Kenya recently announced it is “visa free” to enter the country yet most passport holders have to instead apply – and pay $34 for – the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).
As my travel journalist friend Harriet Owalla writes “We should have just gone the Rwanda way, where no African country will need a visa to enter the country. You just get in and your passport is stamped, provided you state the reason for visit and you stay within the 90 days limit.”
Anyway, I admit I was confused to start with! But here’s what you need to know:
Kenya’s official eTA website has tons of useful information including a long list of frequently asked questions, some of which I list further down this page.
Click here to apply for your eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for travel to Kenya.
How long does it take to get approval of eTA?
Applications are usually processed within 3 days, but may take longer in some cases. It’s recommended you apply 2 weeks before you travel (although you can apply up to 3 months before). Apply as soon as you have booked your accommodation and transport.
I have a valid East Africa Tourist Visa. Can I travel to Kenya using this?
The Muzungu’s recommendation: apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa at your nearest Kenyan Embassy, before you travel. eCitizen is Kenya’s Department of Immigration Services online portal for visa and Interstate Pass applications. (The Interstate Pass is available to East African residents).
For more info about the East Africa tourist Visa, visit my East Africa Tourist Visa blog post, which I update regularly.
Some of the frequently asked questions about Kenya’s eTA (which has replaced the tourist visa):
- What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)?
- How long is the eTA valid for?
- Does the eTA allow for multiple entries to Kenya?
- I will not be staying in a hotel during my trip, how do I complete my eTA?
- What if I am refused the eTA?
- I am a resident of an EAC country, am I exempt from the eTA?
- There are other websites offering faster processing, shall I use it?
- Do you have an urgent application process?
- Can I apply for my eTA using my national ID card?
- Who must obtain the eTA?
- Do children or infants also require an eTA?
- I’m at the airport, can you approve my application urgently?
- My name is incorrect on my eTA, how can I change it?
- I can’t find my home address when filling in the application, how can I proceed?
- What information is required to apply for an eTA?
- How can I contact someone about my application?
- My eTA has been approved but my details are incorrect, how can I change it?
- Do I have to apply for an eTA if I am a foreign citizen but my spouse is Kenyan?
- How do I apply for the eTA?
- I have a valid eTA but I need to change the dates of my trip, how can I do that?
- Can I travel to other countries with my Kenyan eTA?
- How do I check the status of my eTA application?
- How much does the eTA cost?
For further clarification before you travel to Kenya:
- Email etakenya@immigration.go.ke or call on +254 202 222 022. For urgent queries, there’s a live chat function on the eTA website.
- For other immigration questions, visit Kenya’s Department of immigration website
I regularly update key travel pages about tourist visas and travel health and am always happy to answer traveler questions, particularly if you think something has changed. I love hearing from you!
