Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for visitors
Directorate of Immigration Services · sources read 30 Sep 2026
Most foreign visitors, including babies and children, must get an approved eTA on etakenya.go.ke before they travel. The standard eTA starts at USD 30 and is usually processed within 3 working days, so apply at least 2 weeks ahead.
- Fee
- The eTA fee depends on the type you pick. Normal processing (up to 72 hours) starts at USD 30, and instant processing costs USD 100 more.
- How long
- Usually within 3 working days (72 hours); an expedited option is processed immediately for an extra fee
- Deadline
- Apply at least 2 weeks before the trip.
- Where
- Online on etakenya.go.ke (Directorate of Immigration Services) or the official Kenya Travel Authorisation app
What you need
- Passport valid for at least 6 more months, with at least one blank page
- A selfie or passport-type photo
- Travel itinerary (arrival and departure dates)
- Accommodation booking confirmation
- Visiting family: an invitation letter from the host
- Visiting family: the host's ID, passport, alien card or entry permit
- Email address and phone number
- A payment card (credit or debit)
Steps
- Apply only on the official site etakenya.go.ke or the official "Kenya Travel Authorisation" app, one application per traveller.
- Click "Apply Now", fill in the details, upload the documents and pay online.
- Wait for the approval email. Print the attached eTA PDF or save it on your phone, and show it at departure and on arrival.
Watch out
- Fees are in US dollars: the standard (normal) eTA starts at USD 30, and the expedited option costs an extra USD 100.
- Don't travel until the eTA is approved.
- An eTA is not a guarantee of entry: the immigration officer at the border decides.
Who can apply
- All foreign visitors, including infants and children, unless they are on the exempt list.
- No eTA needed: citizens of Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda (stays up to 180 days).
- No eTA needed for stays up to 90 days: nationals of a list of countries including South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Jamaica, Singapore and Malaysia. Check the full list on etakenya.go.ke.
- No eTA needed for stays up to 60 days: nationals of a list of African countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire and Djibouti. Check the full list on etakenya.go.ke.
- No eTA needed: holders of Kenya permanent residence or valid work permits and passes.
Official sources (4)
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) immigration.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- General Information etakenya.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- FAQs etakenya.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) etakenya.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026