Do Canadian citizens need a Kenya visa or eTA?
For tourism, the Government of Canada currently states that a traditional tourist visa is not required, but Canadian travellers must obtain a Kenya eTA online before departure. The current Kenya system replaces the old general eVisa process for ordinary visitor travel.
Regular Canadian passport holder
Passport rules differ for temporary, emergency and official travel documents.
Kenya eTA
Apply online before departure for normal tourist entry.
US$30
Current Standard eTA base fee, excluding payment charges.
Decided at entry
Approval to travel is not a guarantee of admission.
Kenya eTA requirements for Canadian citizens
Valid for at least 6 months from entry
This is the current Government of Canada passport-validity guidance for regular Canadian passports.
At least 1
The official Kenya eTA portal lists at least one blank passport page among baseline requirements.
Selfie or passport-type image
Use a clear recent image suitable for identity verification.
Arrival and departure details
Prepare the details of how and when you plan to arrive and leave Kenya.
Hotel, lodge or host details
Accommodation information should match your submitted itinerary.
Email, telephone and payment method
Use details you can access throughout the application process.
How Canadians apply for Kenya eTA online
Confirm your passport type
Check passport validity before creating an application.
Prepare digital evidence
Passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation and contact details.
Complete the official form
Match names, passport number and dates exactly to your passport.
Add purpose-specific documents
Business, family, conference and medical trips can require extra evidence.
Pay the applicable fee
Government fee and any optional private assistance fee should be shown separately.
Track status and wait for approval
Use your reference number and travel only after approval where eTA is required.
Tourism, family visits and business travel
Safari, coast or city visit
Prepare your normal passport, itinerary and accommodation documents.
Host documents
Kenya may request invitation and host identification or immigration-status evidence.
Company invitation
Business visitors can be asked for company invitation and registration documents.
Kenya eTA fees for Canadian citizens
Transit eTA
US$20Current official base fee when a transit eTA is required.
Standard eTA
US$30Current official base fee for one entry into Kenya.
One-Year Multi-Entry
US$300Current official multiple-entry category.
Five-Year Multi-Entry
Not a Canadian categoryThe current US$185 five-year option is listed for American nationals.
Processing time, validity and authorized stay
| Topic | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| Normal processing | Generally about 3 business days / 72 hours, though some applications can take longer. |
| Recommended timing | The official Kenya portal recommends applying about 2 weeks before travel where possible. |
| Travel-use window | The eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from the date of issuance. |
| Authorized stay | Determined at the point of entry. Do not describe this as an automatic 90-day stay. |
| Extension | The Government of Canada says travellers seeking to stay beyond their authorized period must request an extension in person at a Kenyan immigration office before the existing authorization expires. |
Transit through Kenya for Canadian citizens
This is one of the clearest Canada-specific rules: the Government of Canada currently says you do not need an eTA if you are transiting through a Kenyan airport without passing border control.
No border control
No eTA is required according to current Canadian travel advice, provided you remain in international transit and do not pass immigration.
Entering Kenya
If you leave the international transit area, collect baggage landside or otherwise pass border control, check the appropriate Kenyan authorization before travel.
Yellow fever guidance for Canadians
Canada currently states that proof of yellow fever vaccination is required when arriving in Kenya from a country where yellow fever occurs. It also notes that Kenyan authorities carry out spot checks, so travellers who need proof should carry a copy with them.
Arriving in Kenya from Canada
- Travel on the same passport used for your eTA application.
- Keep your approved eTA accessible offline.
- Carry accommodation and onward/return travel details.
- Use an active gazetted airport, land border or seaport.
- Be ready for standard immigration and biometric procedures.
- Remember that possession of eTA is not final authority to enter Kenya.
Multi-country safari planning
Many Canadians combine Kenya with Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda. Treat each border as a separate immigration decision: do not assume a Standard Kenya eTA remains valid after every exit, and do not rely on an old “single-entry re-entry loophole” copied from legacy visa guidance.
Canada-specific travel safety note
As of 20 August 2026, the Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya because of terrorism and a high crime rate. It also publishes stronger regional advisories for areas near the Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia borders. Check the latest advisory before finalizing safari or overland plans.
Common mistakes Canadian travellers should avoid
- Using outdated Kenya eVisa instructions instead of the current eTA system.
- Applying with a passport that has less than six months' validity from entry.
- Waiting until the last 72 hours before departure.
- Assuming US$34.09 is a fixed government charge.
- Assuming a 90-day eTA travel-use window equals an automatic 90-day stay.
- Buying a transit eTA when remaining airside without crossing border control.
- Assuming a Standard eTA automatically covers re-entry after a multi-country safari.
Kenya eTA FAQ for Canadian citizens
Do Canadian tourists need a Kenya eTA?
Yes. Current Government of Canada guidance says a tourist visa is not required, but an eTA must be obtained online before departure.
How long must my Canadian passport be valid?
A regular Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Kenya.
How much is a Standard Kenya eTA?
The current official government base fee is US$30, excluding payment charges.
Do I need eTA for an airside Nairobi connection?
Current Canadian travel advice says no eTA is needed if you transit through a Kenyan airport without passing border control.
Can I extend my stay in Kenya?
Canada advises travellers who need to remain beyond their authorized period to request an extension at a Kenyan immigration office in person before the current permission expires.
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 Government of Canada. Canadian citizens can apply directly through Kenya's official eTA portal.