Last verified: 15 September 2026 · 🔴 HIGH VOLATILITY — re-check the official portal before every trip.
Official application portal (the ONLY one you should use): https://www.etakenya.go.ke This replaced the old
evisa.go.keplatform on 5 January 2024. Many look-alike sites charge extra "service fees" — apply only on the.go.kegovernment site.
The short version
- Kenya no longer issues traditional visas for tourism; most non-exempt visitors need an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) obtained online before they fly.
- As of a July 2025 policy change, most African nationals and a number of other countries are now eTA-exempt (details below).
- Apply at least 3 business days before travel (a week is safer).
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have at least one blank page.
Who needs an eTA vs. who is exempt
Exempt (no eTA needed):
- Citizens of Kenya and East African Community partner states — Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda. (EAC citizens may stay up to 180 days.)
- Under the July 2025 exemption expansion, citizens of most African countries and a list of other nations (e.g. Barbados, Belize, Singapore, Malaysia, and others) can enter without an eTA, with stays typically 90 or 60 days depending on the country. Reported exclusions from the Africa exemption include Somalia and Libya.
- Valid Kenyan permit/pass holders, diplomatic/official passport holders (separate pathway), and certain transit passengers.
Still need an eTA: most travelers from outside Africa whose country isn't on the exemption list (e.g. many European, American, Asian, and Middle Eastern nationals — verify your specific nationality on the portal's exemption checker).
⚠️ Because these exemption lists changed recently and can change again, confirm your exact nationality on https://etakenya.go.ke/apply/exempt before assuming you're exempt. An airline can deny boarding if you arrive without the right authorization.
Sources: etakenya.go.ke exemption page; Erickson Immigration Group (eff. 23 Jul 2025); AllAfrica (Jul 2025). Verified 15 Sep 2026.
Fees & processing
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard eTA fee | USD 30 (base government fee), non-refundable whether approved or denied |
| Possible extras | A small card/service charge may apply; some services offer paid "expedited" processing — not required |
| Processing time | Typically ~3 business days (72 hours); can take longer in some cases |
| Validity | The approved eTA is valid for travel within 90 days of issuance |
| Entry type | Single entry; length of stay is set by the immigration officer at the port of entry (commonly up to 90 days) |
Sources: Kenya Embassy Washington DC; Delfin Tours eTA guide. Verified 15 Sep 2026. Always confirm the current fee on the portal — fees are HIGH volatility.
Documents you need to apply
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival, with ≥1 blank page
- A recent passport-style photo or clear selfie
- Working email and phone number
- Travel itinerary (arrival & departure dates / flights)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel/lodge booking, or host details if staying with friends/family)
- Return or onward ticket (proof you'll leave)
- Payment card (credit/debit)
- Purpose-specific extras where relevant: business invitation letter, medical referral, etc.
Special cases
- Children / minors: each traveler (including infants) needs their own eTA unless exempt. Carry the child's birth certificate.
- Traveling with one parent / as a guardian: carry a consent letter from the absent parent(s) and supporting documents (birth certificate, custody papers) — border officials can ask for proof of the relationship and permission to travel.
- Dual nationals: apply/enter on the passport that best fits your situation; be consistent (same passport for the eTA and at the border). If one of your nationalities is exempt, you may not need an eTA.
- Diplomatic / official passports & Laissez-Passer on duty: use the dedicated pathway on the portal.
- Transit: short airside connections may be exempt; if you'll leave the airport or have a long layover, check whether you need authorization.
Common application mistakes
- Using an unofficial look-alike website and overpaying.
- Applying too late (allow 3+ business days).
- Passport under 6 months validity or no blank page.
- Name/passport-number typos — must exactly match the passport.
- No proof of accommodation or onward ticket.
- Assuming you're exempt without checking the current list.
If it's delayed or rejected
- Delayed: contact eTA support (below) with your reference number; don't book non-refundable travel until approved.
- Rejected: the fee is non-refundable. Review the stated reason, correct the issue (often a document or data mismatch), and re-apply, or contact a Kenyan embassy/consulate for guidance.
eTA support: WhatsApp +254 110 922 064 · Phone +254 717 436 070 · via the portal contact form. (Verified from etakenya.go.ke, 15 Sep 2026.)
Because entry rules are among the most volatile facts here, treat this page as a briefing, not the final word — the linked official portal always overrides it.