Kenya eTA FAQ 2026: Fees, Documents, Children, Exemptions & Entry Rules

No. Kenya's current pre-travel system is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Older references to the general Kenya eVisa system should not be used as current guidance for new travel.

The Government of Kenya says applications should be completed through the official etakenya.go.ke website or the official Kenya Travel Authorisation mobile application. Each person who needs eTA must have an individual application.

No. KE-Visa is an independent application-assistance service. Travellers can apply directly through the official government portal without using private assistance.

No. eTA gives permission to travel to Kenya. Final admissibility and the permitted duration of stay are determined at the point of entry.

The official eligibility page currently lists the base government fee for Standard eTA at US$30. Payment charges can be additional.

The current official eligibility page displays East African Tourist eTA — COMING SOON. It should not presently be advertised as a standard available alternative.

Yes, a private assistance service may charge its own service fee. That fee should be shown separately and clearly from the Kenya government's eTA fee.

The official portal says processing is typically three working days, although some cases can take longer.

Kenya's official general-information guidance recommends applying about two weeks before travel where possible, even though standard processing is usually faster.

Do not assume submission is enough. The official portal says travellers should have an approved authorisation before beginning their journey where eTA is required.

Use the Check Status function on the official Kenya eTA portal and enter the reference information from your submitted application.

Where eTA is required, yes. The official portal states that each passenger needs an individual eTA application, including children and infants. However, official exemption rules still apply, so an exempt child does not need an eTA simply because of age.

Yes. The official FAQ says that travellers applying as a couple or group can select Apply as a Group, but each passenger still has an individual application record.

A parent or guardian should use contact details they can reliably access throughout the application and travel process. Always follow the fields and instructions shown in the official form.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of arrival, with at least one blank page.
• Selfie or passport-type photo.
• Email address and phone number.
• Arrival and departure itinerary.
• Accommodation booking confirmation.
• Credit card, debit card or another accepted means of payment.

Yes. The official portal lists a company invitation letter and a copy of the company's registration among business-travel requirements.

The official guidance lists an invitation letter plus the host's ID, passport, Alien Card or Entry Permit.

Yes. Depending on purpose, Kenya may request a hospital referral or appointment letter, conference invitation/participation letter, employment contract, resettlement evidence, vaccination certificates or test results.

The official guidance says the eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from the date of issuance.

No. This is a common misunderstanding. The 90-day period refers to when the issued eTA must be used for travel. The actual permitted duration of stay is determined at the point of entry.

The current official eligibility page describes Standard eTA as allowing entry into Kenya once.

Yes. Kenya's current rules contain several exemption categories based on nationality, residence or permit status, diplomatic status, transit conditions and other official categories.

The official current list names Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda for stays not exceeding 180 days.

No. Somalia is not listed in the current official Kenya eTA “How to Apply” EAC 180-day exemption group. Use the live official list rather than older regional summaries.

No. Kenya publishes different exemption groups, including some nationalities exempt up to 90 days and another published African-country group exempt up to 60 days, alongside the EAC and special-status exemptions.

The official rules exempt certain transit passengers who arrive and leave by the same aircraft or transfer to another aircraft without leaving airport precincts. If you plan to leave the airport, check your exact eligibility.

Use the official Kenya eTA support channels. The current contact page lists live chat for urgent issues and official telephone support.

The current official contact page lists +254 202 222 022 and +254 110 922 064. The portal also displays WhatsApp assistance on +254 110 922 064 and an additional assistance number +254 717 436 070.

No. KE-Visa may provide independent application-preparation guidance, but only Kenya's competent authorities control approval, refusal, status and border admission.