Do Russian citizens need a Kenya visa or eTA?
Russian passport holders travelling for ordinary visitor purposes should use Kenya's current eTA system rather than old eVisa or visa-on-arrival instructions. Kenya requires an approved travel authorisation before the journey unless a published exemption or another valid immigration status applies.
Russian international passport
Use the same passport throughout application and travel.
Kenya eTA
Apply before departure for normal visitor travel.
US$30
Current Standard eTA base fee excluding payment charges.
Made at the border
An approved eTA permits travel but does not guarantee admission.
Kenya eTA requirements for Russian citizens
6 months after planned arrival
Kenya's official eTA guidance requires at least six months' validity after the planned arrival date.
At least 1
The official Kenya portal requires at least one blank passport page.
Selfie or passport-type image
Use a recent, clear image suitable for identity verification.
Arrival and departure details
Prepare current flight or overland journey information.
Hotel, lodge or host details
Accommodation should be consistent with the submitted itinerary.
Email and telephone
Use details you can access throughout processing and travel.
Payment guidance for applicants from Russia
Kenya's official application guidance says applicants need a credit card, debit card or other supported means of payment. The government portal does not publish a nationality-specific rule telling Russian citizens to use cards issued in the UAE, Turkey, Kazakhstan or any other named country.
Check international payment capability
Confirm with your card issuer or payment provider whether online foreign-currency transactions to the government portal can be completed.
Do not improvise with unverifiable instructions
Use the portal's official support channels or a legitimate assistance provider rather than relying on informal payment workarounds.
How Russian citizens apply for Kenya eTA
Check your passport
Confirm validity, passport number and a blank page.
Prepare documents
Passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation and contact details.
Complete the online form
Enter names, dates and passport number exactly.
Add purpose-specific evidence
Business, family, conference and medical trips may need extra documentation.
Pay the applicable fee
Government and optional assistance fees should be clearly separated.
Track and wait for approval
Kenya states that travel should begin only after approval where eTA is required.
Tourism, family visits and business travel
Safari, coast or city trip
Prepare passport, itinerary and accommodation evidence.
Host documentation
Kenya may request an invitation and host identity or immigration-status documents.
Company documents
Business applicants may need a company invitation and company-registration copy.
Kenya eTA fees for Russian 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 Russian categoryThe current US$185 five-year category is listed for American nationals.
Processing time, validity and permitted stay
| Topic | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| Normal processing | Generally about 3 business days / 72 hours, although verification 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 the date of issuance. |
| Permitted stay | Determined at the point of entry, not automatically fixed at 90 days. |
| Extension | Do not promise an automatic extra 90 days; confirm current extension eligibility with Kenya Immigration before the authorized stay expires. |
Transit through Kenya for Russian citizens
Kenya exempts certain passengers who remain within airport precincts while transferring. If you pass immigration, collect baggage landside or leave the airport, check whether a Transit eTA or another authorization applies.
Remain within airport precincts
Certain transit passengers qualify for exemption under the current rules.
Entering Kenya
If you cross border control, check the appropriate authorization before departure.
Entering Kenya with a Russian passport
- Travel with the same passport used for the eTA application.
- Keep the approved eTA accessible offline.
- Carry accommodation and onward or return travel details.
- Use an active gazetted airport, border post or seaport.
- Be ready for normal immigration and biometric procedures.
- Remember that eTA approval does not guarantee admission.
Multiple-entry and regional safari travel
The supplied legacy text describes the Kenya eTA as if no multiple-entry option exists, but the current official portal now lists a One-Year Multi-Entry eTA at US$300. That makes the old “standard multiple-entry visa no longer exists” language incomplete.
For Kenya-Tanzania-Uganda-Rwanda itineraries, do not assume a Standard single-entry eTA automatically remains valid after every exit and return. Check your eTA category and each neighbouring country's entry requirements before booking.
Common mistakes Russian travellers should avoid
- Using outdated 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 departure.
- Treating US$34.09 as a fixed government total.
- Publishing unverified instructions about which foreign bank must issue the payment card.
- Confusing 90-day travel-use validity with an automatic 90-day stay.
- Assuming re-entry after neighbouring countries is automatically covered by Standard eTA.
Kenya eTA FAQ for Russian citizens
Do Russian citizens need a Kenya eTA?
For ordinary visitor travel, Russian passport holders should obtain an approved Kenya eTA before travel unless a published exemption or another valid 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 Russian passport remain valid?
Kenya requires at least six months' passport validity after the planned date of arrival and at least one blank page.
Which bank card should a Russian applicant use?
The Kenya portal says credit card, debit card or other supported means of payment. It does not publish a rule requiring cards from a particular third country. Check actual payment compatibility at the time of application.
Is there a Kenya multiple-entry eTA?
Yes. Kenya's current official eligibility page lists a One-Year Multi-Entry eTA at US$300.
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 the Russian Federation. Russian citizens can apply directly through Kenya's official eTA portal.