Electronic Travel Authorisation ( eTA )
KENYA eTA APPLICATION GUIDE
The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a mandatory digital entry requirement for most international travelers visiting Kenya. Whether you are traveling for tourism, business, transit, or short-term professional activities, securing an approved Kenya eTA before departure is essential to avoid boarding denial or entry refusal.
This guide explains the Kenya eTA application process, requirements, fees, eligibility, and common mistakes so you can apply with confidence.
What Is the Kenya eTA?
The Kenya eTA is an online travel authorization introduced by the Government of Kenya in 2023 to replace traditional visas. It allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain permission to enter Kenya without visiting an embassy or consulate. The system improves border security, reduces processing times, and simplifies entry for short-term visitors. Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to your passport. Even travelers who previously entered Kenya visa-free must now apply for an eTA before travel.
Who Needs a Kenya eTA?
A Kenya eTA is required for travelers entering Kenya for short stays. Tourists visiting Kenya for holidays, safaris, sightseeing, or leisure must apply for a Tourist eTA and provide proof of accommodation. Business travelers attending meetings, site visits, trade fairs, or consultations must apply for a Business eTA and submit a formal invitation from a Kenyan company. Passengers transiting through Kenya and leaving the airport or staying overnight require a Transit eTA along with an onward ticket. Travelers visiting relatives or friends must provide an invitation letter and proof of the host’s legal status in Kenya. Patients seeking medical treatment must submit referral and appointment letters from both their home country and the receiving medical facility in Kenya.
Kenya eTA Key Information
The Kenya eTA application is completed entirely online through the official portal or approved platforms. No embassy visits or physical paperwork are required. Standard processing takes up to three business days, though delays may occur if documents are missing or unclear. The eTA is issued as a single-entry authorization and allows a stay of up to ninety days from the date of entry. The official Kenya eTA fee is USD 50 and is non-refundable once processing begins.
Kenya eTA Requirements
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Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
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Minimum one blank page in the passport
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Passports close to expiry may result in application refusal
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Recent passport-style photograph:
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Taken within the last 6 months
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Full-face, color photo
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Plain white or off-white background
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No hats, uniforms, or dark/tinted glasses
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Incorrect or non-compliant photos are a common cause of rejection
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Confirmed travel itinerary including:
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Arrival and departure dates
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Flight numbers
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Return or onward ticket
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Proof of accommodation:
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Hotel booking confirmation or
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Invitation letter from a host in Kenya
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Valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for travelers from risk countries)
Additional Documents by Travel Purpose
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Tourist eTA
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Hotel booking confirmation
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Business eTA
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Invitation letter from the Kenyan company
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Company registration certificate
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Host’s Kenyan ID
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Host’s staff ID
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Transit eTA
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Confirmed onward or return ticket
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Family Visit eTA
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Invitation letter from host
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Host’s passport, national ID, or residence permit
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Medical eTA
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Referral letter from home doctor or hospital
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Appointment confirmation from Kenyan medical facility
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PROCESSING TIME
- All eTA Applications are processed within 5 working days.
Common Kenya eTA Application Mistakes
Entering incorrect or mismatched passport details
Uploading outdated or non-compliant photographs
Failing to upload all required supporting documents
Selecting the incorrect travel purpose
Applying too close to the intended travel date
GET ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR KENYA eTA VISA APPLICATION IN KENYA
Planning to travel to Kenya? The visa process requires accurate documentation, timely submission, and professional guidance. At Greentod Visa Solutions, we help you navigate the Kenyan visa application process with ease – saving you time, reducing stress, and improving your chances of approval.
Kenya eTA Facilitation Fee
Get Professional support for your Kenya eTA application at a fair and transparent fee.
from USD 100
- 90 Day Visa
- Full Trip itinerary
- Cover letter templates
- Consultation / Advisory
- Online form filling
- Hotel reservations
- Visa Fees
- Consular liason
Visa Fees Inclusive
Disclaimer
Greentod Visas & Travel Solutions is a Kenyan-based visas and Immigration consultancy dedicated to supporting clients through every step of their visa application & Immigration journey. While we work independently and are not affiliated with any embassy, our role is to provide guidance, document support, and application assistance. Visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the relevant embassy or immigration authority, and we do not guarantee approval or denial of any application.