Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

An electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an essential document required for traveling to Kenya. It serves as an official elegibility entry requirement for foreign nationals who wish to visit Kenya for tourism, business, visiting family and friends, medical or other short-term purposes.

There are two distinct procedures for submitting an eTA application:

1. Individual Application: This option is for a single applicant submitting their own eTA request.
2. Group Application: This method allows multiple individuals to apply together, which can be more efficient in certain circumstances. The group application option is available for families, couples, friends sharing a residence, or companies submitting on behalf of their employees.

An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) does not determine the admissibility of a traveler to enter Kenya. The determination of admissibility is made by immigration officers upon the arrival of the travelers. 

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a requirement for most foreign visitors to Kenya. Here are the key points regarding the eTA system:

The eTA is mandatory for most foreign visitors, with exceptions.

• Citizens of East African Community (EAC) Member States are exempt: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan.
• Future EAC members (pending ratification): Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia (ratification date not yet announced).
• Special cases: Somalian citizens must apply for an eTA and pay the processing fee. Citizens of Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, San Marino, and South Africa are exempt from the USD 30 fee.
• Multiple entry eTA: Available for U.S. citizens and is valid for 5 years.

Citizens of the East African Community (EAC) member states, specifically Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, are exempt from the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement. These passport holders can travel without applying for an eTA. 

When applying for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), applicants are required to provide several key pieces of information:

1. Passport: The passport must have a minimum of six months validity from the date of entry.
2. Photograph: A recent passport-style photo or a selfie taken during the application process is necessary.
3. Contact Information: This includes the applicant's home address, telephone number, and email address.
4. Travel Details: The arrival flight number and departure date for any connecting flights should be provided.
5. Accommodation Proof: Either a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter if staying with friends or family is required.
6. Health Requirements: Applicants should consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website for information on countries that require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
7. Payment Method: Credit or debit card information may be necessary to process the application fee.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system offers two distinct options:

1. Single Entry eTA:

• Cost: USD 32.50 per individual
• Additional expenses: Bank and processing fees apply

2. Multiple Entry eTA:

• Cost: USD 160 per individual
• Additional expenses: Bank and processing fees apply

It's important to note that certain nationalities are exempt from eTA payment requirements. These include:

Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Union of Comoros, The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique, San Marino, and South Africa.

Citizens of these countries must still complete the eTA application process, but they are not required to pay the associated fee. This exemption pertains specifically to the payment aspect of the eTA, while all other requirements and procedures remain applicable for these nationalities.

To obtain an eTA for travel to Kenya, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Government of Kenya website at Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
2. Complete the online application form, which typically takes only a few minutes.
3. Submit your application electronically.
4. Wait for approval, which is usually sent via email within 3 days for most applicants.
5. Be aware that processing times may extend to several days if additional supporting documents are required.

It is recommended to secure your eTA prior to booking your flight to Kenya. This ensures that you have the necessary travel authorization before finalizing your travel plans.

The eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) for Kenya has a specific validity period and usage guidelines:

1. The Single Entry eTA

• Single use: The eTA is typically for a single entry into Kenya.
• Validity: The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued.
• Travel window: You must enter Kenya within this 90-day period.
• Entry requirement: The eTA is only necessary for entering Kenya. It is not required for other countries.
• Expiration during stay: If your eTA expires while you are in Kenya, you do not need to apply for a new one.

2. The Multiple Entry eTA

The multiple entry eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is available for citizens of the United States of America. This travel document offers the following key features:

• Duration: The multiple entry eTA is currently valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance.
• Eligibility: Only citizens of the United States of America are eligible to apply for this type of eTA.
• Multiple entries: As the name suggests, this eTA allows for multiple entries into the country during its validity period.
• Application process: Interested individuals must still submit an application on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) Portal to obtain this travel authorization.
• Purpose: The multiple entry eTA facilitates easier travel for eligible U.S. citizens, reducing the need for frequent reapplications.

It's important to note that the validity period and eligibility criteria may be subject to change, so travelers should always verify the most current information before planning their trips.

How to Apply for an eTA for Traveling to Kenya?

https://www.etakenya.go.ke

https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en/pages/FAQS

https://evisa.go.ke/