How to Apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in Kenya

How to Apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in Kenya is based on different factors. Its a must for all visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya to have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.

What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA is a system that offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon travellers’ arrival. 

What the eTA application does is to collect biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller.

Visitors must apply for the eTA via www.etakenya.go.ke and pay a processing fee of USD $34. All eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation.

Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. The Directorate of Immigrations & Citizen Service Kenya highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.

Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

1. Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
2. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
3. Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
4. Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya.
5. Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)
6. All passengers, in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
7. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
8. Members of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
9. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.

Requirement for to Apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in Kenya

Please have the following documents ready before starting your application.

For all travellers

• Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page 
• Selfie or passport-type photo
• Contact information, email address and phone number
• Details of your arrival and departure itinerary 
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
• Credit card, debit card or other means of payment

Based on your country of residence and citizenships the following may also be required:

• Financial assets / banks letter(s)

Based on your purpose of visit the following may also be required:

• Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital
• Conference invitation/participation letter
• Employment contract
• Supporting documents for resettlement
• Vaccination(s) or test results certificates

For travellers arriving for business

• Invitation letter from company
• Copy of registration of the company

Travellers visiting family

• Invitation letter from family/host
• Identity card/Passport/Alien card/Entry permit of the family member/host

For Diplomatic travel

• A Diplomatic, Official and Service passport
• An official letter from the Country of Origin/Organisation/ Foreign Affairs.

Processing time is three (3) working days but in some cases it may take longer or shorter period.

Tobong’u Lorre! Welcome Home!"Kenya is the home of humanity"

H.E. President William Samoei Ruto

Enjoy your stay in Kenya, please let us know in the comment section what attracted you to Kenya

Read Also: How do I check the status of my eTA application

Credits: Apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)