If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, you’ll likely need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you travel. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.
Who Needs an eTA?
All travelers, including infants and children, must apply for an eTA before starting their journey to Kenya.
✅ Exemptions
You do not need an eTA if you are:
A Kenyan Permanent Resident or holder of a valid Work Permit and Passes.
A traveler with a valid Kenya re-entry pass or similar written authority.
A citizen of East African Partner States (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) for stays up to 180 days.
Other exemptions apply for certain nationalities (90 or 60-day exemptions), transit passengers, ship crew, UN/AU/ADB officials, and holders of some diplomatic/service passports.
📋 Required Documents
GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Guide to Applying for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Oct 2, 2025
May 15, 2026
4 min read
Published
Updated:
If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, you’ll likely need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you travel. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.
Who Needs an eTA?
All travelers, including infants and children, must apply for an eTA before starting their journey to Kenya.
✅ Exemptions
You do not need an eTA if you are:
A Kenyan Permanent Resident or holder of a valid Work Permit and Passes.
A traveler with a valid Kenya re-entry pass or similar written authority.
A citizen of East African Partner States (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) for stays up to 180 days.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other exemptions apply for certain nationalities (90 or 60-day exemptions), transit passengers, ship crew, UN/AU/ADB officials, and holders of some diplomatic/service passports.
📋 Required Documents
Before you begin, prepare the following:
Valid passport (6+ months validity, at least one blank page)
Selfie or passport-size photo
Contact details (email & phone number)
Travel itinerary (arrival & departure)
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details)
Payment method (credit/debit card)
Additional (Depending on Travel Purpose)
ADVERTISEMENT
Medical: Referral letter from the hospital
Conference: Invitation/participation letter
Employment: Job contract
Resettlement: Supporting documents
Business: Invitation letter & company registration
Family Visits: Invitation + host’s ID/Passport/Permit
Diplomatic Travel: Diplomatic/Official passport + letter from country/organization
⏳ Processing Time
Applications usually take 3 working days, but may take longer in some cases.
📲 How to Apply
Visit the official portal: etakenya.go.ke
Fill in your personal details and upload the required documents
Pay the processing fee online
Wait for approval confirmation via email
📞 Need Help?
If you need assistance regarding your application, contact:
POPULAR TODAY
ADVERTISEMENT
Email: etakenya@ecitizen.go.ke
Phone: +254 717 436 070
WhatsApp: +254 110 922 064
With this guide, you can prepare your documents in advance and avoid delays. Safe travels, and enjoy your visit to Kenya! 🇰🇪
ADVERTISEMENT
RELATED ARTICLE
