Editorially reviewed 21 August 2026
What Kenya eTA is — and what it is not
Kenya eTA is a semi-automated pre-travel authorisation system operated by the Directorate of Immigration Services.
It determines whether a visitor is eligible to travel to Kenya before departure.
An approved eTA is permission to travel, but it is not the final authority to enter Kenya.
Admissibility is decided at the point of entry.
Kenya's present system replaces the old general eVisa framework for most travellers, but the country also maintains
a detailed set of official exemptions. That means the traveller should first determine whether eTA is required before paying or applying.
Step 1
Check exemption status
Nationality, residence, permits, diplomatic status and transit circumstances can affect whether eTA is required.
Step 2
Prepare documents
Applicants generally need passport, photo, contacts, itinerary, accommodation and payment information.
Step 3
Wait for approval
Submission alone is not approval. Confirm the application status before travelling.
Older travel articles often use “Kenya eVisa” or “visa on arrival.” For current travel planning, use Kenya's official eTA and exemption rules instead of legacy terminology.
Core Kenya eTA documents
Kenya's official eTA guidance lists the following baseline documents and information for applicants.
Passport
At least 6 months after planned arrival
The passport should also contain at least one blank page.
Traveller image
Selfie or passport-type photo
Use a clear, recent image suitable for identity verification.
Contact information
Email and telephone number
Use contact details you can access throughout the application process.
Travel itinerary
Arrival and departure details
Prepare transport and date information consistent with your planned visit.
Accommodation
Booking confirmation
Hotel, lodge or other relevant accommodation evidence should match the itinerary.
Payment
Supported payment method
The official portal accepts supported card or other payment methods for applicable charges.
Extra documents by travel purpose
Business
Company invitation
Invitation letter from the company plus a copy of company registration.
Family visit
Host documents
Invitation letter and host ID, passport, Alien Card or Entry Permit.
Conference
Participation evidence
Invitation or participation letter.
Medical
Referral evidence
Referral or appointment documentation from a doctor or hospital.
Employment
Contract
An employment contract can be required as purpose-specific evidence.
Diplomatic
Official documents
Diplomatic, Official or Service passport plus the relevant official letter.
Current official Kenya eTA fee categories
Transit eTA
US$20
For qualifying travellers on transit through Kenya.
Standard eTA
US$30
Allows entry into Kenya once.
One Year Multi-Entry
US$300
For eligible travellers needing multiple entries over one year.
Five Year Multi-Entry
US$185
The official eligibility page identifies this category for American nationals.
The official eligibility page currently lists the East African Tourist eTA as “COMING SOON.”
Do not market it as a normally available current option until the government portal changes that status.
Processing time, 90-day use rule and entry
| Topic |
Current official guidance |
| Normal processing |
Applications are usually processed in about 3 working days, although some cases can take longer. |
| Recommended application timing |
The official general-information page recommends applying at least 2 weeks before travel where possible. |
| eTA validity for travel |
The issued eTA must be used for travel within 90 days of the date of issuance. |
| Actual stay in Kenya |
The duration of stay is determined at the point of entry. |
| Final admission |
An eTA does not guarantee entry; admissibility is decided by Kenyan authorities at the border. |
Do not confuse eTA validity with stay length. The 90-day figure describes when the issued eTA must be used for travel, not an automatic 90-day permission to remain.
Who is exempt from Kenya eTA?
Kenya's official 2025 amended rules include multiple exemption groups.
This is why broad claims such as “all foreigners need eTA” or “all AU nationals receive the same exemption” should be avoided.
- Kenya Permanent Residence holders and holders of valid Work Permits and Passes.
- People with valid Kenya re-entry permission or equivalent written authority.
- Citizens of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda for stays not exceeding 180 days.
- A published nationality group exempt for stays not exceeding 90 days.
- A separate published African-country group exempt for stays not exceeding 60 days.
- Some transit passengers who remain within the airport precincts under the official conditions.
- Various official, diplomatic, crew, laissez-passer and special categories listed by Kenyan authorities.
Somalia is not listed in the official EAC 180-day exemption group on the current Kenya eTA “How to Apply” page.
Use the current government list rather than copying older regional summaries.
Official exemptions: https://etakenya.go.ke/how-to-apply
Eligibility & fee categories: https://etakenya.go.ke/eligibility
Kenya Tourist Information Center: where to plan your trip
Immigration and tourism are different services. The eTA portal handles travel authorisation,
while tourism information is provided through Kenya's official destination channels.
For destination planning, experiences, itineraries and tourism inspiration, use the official
Magical Kenya platform and other responsible Kenyan tourism institutions.
Magical Kenya
Official destination information
Use Magical Kenya for destination inspiration, experiences, culture, coast, safari and trip-planning information.
Visit Magical Kenya
Kenya eTA portal
Immigration and travel authorization
Use the government eTA portal for application, status checks, exemptions, processing and immigration-related information.
Visit official eTA portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/
Kenya Wildlife Service
Parks and wildlife
Use KWS for national park, wildlife, conservation and visitor information.
Visit KWS
KE-Visa
Independent application assistance
KE-Visa can provide independent help preparing an eTA application but is not a Kenyan government or tourism authority.
Get application assistance
Before you travel: practical Kenya checklist
- Confirm whether your passport is eTA-exempt before applying.
- If eTA is required, make sure the status is approved before departure.
- Travel using the same passport used in the application.
- Keep accommodation and itinerary details accessible offline.
- Carry purpose-specific documents such as invitations when relevant.
- Check current airline, health, park and border requirements shortly before departure.
- Use official Kenyan sources when information affects entry, safety or money.
Common Kenya eTA information mistakes
Outdated wording
Calling the current system “Kenya eVisa”
Use eTA terminology for the current pre-travel authorisation system.
Overgeneralisation
Saying every foreign visitor needs eTA
Official exemptions exist and should be checked first.
Validity confusion
Calling 90 days an automatic stay
The 90-day figure is the travel-use period for the issued eTA; stay is decided at entry.
Kenya eTA and tourist information FAQ
Does every international traveller need Kenya eTA?
No. Kenya publishes several exemption categories based on nationality, status, permits, diplomatic category and transit circumstances.
How much is a Standard Kenya eTA?
The official eligibility page currently lists the Standard eTA at US$30.
How long does processing usually take?
Usually around three working days, though some applications take longer. The official portal recommends applying roughly two weeks before travel where possible.
Can I stay 90 days because the eTA is valid for 90 days?
Not automatically. The eTA must be used for travel within 90 days of issuance, while permitted stay is determined at the point of entry.
Where should I get official tourism information?
Use official Kenya destination resources such as Magical Kenya for tourism planning, and use the Kenya eTA portal for immigration matters.
Official sources and independent-service disclosure
KE-Visa is an independent travel-document assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Kenya.
Travellers may apply directly through the official Kenya eTA portal.
This page is designed to explain the current rules clearly and to distinguish immigration information from tourism planning resources.
Official Kenya eTA: https://etakenya.go.ke/
How to Apply: https://etakenya.go.ke/how-to-apply
General Information: https://etakenya.go.ke/general-information
Eligibility & Fees: https://etakenya.go.ke/eligibility
Official FAQ: https://etakenya.go.ke/faqs
Magical Kenya
