Apply for Kenya eTA online
The Kenya eTA is required to travel to the country. Learn how to apply, check processing times, costs and entry requirements.
Apply for your Kenya eTA 100% online, without having to travel anywhere.
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The Kenya eTA is a mandatory electronic travel authorization for most travelers wishing to enter Kenyan territory. It applies to tourist and business stays, as well as certain transit situations.
The Kenya eTA application is completed online before departure and requires several personal details and travel documents. Processing times, costs, entry requirements, special cases such as stopovers or transit: this pillar page centralizes essential information and directs you to dedicated pages to explore each topic in more detail, without unnecessary additional steps.
🧾 Key information before applying for a Kenya eTA
- The Kenya eTA is required to enter Kenya
- The application must be submitted online before travel
- Kenya eTA processing times may vary depending on the period
- The cost of the Kenya eTA depends on the type of stay
- A Kenya transit visa may be required in case of a stopover
- The Kenya eTA must be obtained before boarding
This page aims to centralize all essential information about the Kenya eTA. Dedicated pages then allow you to explore each specific topic in more detail.
The Kenya eTA is an electronic authorization that allows foreign travelers to enter Kenya for a short stay, even before departure.
The Kenya eTA is now a mandatory step for most people wishing to enter Kenya. This Kenya travel authorization is issued digitally and replaces older, more complex procedures.
It is an electronic Kenya visa directly linked to the traveler’s passport. Once issued, the Kenya eTA allows travelers to proceed to boarding and immigration checks upon arrival.
Unlike a traditional visa obtained through an embassy, the process is faster, more accessible, and fully digital, making travel preparation significantly easier.
The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization linked to the traveler’s passport. It confirms that the submitted information has been reviewed prior to travel.
The main role of this electronic Kenya visa is twofold:
Without a valid Kenya eTA, boarding or entry into the country may be denied. This authorization is therefore an essential step in preparing any trip to Kenya.
For travelers, the Kenya eTA primarily serves to travel to Kenya in compliance with entry requirements. It applies to short stays and covers different traveler profiles.
Specifically, the Kenya eTA allows:
It is not a residence permit or a long-term work authorization, but a solution designed for temporary stays.
The Kenya eTA application applies to most international travelers wishing to enter Kenyan territory, regardless of the purpose of travel.
Anyone planning to travel to Kenya should check whether they are subject to the Kenya eTA requirement. In most cases, this authorization must be obtained before departure, including for short stays.
Kenya eTA requirements may vary depending on nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay, but the principle remains the same: apply early to avoid travel disruptions.
The Kenya eTA for tourism is intended for travelers visiting the country for holidays, safaris, guided tours, or beach stays.
It notably applies to:
For any tourist trip to Kenya, the Kenya eTA is mandatory and must be obtained before boarding. Travelers planning outdoor experiences often also look for guidance on where to camp in Kenya, depending on national parks and authorized camping areas.
The Kenya eTA for business applies to travelers visiting Kenya for business travel, without engaging in paid local employment.
This includes, for example:
In this context, the Kenya travel authorization allows legal entry for temporary professional activities, without complex visa procedures.
Certain situations require special attention, particularly in cases of a Kenya eTA stopover or transit through Kenya.
Depending on the length of the stopover and whether the international transit area is exited, a Kenya transit visa may be required.
➡️ In case of a stopover, a Kenya transit visa may be required depending on the traveler’s situation and duration…
Travelers should also note that entry rules may differ depending on nationality. Specific guidance is available for Kenya eTA for US citizens and for Kenya visa requirements for UK citizens.
The Kenya eTA application is completed entirely online before departure and follows a structured, user-friendly process.
Submitting a Kenya eTA application online saves time and avoids traditional administrative procedures. The Kenya eTA process is designed to be straightforward, provided all required information is prepared in advance.
The online Kenya eTA application generally follows these steps:
Once submitted, it is important to keep a copy of the Kenya eTA, either digitally or printed, for travel purposes.
To complete the application, certain Kenya eTA documents are required. These primarily relate to identity and travel details.
