VISA Information

As of 2024, Kenya replaced traditional tourist visas with an online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — a required pre-travel clearance for most non-East African nationals.

Travelers must obtain the eTA before arriving; Kenya no longer provides visa-on-arrival for most visitors.

 eTA required: Foreign nationals (tourists, business visitors, medical, etc.) from outside the regional exemption list must apply for eTA.

Exemptions: Citizens of the member states of East African Community (EAC) — e.g. Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda — generally do not need an eTA.

If you require an eTA (or are coming from a non-EAC country), typical requirements include:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival date, with at least one blank page for stamping.
• A recent passport-style photograph (color, front view, plain background) or digital photograph, as per configuration when applying.
• Travel itinerary: flights (arrival, departure or onward tickets) and travel plan.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings) or — if staying with friends/relatives — an invitation letter or host contact details.
• (If applicable) a valid yellow-fever vaccination certificate — especially required if you’re travelling from or via a yellow-fever risk country.

Timing, cost, and stay limits

• The eTA should be applied for before travel — some resources say at least 3 days prior to departure, others note you can apply up to 90 days before travel.
• Typical processing time: around 2–3 business days under normal conditions.
• Fee for eTA (tourism/business/visit) is approximately USD 30–34 per person (plus card/transaction fees).
• Once approved, the authorization generally allows a stay up to 90 days.

The eTA does not guarantee entry — final decision is at immigration on arrival.

• Always double-check your passport validity and blank pages before applying.
• If arriving from (or via) yellow-fever endemic countries, carry the required vaccination certificate — it may be checked at entry.
• Keep copies (digital and/or printed) of your eTA approval, travel itinerary, accommodation booking or invitation letter, return ticket etc. Immigration officers may request proof.