How to apply for the Kenya eTA Visa
The Kenyan Government announced that from 01st January 2024, travelers to Kenya will not require a Visa and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya and is currently in effect.
Following the announcement by the Kenyan President that Kenya will abolish visa requirements for its visitors, all travelers will now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to identify them as they enter Kenyan soil. Passport holders from the following EAC countries are exempted from applying for an eTA: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The eTA will not affect any of our scheduled safaris to Kenya, Our experts are ready to help you where possible to apply for your Electronic Travel Authorisation and get it in time before your safari. Once you have it, you won’t require anything else.
What is Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation – eTA
The Kenyan ETA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. This system was introduced to ease the process of getting entry permits to Kenya, replacing the normal visas. The eTA system was designed to ease the process of applying for and getting issued Electronic Travel Authorisation within a short time.
How Much is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) – Cost of Kenya eTA Visa
In November 2023, the Ministry of Interior announced that applying for an eTA would cost $30 (4500). The gazette also announced a change in visa fees.
In the amended prices, a single visa will cost $100 (ksh 15,700), $500 (ksh 78,500) for a multiple-entry visa, $160 (ksh 25,120) for a 5-year multiple-entry visa, and $200 (ksh 31,400) to apply for an extension after your visa surpass the 6-month validity period.
Also, the price of penalties for overstaying increased to $100.
P.S. eTA application fees are non-refundable. Once your application is submitted, the fee cannot be refunded, whether or not your application is approved. The same applies to canceling your travel plans.
The cost of the ETA is USD 30 to process it. Please note that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is only valid for 90 days and is only applicable for people coming for short stays in Kenya. If you are looking to stay longer than 90 days, please visit the Kenya Visa Website to apply for longer visa permits.
How to apply for the Kenya eTA Visa
- Visit https://etakenya.go.ke
- Click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions
- Make sure that all the data has been entered correctly
- Submit the application
- An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to you
- An email confirming receipt of payment, if applicable, will be sent to you
- Upon the decision by the Immigration officer, an email confirming Approval / Refusal will be sent to you
- If your application has been approved, please either print the PDF document that has been attached to the email, OR download the document to your mobile device OR save it in the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app. This is your electronic travel authorisation that needs to be shown at all departure and arrival points.
- If your application has been denied, you will not be able to travel to Kenya for the moment.
- Please contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details.
- You can check the status of your application at any time by visiting the following URL: https://etakenya.go.ke
- You are only allowed to travel after your application has been approved by the Government of Kenya.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has said that visitors will still need to apply for Visas to enter Kenya as the government is set to roll out the ETA system.
Requirements to Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
In a step-by-step guideline listed on the ETA website, all visitors – including infants – will need:
- Valid passport for at least six (6) months after their planned arrival date into Kenya with at least one blank page.
- Selfie or passport-type photo
- Contact information (Email address and phone number)
- Details of arrival and departure itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
- Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or other means of payment
Benefits of Kenya eTA system for Guests Visiting Kenya
- Kenya eTA enables travelers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their homes before starting their trip. Travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.
- Travelers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or upon arrival.
- Transport carriers can easily verify that travelers have been authorized to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and have an approved eTA.
- Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections.
- Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitize its government processes.
Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Kenya eTA Visa
- Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificates issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
- Holders of valid United Nations Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya.
- Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)
- All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
- All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
- Members of the crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
- Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
How to apply for the Kenya eTA Visa
In case you would want to stay longer in Kenya, you need to apply for a Kenyan Visa. Here is what You need to do:
- Click register on www.ecitizen.go.ke.
- Select Register as a Visitor.
- Once Logged in, Select Department of Immigration services.
- Select Submit Application.
- Select Kenyan Visa.
- Select the type of Visa and read the Instructions Carefully.
- Fill in the application form.
- Pay Using Visa card, Mastercard, and other debit cards.
- Await approval via email, then download and print the eVisa from your eCitizen account.
- Present your printed eVisa to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Requirements For a Kenyan eTA or eVisa
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Passport copy: A clear scan of the information pages of your valid, signed passport, as well as a copy of the passport’s front cover.
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Passport-type photograph. A digital passport-type photograph taken within the last 6 months. If it meets the standards of a passport-type photograph, it may be taken using a cell phone against a white wall.
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Proof of accommodation. A copy of hotel reservations or other lodgings for the duration of the trip. The applicant’s name must be on the reservation.
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Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant’s name must be on the itinerary.
