Planning a trip to Kenya and wondering if you need a tourist visa to enter the country? You've come to the right place! Discover everything you need to know about entry requirements and formalities for Kenya.

Do you need a visa to travel to Kenya?

Since January 1st, 2024, a visa is no longer mandatory to enter Kenya.

The Kenyan Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kenya's state immigration and citizenship service, and the immigration services directorate have developed an electronic travel authorization system for Kenya (ETA) to enable travelers to enter and travel throughout Kenya.

In short, travelers must obtain an electronic travel authorization to stay in Kenya. This authorization must be obtained before your trip and cannot be obtained upon arrival.

Please note: Travelers who obtained an electronic visa (Kenya e-visa) approved before December 31st, 2023 and still valid (not expired) are authorized to travel to Kenya without needing to request an electronic travel authorization.

What is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Kenya?

What does the ETA for a Kenya trip involve?

All travelers, except those with exemptions (see next section), must obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to travel to Kenya. Even minors are required to apply through a legal guardian, parent, or accompanying adult.

The electronic travel authorization (ETA) must be presented by travelers during check-in and boarding procedures. It may also be requested upon arrival and departure from Kenya.

What exemptions exist?

Certain individuals are exempt from obtaining an electronic travel authorization. Here are the people who do not need an ETA to travel to Kenya:

• Holders of a valid Kenyan passport or emergency one-way certificate issued by Kenya's missions abroad;
• Holders of permanent residence in Kenya, holders of valid work permits and laissez-passers;
• Holders of a valid conventional United Nations travel document issued by the Kenyan government;
• Citizens of East African partner states, namely Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda (these are exempt for a period of 6 months);
• Members of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Kenya;
• Passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and departing on the same flight or transferring to another flight without leaving the airport;
• Passengers arriving and departing on the same vessel (without leaving it);
• Crew members of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier whose name and contact information appear in the crew manifest of the relevant transport and who are traveling to a destination outside Kenya;
• Private aircraft owners making a stopover to refuel in Kenya and not leaving the airport.

Beyond electronic travel authorization exemptions, there are also certain cases where travelers are required to obtain an ETA but are exempt from paying.

This applies to holders of a diplomatic, official, or service passport on official service, as well as holders of special laissez-passers for official professional purposes such as the United Nations, the African Union Organization, the African Development Bank...

Find the complete list of special laissez-passers on the Kenya Embassy website.

How long can you stay in Kenya with an ETA?

The electronic travel authorization for Kenya allows you to stay in Kenya for a maximum of 90 days. Note that the ETA is valid for only one trip (single entry). Furthermore, each entry into Kenya requires a new electronic travel authorization application.

How do you obtain an ETA?

Electronic travel authorization applications for Kenya must be submitted through the official government website: www.etakenya.go.ke or via the Kenya Travel Authorisation mobile application.

What documents are required to obtain an ETA?

Several documents must be submitted to obtain an electronic travel authorization for Kenya:

• A valid passport (it must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Kenya);
• A recent passport photo OR a selfie-style photo;
• Travel documentation for outbound and return journeys (flight tickets and arrival/departure flight numbers);
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, accommodation certificate, invitation letter from relatives...).

How do you know if your ETA application is accepted?

Once you submit your application on the website or app, you will receive two emails—one confirming your application, another confirming your payment. You can then check the status of your application anytime on the website.

You will receive an email when your application is approved or denied. If approved, you can print the document and keep it throughout your trip, download the authorization to your phone, and/or save it on the Kenya Travel Authorisation mobile application.

What is the processing time for an ETA?

The processing time for an electronic travel authorization for Kenya is currently 3 days. However, it is strongly recommended to submit your application in advance, knowing that applications can be submitted up to 90 days before departure.

How much does an ETA cost?

The cost of an electronic travel authorization for Kenya is 34.09 USD (approximately 31 euros at current exchange rates).