Do Indian citizens need a Kenya visa or eTA?
For ordinary visitor travel, Indian passport holders should use Kenya's current Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system rather than legacy eVisa instructions. Kenya's official portal requires individual travel authorisation before the journey unless an official exemption or other immigration status applies.
Indian passport holder
Use the same passport for the application and travel.
Kenya eTA
Apply online before departure for normal visitor travel.
US$30
Current Standard eTA base fee, excluding payment charges.
Decided at entry
Approval permits travel but does not guarantee admission.
Kenya eTA requirements for Indian citizens
6 months after planned arrival
The official Kenya eTA portal requires at least six months' validity after the planned arrival date.
At least 1
Kenya's official guidance requires at least one blank passport page.
Selfie or passport-style image
Use a clear recent image suitable for identity verification.
Arrival and departure details
Prepare current flight or overland itinerary details.
Hotel, lodge or host information
Accommodation evidence should match the submitted trip plan.
Email, phone and payment method
Use details you can access throughout processing.
How Indian citizens apply for Kenya eTA online
Check your passport
Confirm validity, passport number and a blank page.
Prepare digital evidence
Passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation and contact details.
Complete the application
Enter your personal and passport information exactly.
Add trip-purpose documents
Business, family, conference or medical travel can require extra evidence.
Pay the applicable fee
Government charges and optional private assistance fees should be separated.
Track and wait for approval
Use your reference number and travel after approval where eTA is required.
Tourism, family visits and business travel
Safari, city or coast
Prepare your passport, trip itinerary and accommodation evidence.
Host documents
Kenya may request invitation and host identity or immigration-status documents.
Company invitation
Business applicants can be asked for a company invitation and registration documents.
Kenya eTA fees for Indian 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 an Indian categoryThe current US$185 five-year category is listed for American nationals.
Processing time, validity and stay
| Topic | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| Normal processing | Generally about 3 business days / 72 hours, although some cases can take longer. |
| Recommended timing | Kenya recommends applying at least 2 weeks before travel where possible. |
| Travel-use validity | The eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from its date of issuance. |
| Permitted stay | Determined at the point of entry; do not present it as an automatic 90-day grant. |
| Extension | Do not promise an automatic additional 90 days. Ask Kenya Immigration about current extension eligibility before the authorized stay expires. |
Transit through Kenya for Indian citizens
Kenya currently exempts certain passengers who arrive and leave by the same aircraft or transfer to another aircraft without leaving airport precincts. If you pass immigration, collect baggage landside or leave the airport, check whether a Transit eTA or another authorization applies.
Remain in airport precincts
Certain transit passengers can qualify for exemption under Kenya's current rules.
Entering Kenya
If immigration is crossed, check the appropriate eTA category before travel.
Yellow fever and health planning
Yellow-fever rules depend on your travel route and the countries you have visited or transited, not simply on Indian nationality. Check Kenya Port Health shortly before travel if your itinerary includes a yellow-fever-risk country.
Entering Kenya with an Indian passport
- Travel with the same passport used in the eTA application.
- Keep the approved eTA accessible offline.
- Carry accommodation and onward or return travel evidence.
- Use an active gazetted airport, land border or seaport.
- Be ready for standard immigration and biometric procedures.
- Remember that possession of an eTA is not final authority to enter Kenya.
Multi-country safari travel from Kenya
Indian travellers often combine Kenya with Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda. Do not assume a Standard single-entry Kenya eTA automatically remains valid after every exit and return. Check the current Kenya category and each neighbouring country's entry requirements before booking a regional route.
Common mistakes Indian travellers should avoid
- Using old Kenya eVisa instructions instead of current eTA guidance.
- Assuming visa on arrival is the normal 2026 process.
- Applying with less than six months' passport validity after planned arrival.
- Waiting until the final 72 hours before travel.
- Treating US$34.09 as a fixed government fee.
- Confusing 90-day eTA travel-use validity with an automatic 90-day stay.
- Assuming re-entry after Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda is automatically covered.
Kenya eTA FAQ for Indian citizens
Do Indian citizens need a Kenya eTA?
For normal visitor travel, Indian passport holders should obtain an approved Kenya eTA before travel unless an official exemption or another immigration status applies.
How much is the Standard Kenya eTA?
The current official government base fee is US$30, excluding payment charges.
How long must my Indian passport remain valid?
Kenya's official eTA guidance requires at least six months' passport validity after the planned date of arrival and at least one blank page.
How early should I apply?
Applications are generally processed in about three business days, but Kenya recommends applying at least two weeks before travel where possible.
Can I get Kenya eTA at the airport?
Do not plan to apply at the airport. The current system is designed as a pre-travel authorization and Kenya states you are only allowed to travel after approval where eTA is required.
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 India. Indian citizens can apply directly through Kenya's official eTA portal.