The Kenya eTA Explained - Application Procedure, Cost & More

The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) has replaced the Kenya eVisa effective 1st January 2024. Read on to find out more about the Kenya eTA; what exactly it is, who is eligible/illegible for it, how and where you can apply for it, and how long it takes to get one. 

What is an eTA?    

The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a semi-automated system that establishes a visitor’s eligibility to travel to Kenya. The system will replace the Kenyan eVisa and all visitors visiting the country must be in possession of an eTA before beginning their journey. 

The Government of Kenya mandates that eTA applications be submitted at least three days before travel to ensure enough time for authorization. To be on the safe side (things happen), we advise travelers to submit their applications three months before travel or as soon as they’ve booked their transport and accommodation tickets.  

Contact us to Plan Your Trip to Kenya

We invite you to contact us by phone or WhatsApp at +254704532105 and we will happily assist you plan your safari holiday, business trip, or beach holiday to Kenya.

You can also reach us via email at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk.

We will get back within 12 hours.

Important to Note

The eTA does NOT determine a traveller’s eligibility to ENTER Kenya- that is the role of Immigration officers. What does this mean? It means that a traveller needs not only possess an eTA to enter Kenya, he/she must also fulfill the country’s other entry requirements including presenting a valid passport.  

Who Must Obtain an eTA? 

The eTA is a mandatory travel requirement for all foreign travelers except;

1. Those hailing from EAC Member States. The EAC Member states include; Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia. 
2. Those in possession of valid Kenyan passports or one-way emergency certificates
3. Those who have Kenya Permanent Residence, passes, and work permits
4. Members of diplomatic missions and international organizations delegated to Kenya
5. Travellers who will be arriving and leaving Kenya by the same ship without having to disembark (passengers in transit)
6. Member crews of trains, ships, vehicles, aircrafts, and carriers whose names are included in the ship’s/ train’s/ vehicle’s manifest. 
7. Owners of private jets stopping over Kenya for refuelling. These individuals must not leave the aiport they land on 

N.B. Infants and children will NOT be exempted from applying for the eTA. Their parents/ guardians/ accompanying adults should make the application before travelling.   

The eTA application Process: How to Apply for an eTA

1. Visit the Official Goverment of Kenya Official Website. Applications made through 3rd party websites will be rejected. 
2. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button
3. Ensure you enter all your data correctly
4. Submit your application
5. Check your email for an email confirming receipt of your application
6. For those required to make payment, check your email for an email confriming receipt of payment
7. Wait for your application to be approved/ rejected
8. Once approved, print or download the PDF document attached to your approval email. This is the document you will show to immigration officers at the country’s entry point.

Important to Note

Before starting your application, have the following documents ready.

1. A valid passport. A passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and it must have at least one blank page. 
2. A clear photograph. The photograph must show your full face, it should be in color and taken on an off-white or plain white background.
3. Your contact information; a valid email address, phone number, etc
4. Full details of your departure and arrival itinerary
5. Proof of accommodation. A booking works just fine. Travellers can also submit a screenshot of their reservation message or email. 
6. Debit card, Apple Pay, Credit Card, or any other acceptable means of payment

Based on your country of origin, the following documents  may also be required;

• A yellow fever vaccine. Here’s a list of countries that are required to show proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever.  

For Business Visits

• An invitation letter from your company
• A copy of registration for the company

For Family Visits

• Invitation letter from hosting family
• An ID card, alien card, or passport of the host

Those planning on making regular trips to Kenya are encouraged to download the ‘Kenya Travel Authorization’, a mobel app that will allow them to save their travel documents and profiles on their phones. This will not only help keep their documents safe but it will also allow them to quickly access their documents in future trips. 

How Long Does it Take to Process an eTA?

Processing time varies depending on your country of origin and the type of eTA you are applying for. 

However, three working days is the standard waiting time. 

P.S. Visitors who wish to hasten the approval time can apply for premium service. 

How Do I Check the Status of my eTA application?

To check the status of your eTA application;

1. Visit the ROK Official Government Website
2. Scroll down and click on the ‘check your application’ button

P.S. Minutes after you submit your application, an email will be sent to your inbox confirming receipt of the application. With the email comes a reference number which you should use to check your application status. 

eTA Fees: How Much Does Applying for an eTA Cost?