📄 Documents typically required:
Incomplete or incorrect information may delay processing, which is why careful review before submission is essential.
The Kenya eTA processing time depends on application volume and submission timing, making early planning essential before departure.
Kenya eTA processing time is one of the most frequently asked questions among travelers. Many wonder how long it takes to get a Kenya eTA in order to travel with peace of mind.
In practice, Kenya eTA processing may vary depending on several factors: seasonality, application volume, accuracy of submitted information, or the traveler’s individual situation.
Even though the process is fully digital, travelers should avoid waiting until the last minute.
The Kenya eTA processing time refers to the period between form submission and Kenya eTA approval. In most cases, processing takes a few days, but this timeframe is not guaranteed.
⏳ Factors that may affect processing time:
➡️ “The Kenya eTA processing time is generally a few days, but may vary depending on the period…”
👉 Practical tip: applying as soon as travel dates are confirmed helps reduce the risk of delays or stress before boarding.
The cost of the Kenya eTA varies depending on the type of stay and selected options during the application, which may affect the final amount.
The Kenya eTA cost is not always the same for all travelers. Several factors explain differences in Kenya eTA fees from one application to another.
In addition to the base fee, certain Kenya eTA charges may apply depending on selected services or the applicant’s situation.
Understanding these elements helps avoid surprises during the application process.
The Kenya eTA cost mainly depends on the type of travel and the options associated with the application. The Kenya eTA price may therefore vary depending on the traveler’s profile.
💰 Factors influencing Kenya eTA pricing:
➡️ “The cost of the Kenya eTA depends on the type of travel and included services…”
👉 Helpful tip: comparing options and applying early helps better control overall travel costs.
Some situations require special attention when applying for a Kenya eTA, particularly in the case of stopovers or transit.
Not all travelers fall into a standard situation. A Kenya eTA stopover, transit through Kenya, or specific flight configuration may change the applicable requirements.
Travelers connecting within East Africa should also be aware of regional options such as the East Africa Tourist Visa, which may be suitable depending on the itinerary.
A Kenya eTA refusal or an error in the Kenya eTA application may occur for various reasons. In such cases, it is essential to quickly identify the source of the Kenya eTA issue.
⚠️ Common reasons for refusal or error:
🔧 What to do if a problem occurs?
👉 Careful review before submission significantly reduces the risk of refusal.
Applying for the Kenya eTA early helps avoid last-minute issues before departure and allows for stress-free travel.
The question when to apply for a Kenya eTA is common, especially among travelers planning last-minute trips. However, respecting the Kenya eTA application timeframe is key to avoiding complications.
The Kenya eTA before departure must be obtained prior to boarding, without exception.
The best time is as soon as travel is confirmed, even if departure is still far off. Knowing when to submit the Kenya eTA application helps ensure smooth planning.
📅 Best practices to follow:
👉 By planning ahead, travelers reduce the risk of delays, refusals, or unnecessary stress before departure.
✅ Conclusion
Processing times, costs, and special situations related to the Kenya eTA highlight the importance of careful preparation. By understanding how long it takes, how much it costs, and when to apply, travelers can approach their trip to Kenya with confidence.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes, the Kenya eTA is required for most foreign travelers wishing to enter Kenya. It applies to tourist and business trips, as well as certain transit situations. Without a valid Kenya eTA, boarding may be rejected. It is therefore essential to check the Kenya entry requirements before departure and to apply in advance.
Yes, children and minors must have their own Kenya eTA to travel to Kenya, regardless of their age. Each application is individual and linked to a passport. Parents or legal guardians can apply for a Kenya eTA for children by providing the required documents.
If an error is found after submission, it is important to act quickly. Incorrect information in the Kenya eTA application may result in rejection or a problem at boarding. In some cases, it may be necessary to submit a new application with corrected data before departure.
The Kenya eTA allows you to travel to Kenya and present yourself at immigration, but it does not automatically guarantee admission. The authorities upon arrival retain the right to verify the Kenya entry requirements, travel documents, and the compliance of the declared stay before granting authorization to enter the country.