How long does Kenya eTA take?
Kenya eTA: Find out the processing time, the steps to apply online and our tips to receive your travel authorisation on time.
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Kenya is a must-see destination in East Africa, prized for its spectacular safaris and idyllic beaches. But before you go, it is essential to know the processing time for the Kenya eTA, the new electronic travel authorisation required to enter the country. This document can be obtained via an online application, but how long should you allow before departure? In this article, we explain when to apply for your eTA, the usual processing times, and the precautions you should take to ensure peace of mind when travelling.
Kenya eTA processing time: How long before applying?
- Online application: The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) must be applied for online, either on the official Kenyan government website or through a specialised service provider.
- Standard processing time: The eTA is usually issued within 2 to 3 working days after all the required documents have been submitted.
- When to apply: It is recommended that you apply at least 7 days before your departure in order to receive your eTA in time, even during busy periods.
- Authorized advance application: You can apply for your Kenya eTA up to 90 days before your scheduled arrival date. This allows you to plan ahead for processing times, especially during peak season.
- Validity of the eTA: Once issued, the eTA allows a maximum stay of 90 days in Kenya. This period applies from the date of actual entry into the country, not from the date of approval.
Before travelling to Kenya, it is essential to know the average processing times for the eTA in order to organise your trip without stress or administrative surprises.
The official processing time for the Kenya eTA is generally estimated at 2 to 3 working days from the date of submission of your complete application.
This processing time is calculated from the moment all documents have been submitted correctly and payment has been validated. This is an average provided by the Kenyan authorities for standard applications made under normal conditions.
However, some applications may be processed more quickly, sometimes even within 24 hours, depending on the volume of applications being processed, the clarity of the documents provided or the time of submission (working day or not). However, this fast processing is neither guaranteed nor systematic.
Conversely, delays are possible, particularly in the case of incomplete applications or during busy tourist periods. For this reason, travellers are strongly encouraged to apply for their eTA in advance, even if the official processing time appears to be short. It is best to allow a few extra days to allow for any unforeseen circumstances.
Even though the eTA can be issued within a few days, it is strongly recommended that you apply at least 7 days before your departure for Kenya. This processing time allows for any administrative or technical delays, particularly in the event of non-compliant documents or errors in the form.
Depending on the time of year, processing times may be longer. The high tourist season, such as July-August or December, is often associated with an increase in the volume of applications, which may slightly extend processing times. To avoid any uncertainty, allow between 10 and 15 days before departure as a recommended safety margin.
Please note: the official platform allows you to apply up to 90 days before your arrival date. This allows you to plan ahead as soon as your trip is confirmed, without waiting until the last minute.
Although the standard processing time for a Kenya eTA is 2 to 3 working days, several factors can delay the processing of your application.
When travelling to Kenya at short notice, many travellers wonder whether it is possible to obtain an eTA quickly. The standard processing time is 2-3 working days, but some authorisations are issued faster, sometimes within 24 hours. This depends in particular on the quality of the application and the time of submission. However, there is no official fast-track procedure via the Kenyan government portal.
Some private websites offer ‘urgent’ processing services for an additional fee, but these providers do not have privileged access to the Kenyan system. They simply check and send your application quickly, which may be useful in case of doubt, but does not guarantee priority processing.
If you need to leave within the next 48 to 72 hours, here is what you should do immediately:
With regard to visas on arrival, please note that Kenya abolished this option in January 2024. All travellers must now present a valid eTA before boarding. Only a few exceptional cases (diplomats, civil servants on official business) may still be admitted without prior authorisation, but this does not apply to tourist or business travellers.
If you have not received your eTA in time:
In summary, it is sometimes possible to obtain an eTA for Kenya on an urgent basis, but this depends on the circumstances. The most important thing is to act quickly, submit a flawless application and not rely on an expedited procedure that does not officially exist.
The Kenya eTA is an electronic travel authorisation that allows you to legally enter the country for a short stay for tourism, family or business purposes. It is required for most nationalities and replaces the old visa on arrival system. It is therefore essential to understand its period of validity, the conditions of authorised stay and the restrictions it entails.
Once issued, the eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of entry into Kenya. Unlike some visas, which start from the date of issue, the eTA is only valid from the date of arrival in Kenya. This allows you some flexibility in planning your trip, provided that the application was made within 90 days prior to your planned entry.
The stay authorised with an eTA is also limited to 90 days. This means that the maximum length of time you can stay in Kenya with a single authorisation is three consecutive months. This is usually sufficient for a tourist trip or a short business trip.
Possibility of extension: An extension request can be submitted once on arrival to the Immigration Department in Nairobi. It is not guaranteed but may be granted for an equivalent period (up to 90 additional days).
Not permitted with an eTA:
It is therefore important not to exceed the authorised duration, as this may result in fines or complications during future trips. If you are planning a longer stay, it is better to apply for a visa that is appropriate for your situation (work, study, expatriation, etc.).
If necessary, extensions can only be obtained in person and are at the discretion of the Kenyan authorities. It is therefore safer to plan your stay within the limits set by the eTA.
If you have submitted your Kenya eTA application and do not receive a response within the expected processing time, it is important to remain responsive while maintaining a structured approach. The Kenyan government does not systematically send notifications in the event of technical problems or ongoing processing. It is therefore possible that your authorization has been issued without you being informed.
First of all, log in to your user account on the official website where you submitted your application. Some portals allow you to track the status of your application online. If there is no change after several days, you may consider contacting the service in charge directly.
Here are the steps to take if there is a delay or uncertainty regarding your Kenya eTA:
A technical issue, a bug during payment or a browser incompatibility may also block your request without you being notified. If in doubt, it is best to react quickly and keep a record of all your exchanges, especially if your departure date is approaching.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
No, although the standard processing time is 2 to 3 working days, it may vary slightly depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may be subject to additional checks by the Kenyan authorities, which may delay processing. This is rare, but it does happen for certain countries considered to be “high risk” in terms of migration or diplomacy. It is therefore advisable, regardless of your nationality, not to apply at the last minute. If you are a citizen of a country subject to longer processing times, it is safer to allow 10 to 15 days.
No, the 2-3 working days indicated for the Kenya eTA does not include weekends or Kenyan public holidays. This means that an application submitted on a Friday afternoon will probably not be processed until the following Monday. Similarly, during certain national holidays in Kenya (such as Mashujaa Day, Jamhuri Day, etc.), processing may be suspended. It is therefore important to check the local calendar or allow extra time if your application is close to a weekend or public holiday.
There is no official processing time, but submitting your application early in the day (Kenya time, EAT) maximises your chances of being processed on the same working day. However, requests submitted in the evening or outside office hours will generally be processed on the next working day. It is therefore advisable to submit your request early in the week, between Monday and Wednesday morning, to avoid delays over the weekend or cumulative processing times.