Visiting Kenya
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Most visitors must obtain an approved eTA online before travelling to Kenya.
Service standard: Most decisions within 3 working daysLast updated: June 2026Available in: EN
Who this is for
Foreign nationals and most visitors travelling to Kenya for tourism, business, transit or family visits. An approved eTA must be obtained online before you board.
The eTA replaces the old visa-on-arrival system. Apply early - approval is not guaranteed at the last minute and airlines may refuse boarding without it.
Apply at least three days before travel. Do not book non-refundable travel until your eTA is approved.
At a glance
- Who can apply
- Any traveller to Kenya who is required to hold an eTA. Check whether your nationality is exempt before applying.
- What to bring
- A passport valid for at least six months, a passport-style photo, your travel and accommodation details, and a means of online payment.
- Cost
- A USD fee per traveller, paid online when you submit the application.
- How long it takes
- Most applications are decided within 3 working days. Apply well ahead of departure.
- Where
- Fully online on the official eTA portal. No mission visit is required.
What happens after you apply
The step most sites skip - so you know what to expect and don't need to call.
- Complete the online eTA form with your passport and travel details.
- Upload your photo and passport bio-data page, then pay the fee.
- Your application is reviewed and a decision is sent by email.
- Carry your approved eTA - printed or on your phone - for boarding and arrival.
If something goes wrong, or you need help
If you are detained, hospitalised, or in immediate danger, do not wait for the form - call the consular emergency line. For questions about an application already submitted, contact the mission directly.
One template, every missionThis page runs on a single service spine - who it's for, what to bring, cost, time, where, what happens next. Nairobi and all 60+ missions fill the same fields with their local facts (fee, address, hours, emergency number). Fix the spine once and every mission improves; only the local data changes.