Information on Visa Application

Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Delegates from the EAC Countries ( Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda ) do not need to fill out the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

However, those outside the EAC region are required to fill out the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before they can be allowed entry into the country.

What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorized by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon traveler’s arrival. 

The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveler.  Applications are usually processed within 3 days, but in some cases it may take longer. We recommend applying for your eTA 2 weeks prior to travel. Travelers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travelers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.

Who must obtain the eTA?
The eTA is mandatory for all foreign visitors. Passport holders from the following EAC countries are exempted from applying to an eTA: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Each eligible traveler is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It is mandatory to use the Government's official website to submit your application. Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.

What information is required to apply for an eTA?

  • Valid passport
  • Recent passport style picture OR a selfie picture taken during application process.
  • Contact details (home address, telephone, email)
  • Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights).
  • Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted).
  • Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable

How do I apply for the eTA?
The Government of Kenya has made this website available as a secure platform for the purpose of allowing visitors to submit information and apply for an eTA. eTA applications must be completed only through this official website or the “Kenya Travel Authorization” official mobile application and must be done for each individual who intends to travel to Kenya.

Steps:

  1. Visit www.etakenya.go.ke
  2. Click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions
  3. Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly
  4. Submit the application
  5. An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you
  6. An email confirming receipt of payment, if applicable, will be sent to you.
  7. Upon decision by Immigration officer, an email confirming Approval / Refusal will be sent to you
    • If your application has been approved, please either print the PDF document that has been attached to the email, OR download the document to your mobile device OR save it in the “Kenya Travel Authorization” mobile app. This is your electronic travel authorization that needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points
    • If your application has been denied, you will not be able to travel to Kenya for the moment.
    • Please contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details.
    • You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the following URL: https://www.etakenya.go.ke

You are only allowed to travel after your application has been approved by the Government of Kenya.

How much does the eTA cost?

  1. The single entry eTA fee is USD 32.50 per traveler, plus bank and processing fees
  2. The multiple entry eTA fee is USD 160 per traveler, plus bank and processing fees