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Kenya eTA 2026: who needs it, what it costs and how to apply
Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival. Most visitors apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before they fly. Here’s everything you need, in plain English.
- Last checked: 8th September 2026
The quick answer
- Most visitors need an eTA, including children.
- About US$30 per traveller; the faster option costs extra.
- Up to 3 working days to process. Apply 2 weeks ahead.
- Apply only at etakenya.go.ke. Look-alike sites charge more.
Do I need an eTA?
Tip: click the list and start typing your country’s name.
Start here
Pick your passport to see what you need
Covers tourist, business and family visits.
Apply on etakenya.go.keAlso exempt, whatever your nationality
- Holders of Kenya permanent residence, valid work permits or passes
- Holders of a valid Kenya re-entry pass or equivalent written authority
- Transit passengers who stay inside the airport, and ship passengers who don’t leave the ship
- Crew listed on the manifest of a ship, aircraft, train or vehicle travelling on beyond Kenya
- Private aircraft owners stopping to refuel who stay inside the airport
- Holders of laissez-passers from the UN, World Bank, IMF, EU, AfDB, COMESA, IGAD, ILO and other listed organisations, on official business
- Diplomatic, official or service passport holders from India (90 days), Türkiye (90 days), China (30 days) and Iran (30 days)
- Serving members of the British military
Based on the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025. Always confirm on etakenya.go.ke before you travel.
How much it costs?
Fees are per person, paid by card on the portal, and not refundable.
Option
Fee (USD)
Processing time
Standard eTA
about $30
up to 3 working days
Urgent (expedited) eTA
about $30 + $100
usually same day
Airport transit, staying airside
No eTA needed
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How to apply, step by step
The application takes about 20 minutes if your documents are ready.
Step 1
Open the official portal
Go to etakenya.go.ke and choose “Apply for eTA”.
Step 2
Choose your eTA type
Tourist, business, family visit or transit.
Step 3
Upload passport and photo
A clear scan of the photo page and a passport-style photo.
Step 4
Add flights and accommodation
Arrival and departure flights, plus where you’ll stay.
Step 5
Pay by card
Choose standard or expedited processing.
Step 6
Save your approval
Download the PDF, keep it on your phone and print a copy.
Documents checklist
Everyone needs the first list. Add the documents that match the purpose of your trip.
Every traveller
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with one blank page
- Passport-style photo or a clear selfie
- Email address and phone number
- Flight itinerary (arrival and departure)
- Accommodation booking confirmation
- Credit or debit card for payment
Business trip
- Invitation letter from the company
- Copy of its registration certificate
Visiting family
- Invitation letter from your host
- Host’s ID, passport or permit
Other purposes
- Medical: hospital referral letter
- Conference: invitation letter
- Employment: contract
Diplomatic travel
- Diplomatic, official or service passport
- Official letter from your government or organisation
Mistakes that delay or sink applications
Most rejections and delays come down to one of these.
Name doesn't match the passport
Copy it exactly as printed, middle names included
A selfie instead of a passport photo
Plain background, face centred, good light, no filters.
Applying a few days before the flight
Leave two weeks so there’s time to fix problems.
Assuming one eTA covers a side trip
Leaving for Tanzania and coming back needs a new eTA.
Paying a look-alike website
Check the address bar reads etakenya.go.ke before you pay.
Passport expiring too soon
It needs at least 6 months' validity and one blank page.
Other documents you might need
Yellow fever certificate
Required if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk
East Africa Tourist Visa
One visa covering Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda if you’re visiting all three.
Extending your stay
Apply to the Directorate of Immigration Services before your permitted stay ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Kenya replaced visas, including visa on arrival, with the eTA. Apply online before you travel.
Yes. Every traveller needs their own eTA, including children, unless their nationality is exempt.
Usually 3 working days, though some take longer. An urgent option is available for a higher fee. Apply at least 2 weeks before you travel.
No. The eTA gives you permission to travel. Immigration officers make the final decision when you arrive.
Not if you stay inside the airport and fly on, either on the same plane or a connecting flight. If you leave the airport, you need one.
Use the checker above. If your country isn't listed as exempt, you need an eTA. Confirm on etakenya.go.ke if you're unsure.
Contact the official eTA helpline at the bottom of this page. For future trips, apply at least 2 weeks ahead or use urgent processing.
Official government support
Kenya Immigration eTA helpline
“For problems with an application. Welcome Nairobi is an independent guide and can’t process eTAs.
