Do UK Travellers Need a Visa or eTA for Kenya?
Want to know if a visa is a mandatory document for Kenya as a British traveller? Find out here.
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Before you travel to Kenya for your next holiday or business trip, find out how to get a travel authorisation quickly from the UK and what the procedure is for doing so. An eTA is an essential travel document for all British travellers and their children.
Kenya Travel: Visa and eTA Requirements for the UK
- An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required for British citizens travelling to Kenya, whether for tourism, business, or transit.
- UK travellers can apply for the Kenya eTA entirely online, using the official platform or a trusted provider. No need to visit an embassy or consulate.
- The standard processing time is between 2 and 4 working days, although delays are possible during peak travel periods.
- The official price of the Kenya eTA is 32.50 USD, but total costs may vary depending on the service provider or additional application assistance.
Yes, UK citizens are required to obtain official authorisation before travelling to Kenya. While commonly referred to as a Kenya visa, the actual document is now an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). This digital permit has replaced the traditional visa for short-term stays such as tourism, business, or transit.
If you’re asking, “Do I need a visa for Kenya from the UK?” or “Do British need a visa for Kenya?” — the answer is yes. Although it's technically an eTA, most travellers still refer to it as a visa for Kenya, since it serves the same purpose: authorising entry into the country before arrival.
The Kenya eTA application from the UK is completed online, and applies to all British citizens, including children. There is no longer any need to visit a Kenyan embassy or consulate, as the entire process is digital.
Whether you're planning a safari, a business trip, or simply visiting family, UK citizens must secure this Kenya e-visa before boarding their flight. Understanding the current Kenya visa requirements for UK citizens is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey.
The eTA functions similarly to a visa—it authorises entry and is checked before boarding your flight—but is obtained via a digital platform in advance of travel. In this article, we explain in detail how to apply for the Kenya eTA from the UK, including how to fill in the online form, what documents you’ll need, how much it costs, and how long it usually takes to get approved.
UK citizens must complete the Kenya eTA application form online. This can be done through the official Kenyan government portal or a trusted third-party provider. The application is accessible from anywhere in the UK, and the process can be completed from a desktop or mobile device.
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to fill out the form:
Although the eTA replaces the traditional visa, many travellers continue to refer to the process as a visa application for Kenya from the UK, and the terminology remains common in search queries and airline guidance.
The official price of the Kenya eTA is 32.50 USD for all eligible travellers, including UK citizens. This fee is paid online at the time of application using a debit or credit card.
Some travellers may choose to use a private service provider to assist with the process, which could result in additional service charges. However, these are optional and not required if you apply directly on the official website.
Unlike traditional visa fees, the eTA cost is fixed and non-refundable once submitted. It’s important to check your eligibility and prepare all necessary documents before making payment.
Although the eTA is technically different from a visa, its function is nearly identical, and many official sources still use the term Kenya visa for UK citizens for clarity and familiarity.
For most UK travellers, the Kenya eTA is processed within an average of 3 working days. Once your online application is submitted with all required documents, Kenyan immigration authorities typically review and approve it within this timeframe. The approved eTA is then sent to the email address provided during your application.
However, some applications may take longer due to specific circumstances. Several factors can affect the processing time, including:
To avoid unnecessary delays, it is recommended that UK citizens submit their Kenya eTA application at least one week before their intended departure date. Applying early provides time to address any issues or follow-up requests from immigration authorities.
It is also essential to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months, that all documents are legible and up to date, and that your travel details are accurate. These precautions will help ensure your Kenya visa (eTA) application is processed smoothly and without interruption.
The eTA Kenya for UK citizens is valid for 90 days from the date of entry into the country. It is issued for a single entry only, meaning that once you leave Kenya, the eTA becomes void—even if the 90-day period has not yet expired. Travellers must also ensure they use the eTA within three months of its issuance, or it will expire unused.
The stay officially begins from the actual date of arrival in Kenya, not from the date the eTA was approved. The eTA is designed for short-term visits only, such as:
For longer stays or special cases, travellers must request a specific visa or permit from Kenyan immigration authorities.
Failure to comply with the authorised period of stay can lead to:
To avoid these issues, UK travellers are advised to respect both the validity and the permitted duration of stay granted by their eTA.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
No, Kenya no longer offers a visa on arrival for UK citizens. Since January 2024, all travellers from eligible countries, including the UK, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling. The eTA must be approved prior to departure and cannot be obtained at the airport or border. Airlines will not allow boarding without proof of approval. The process is completed online, usually within a few minutes, and the document should be printed or saved digitally. This system replaces the previous visa on arrival and is part of Kenya’s move toward a more secure, digitised border process. Failing to apply in advance will result in denied entry. UK travellers should apply early to ensure their trip proceeds without issues.
The Kenya eTA cannot be renewed online once approved. However, UK citizens already in Kenya who wish to extend their stay can apply for a visa extension at the Kenya Department of Immigration Services. This must be done before the initial 90-day eTA period expires. The extension process takes place in person, typically at immigration offices in Nairobi or Mombasa. Applicants may need to provide documents such as a valid passport, a reason for extension, and proof of accommodation. If granted, the extension can allow a total stay of up to 180 days. Travellers should not overstay without permission, as this could lead to fines, deportation, or restrictions on future visits. It's essential to plan ahead and apply for an extension in good time if a longer stay is needed.
Yes, all UK children need a Kenya eTA, regardless of age. There are no exemptions for minors, even when travelling with parents or guardians. Each child must have a separate passport and an individual eTA application. The process is the same as for adults and requires a photo, passport scan, and travel details. When applying, parents should indicate they are submitting the form on behalf of a minor. Some airlines may also request a parental consent letter if the child travels with only one parent or someone else. Immigration officers may ask for this document on arrival. Although the fee is the same as for adults, the eTA is mandatory. Without it, a child will be denied boarding or entry, so it’s essential to complete the application for every family member before travel.