What is the Kenya eTA?
Kenya's Directorate of Immigration Services describes the eTA as a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. It is permission to travel, but it is not the final decision on admission. Immigration officers determine admissibility and the authorized duration of stay at the point of entry.
Electronic Travel Authorisation
Current digital travel authorization used by Kenya.
Pre-travel screening
Determines eligibility to travel before arrival.
At the border
Approval does not guarantee entry.
eVisa is legacy wording
Current visitor content should primarily use Kenya eTA.
Kenya eTA requirements
6 months after planned arrival
Kenya's baseline rule requires at least six months of validity after your planned arrival date.
At least 1
Some national governments or airlines may recommend more, so check nationality-specific guidance.
Selfie or passport-type image
Use a clear, recent image suitable for identity verification.
Email and telephone
Use contact information you can access during processing.
Arrival and departure details
Provide current flight, land or sea travel information.
Hotel, lodge or host details
Accommodation evidence should match your stated trip.
Additional documents by purpose of travel
Company evidence
Kenya may require a company invitation letter and a copy of company registration.
Host evidence
Invitation plus host identity or immigration-status documents may be requested.
Purpose-specific proof
Medical, conference, employment, resettlement or health documents can be requested where relevant.
Kenya eTA fees in 2026
Transit eTA
US$20Current official base fee for travellers requiring transit authorization.
Standard eTA
US$30Allows one entry into Kenya.
One-Year Multi-Entry
US$300Allows multiple entries over one year.
Five-Year Multi-Entry
US$185Current live eligibility page lists this for American nationals.
How to apply for Kenya eTA
Confirm whether you need eTA
Check exemptions and your passport's current eligibility.
Prepare documents
Passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation and contact details.
Complete the application
Enter information exactly as shown in the passport.
Add extra evidence
Upload business, family, conference or other purpose-specific documents when requested.
Pay the relevant fee
Government charges and optional private-service charges should be shown separately.
Wait for approval
Kenya states that travellers should begin the journey only after approval where eTA is required.
Processing time and when to apply
Kenya says eTA applications are usually processed in about 3 business days, but verification can take longer. The government recommends submitting the application at least 2 weeks before travel to leave enough time for additional checks.
Validity and duration of stay
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| 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 by Kenyan immigration. |
| Single-entry Standard eTA | Allows one entry; do not assume it automatically survives every exit and re-entry. |
| Multiple-entry options | Kenya currently lists one-year multi-entry and a five-year multi-entry category for American nationals. |
Who may be exempt from Kenya eTA?
Not every traveller needs to complete a paid eTA. Kenya publishes exemptions based on nationality, immigration status, transit circumstances and certain official categories.
- Kenyan citizens and specified East African Partner State citizens.
- Holders of Kenya permanent residence, valid work permits and passes.
- Certain passengers transiting without leaving airport precincts.
- Specified diplomatic and international-organisation categories.
- Other categories listed in Kenya's current immigration rules.
How to check Kenya eTA status
The official Kenya portal provides a Check Status function. Use the reference number sent to your email after submission. The portal also provides a Validate eTA function.
- Keep the application reference email.
- Use the official government portal for status checks.
- Save the approval document offline before departure.
- Use official support if your application cannot be located.
Transit through Kenya
Remain within airport precincts
Kenya exempts certain passengers transferring without leaving the airport precincts.
Pass immigration or leave airport
Check whether a Transit eTA or another valid authorization is required.
Kenya eTA vs old Kenya eVisa
Older websites still use terms such as “Kenya eVisa,” “visa on arrival” or “tourist eVisa.” For current visitor guidance, the primary term should be Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
Useful Kenya travel guides
Tourist destinations
Plan Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and coastal travel.
Kenya Destinations →Kenya eTA FAQ
What is Kenya eTA?
It is Kenya's electronic pre-travel authorization system used to determine whether eligible visitors may travel to Kenya.
How much is the Standard Kenya eTA?
The live official eligibility page currently lists US$30 excluding payment charges.
How long does processing take?
Usually about three business days, although some applications take longer. Kenya recommends applying about two weeks before travel.
Does eTA approval guarantee entry?
No. Kenya states that admissibility and the duration of stay are determined at the point of entry.
Can I check my application status online?
Yes. Use Check Status on the official Kenya eTA website with the reference number sent to your email.
Official sources and independent-service disclosure
KE-Visa is a private, independent travel-document assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Kenya. Travellers can submit an eTA application directly through Kenya's official government portal.