How to Apply for an eTA for Traveling to Kenya?

The eTA application process is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed entirely online. Applicants should note that there are two official channels for submitting eTA applications:

• The Government website www.etakenya.go.ke and
•  The "Kenya Travel Authorisation" mobile application.

It is important to use only these authorized platforms to ensure the security and validity of your application.

For applicants under 18 years of age, the responsibility for completing the application falls to a legal guardian, parent, or the adult who will be accompanying the minor during travel.

To streamline the process for families, it is advisable to submit applications as a group rather than individually. This approach can help ensure consistency and efficiency in the application process for all family members.

Determine if you need an eTA before diving into the application process, it's important to check if you are eligible for an eTA.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Kenya.

Below is a list of Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

1. Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
2. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
3. Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
4. Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya.
5. Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months).
6. 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.
7. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
8. 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.
9. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.

However, it's always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities or consulate before planning your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding entry requirements.

Once you have confirmed that you need an eTA, it's time to gather all the necessary documents. You will typically need: 

1. Passport must be valid for at least six more months from date of entry.
2. Recent passport picture or a selfie picture taken during the application process.
3. Contact details typically include a home address, telephone number, and email address.
4. Travel information including the arrival flight number and the date of departure for connecting flights, if applicable.
5. Credit or Debit payment card i.e Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, a pre-paid Visa®, Mastercard® or American Express®, Visa Debit, or Debit Mastercard.

Below is a list of some additional supporting documents that might be required depending on your purpose of visit to Kenya.

Business Travellers

• Invitation letter from  the company.
• Copy of registration certificate of the company inviting you.
• Identification document of the company representative.

Family Visit

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

Diplomatic Travellers

• A Diplomatic, Official and Service passport
• An official letter from the Country of Origin/Organisation/ Foreign Affairs.

The online application form will require personal details such as your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport information, contact details, and travel information. It is crucial to double-check all information provided as any mistakes can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.

As part of your eTA application process, you may be required to upload certain supporting documents. These can include a scanned copy of your passport bio page or any other relevant documents requested by Kenyan immigration authorities. Ensure that these documents are clear and legible before uploading them.

After submitting your application successfully, you will be directed towards making payment for the eTA processing fee. The payment can typically be done online using a credit or debit card.

The processing fee is $32.50 and an additional bank fee charges.

It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. 

Once you have paid the application fee, review all the entered information one last time before submitting your application. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique reference number. This reference number can be used to track the status of your application.

It typically takes three business days (72hrs) for the Kenyan immigration authorities to process eTA applications but in some cases it might take several days.

During this time, you can use your reference number to check the status of your application on the official website.

An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Kenya. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents. You must convince the officer that you’re eligible for entry to Canada.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)