Kenya Visa Requirements & eTA Guide
Most visitors to Kenya now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which replaced the old visa system in January 2024. Here's exactly how it works for safari travellers.
eTA Required
$30
Online application, no embassy visit
Processing Time
3–7 Days
Usually approved within 24-48 hours
Passport Validity
6 Months
Beyond your date of entry into Kenya
eTA Step-by-Step
The entire process takes under 20 minutes. Apply at least 7 days before travel.
- 1
Visit etakenya.go.ke
1 minuteGo to the official government portal. This is the only legitimate site — avoid third-party services that charge $80-150 for the same $30 application.
- 2
Create an Account
3 minutesRegister with your email address. You will receive a verification link — check spam if it does not arrive within a few minutes. Use the same email you check regularly for status updates.
- 3
Fill the Application Form
10 minutesEnter personal details (full name as on passport), passport information (number, issue/expiry dates), travel dates, and accommodation details (hotel or safari operator name and address).
- 4
Upload Required Documents
5 minutesColour scan of passport bio-page (the page with your photo), a passport-size photo with white background, and your return flight booking confirmation. Files must be under 5MB each.
- 5
Pay $30 & Receive Your eTA
2 minutes + 1-3 days processingPay via credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard). You will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours (usually 24-48 hours). Download and print the approval letter for your trip.
What You Need
Gather these documents before starting your eTA application.
Valid Passport
- ✓Minimum 6 months validity beyond entry date
- ✓At least 2 blank pages for stamps
- ✓Must be machine-readable (MRP)
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
- ✓Costs $30 per adult (children under 16 free)
- ✓Applied online at etakenya.go.ke
- ✓Processed within 72 hours (usually 24-48h)
Yellow Fever Certificate
- ✓Required only if transiting through endemic country
- ✓Direct flights from Europe/Americas/Asia exempt
- ✓Must be WHO-approved international certificate
Travel Insurance
- ✓Medical evacuation coverage (min $100,000)
- ✓Trip cancellation protection
- ✓Adventure/safari activities included
Return Ticket
- ✓Proof of onward/return travel required
- ✓Flight booking confirmation sufficient
- ✓May be checked at departure and arrival
Accommodation Proof
- ✓Hotel booking confirmation or safari itinerary
- ✓Operator contact details (name, phone, address)
- ✓Required during eTA application
Do You Need an eTA?
East African Community members are exempt. Most other nationalities require an eTA.
No eTA Required (7)
Uganda
EAC member — free entry with passport or national ID
Tanzania
EAC member — free entry with passport or national ID
Rwanda
EAC member — free entry with passport or national ID
Burundi
EAC member — free entry with passport or national ID
South Sudan
EAC member — free entry with passport or national ID
DR Congo
EAC member — free entry with passport or national ID
Somalia
EAC member — free entry with passport
eTA Required (37)
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Germany
France
Netherlands
Italy
Spain
India
China
Japan
South Africa
Brazil
Sweden
Norway
Denmark
Switzerland
New Zealand
Israel
South Korea
Poland
Portugal
Ireland
Belgium
Austria
Nigeria
Ghana
Ethiopia
Mexico
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Malaysia
Thailand
Russia
Argentina
This is not an exhaustive list. All nationalities not explicitly exempt require an eTA. Children under 16 are free when listed on a parent's application. Check the official portal at etakenya.go.ke for your specific country.
Arrival Checklist
Everything to prepare before departure and what to expect at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Before You Fly
- eTA approval letter printed (and saved on phone)
- Passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Yellow fever certificate (if transiting endemic country)
- Travel insurance policy documents
- Return/onward flight confirmation
- Hotel or safari operator booking confirmation
- Passport photocopies (stored separately from original)
- Small USD bills for tips ($5s and $10s)
- Malaria prophylaxis started (if prescribed)
At JKIA Airport
- Complete customs declaration form (given on plane)
- Have eTA printout and passport ready before immigration queue
- Biometric scan at counter (fingerprints + photo, under 1 min)
- Declare items over $500 or currency over $10,000
- Collect luggage at belt (allow 20-40 min after landing)
- If connecting to safari: transfer to Wilson Airport (20 min by taxi)
- Exchange currency at airport bureau (or withdraw KES from ATM)
- Meet your safari operator transfer at arrivals hall
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Kenya?
No. Kenya discontinued visa-on-arrival in January 2024 when the eTA system launched. All travellers (except exempt categories) must apply for and receive an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before departing. Airlines will check your eTA status at check-in.
How long can I stay in Kenya with an eTA?
Up to 90 days per entry. The eTA itself is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and allows multiple entries within that period. If you need to stay longer, apply for a permit extension at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi before your authorised stay expires.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Kenya?
Only if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (most of Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America). If you are flying direct from Europe, North America, or Asia with no stops in endemic countries, no yellow fever certificate is required.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?
$30 per application for adults. Children under 16 are free when included on a parent's application. The fee is non-refundable, even if rejected. Only apply through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke — third-party sites charge significantly more for the same service.
Related Guides
Let Us Handle the Details
Our planning team ensures your documents, transfers, and connections are sorted before you board your flight. Focus on the safari — we handle the logistics.