-Year Multi-Entry
Not a UK categoryThe current official page identifies the US$185 five-year option for American nationals.
Processing time and when to apply from the UK
| Topic | Guidance for British travellers |
|---|---|
| Normal processing | Usually around 3 business days / 72 hours, although some cases can take longer. |
| Recommended lead time | Kenyan authorities recommend applying about 2 weeks before departure. |
| Use of issued eTA | The eTA should be used for travel within 90 days of issuance. |
| Permitted stay | Determined by immigration at the point of entry; do not describe it as an automatic 90-day grant. |
Transit through Kenya for British citizens
Kenya's official eligibility page currently lists a Transit eTA at US$20 for travellers who require transit authorisation. If you remain airside and do not pass through immigration, different exemption rules can apply, so check your exact airport movement before paying.
Check whether immigration is crossed
Some transit passengers remaining within airport precincts may be exempt under Kenya's current rules.
Expect immigration formalities
If you leave the secure transit area or enter Kenya, check whether Transit eTA or another valid authorization is needed.
Yellow fever and health documentation
GOV.UK currently states that you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Kenya if you are coming from a country listed as a yellow-fever transmission risk. This is not a universal requirement for every traveller flying directly from the UK.
Entering Kenya with a British passport
- Travel with the same passport used in your eTA application.
- Keep the approved eTA accessible on your phone and preferably as an offline copy.
- Carry accommodation and onward/return travel details.
- Use an active gazetted airport, land border or seaport.
- Be ready for normal immigration and biometric procedures.
- Remember that approval to travel is not the same as guaranteed admission.
Multi-country trips from Kenya
If your itinerary includes Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda, do not assume a standard single-entry eTA automatically remains valid after every exit and re-entry. Check the current Kenya eTA category and each neighbouring country's immigration rules before booking a cross-border safari.
Common mistakes British travellers should avoid
- Using old “Kenya eVisa” instructions from before the eTA system.
- Applying with a passport that does not have enough remaining validity or blank pages.
- Waiting until the final 72 hours before departure.
- Assuming US$34.09 is a fixed government fee.
- Assuming eTA approval guarantees a 90-day stay.
- Assuming a standard single-entry eTA automatically survives any cross-border trip.
Kenya eTA FAQ for UK citizens
Do British citizens need Kenya eTA?
Yes, for normal visitor travel British citizens using a full British citizen passport must apply online for electronic travel authorisation before travel.
How much is the Kenya eTA for UK citizens?
The official Standard eTA government fee is currently US$30, excluding payment charges. Private assistance fees are separate.
How many blank passport pages do I need?
Current GOV.UK Kenya entry advice says at least two blank pages.
How early should I apply?
Kenyan authorities recommend applying about two weeks before departure, even though normal processing is usually around three business days.
Can I get a Kenya visa on arrival?
British travellers should not plan around visa on arrival. The current process is to obtain the required electronic travel authorisation before travel.
Official sources and independent-service disclosure
KE-Visa is an independent travel-document assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Kenya or the UK Government. British citizens can apply directly through the official Kenya eTA portal.