Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveler. eTA applications for Kenya are usually processed in 3 days and there is an urgent processing service, however it is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travelers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travelers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.

Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA):

  • 1. Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.

  • 2. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.

  • 3. Holders of valid Kenya eVISAs

  • 4. Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.

  • 5. Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya (exempt from payment only).

  • 6. Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)

  • 7. All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.

  • 8. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.

  • 9. Members of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.

  • 10. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.


Please have the following documents ready before starting your application.

For all travellers
  • Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page
  • Selfie or passport-type photo
  • Contact information, email address and phone number
  • Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
  • Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
  • Credit card, debit card or other means of payment

Based on your country of residence and citizenships the following may also be required:
  • Financial assets / banks letter(s)

Based on your purpose of visit the following may also be required:
  • Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital
  • Conference invitation/participation letter
  • Employment contract
  • Supporting documents for resettlement
  • Vaccination(s) or test results certificates

For travelers arriving for business
  • Invitation letter from company
  • Copy of registration of the company

For travelers visiting family
  • Invitation letter from family/host
  • Identity card/Passport/Alien card/Entry permit of the family member/host

For Diplomatic travel
  • A Diplomatic, official and service passport
  • An official letter from the Country-of-Origin/Organization/ Foreign Affairs.

Processing time is three (3) working days but in some cases it may take longer. If you need your application processed faster, you can choose expedited processing to receive priority service.


For frequently asked questions on eTA Read More

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