KENYA INTRODUCES A NEW ETA SYSTEM

An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon travellers’ arrival. Kenya Citizens are exempt from the eTA.Citizen of EAC Partner States are exempt from the eTA.

An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon travellers’ arrival. Kenya Citizens are exempt from the eTA.Citizen of EAC Partner States are exempt from the eTA.

The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller. eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation.

Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.

If you expect to travel to Kenya regularly or have multiple trips planned, we highly encourage you to download the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app that will be made available in January. You will be able to securely save your travel documents and profile on your phone which can be reused for future travel.

Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It is mandatory to use the Government's official website to submit your application.

Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.

Benefits of Kenya eTA system

• Kenya eTA enables travellers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their homes before starting their trip. Travellers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.

• Travellers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or at arrival anymore.

•  Kenya eTA also benefits airlines by simplifying the check-in process. Transport carriers can easily verify that travellers have been authorised to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and are in possession of 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 digitise its government processes.

How to Apply

PERSONS WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM OBTAINING THE ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (eTA)

• Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.

• Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.

• Holders of valid United Nation 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, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania andUganda. (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 theprecincts of Airports in Kenya.

• All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.

• Members of 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.

All other visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.

Please have the following documents ready before starting your application.

For all travellers

• Valid passport for at least six (6) month after your planned date of arrival into Kenya with at least one blank page 

• Selfie or passport-type photo

• Contact information, email address and phone number

• Details of your arrival and departure itinerary 

• Accommodation booking confirmation(s)

• Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment

Based on your country of residence and citizenships the following may also be required:

• Financial assets / banks letter(s)

• Return transportation booking (flight ticket,..)

Based on your country of residence and travel history the following may also be required:

• Yellow fever certificate

• Other vaccination(s) or test results certificates

Based on your purpose of visit the following may also be required:

• Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor / hospital

• Conference invitation/participation letter

• Employment contract

• Supporting documents for resettlement

For Business visits

• Invitation letter from company

• Copy of registration of the company

For Family visits

• Invitation letter from family/host

• Identity card / Passport / Alien card / Entry permit of the family member / host

For Diplomatic travel

• A Diplomatic, Official and Service passport

• An official letter from the Country of Origin/ Organisation/ Foreign Affairs.

Processing time will vary depending on the type of eTA and your country of citizenship.Standard processing time is three (3) working days.

Apply Here