Kenya Tourist Visa Requirements

At Africa Holiday Safaris, we believe the journey to your dream safari should be as exhilarating as the destination itself. The Republic of Kenya has recently embarked on an innovative, visa-free future, streamlining entry for global travelers. As of late 2024, the Republic of Kenya has made a revolutionary move to simplify and secure travel for all international visitors. The old visa system has been replaced with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a digital pre-travel permit that is now a mandatory requirement for nearly all visitors, including infants and children, before they even begin their journey.

This modern system, enacted under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025, ensures a seamless and efficient entry process, allowing you to bypass lengthy airport queues and start your adventure the moment you land.

This comprehensive guide is your essential resource for understanding the eTA process. We’ll demystify the requirements, clarify who needs to apply, and provide a step-by-step application walkthrough to ensure nothing stands between you and your unforgettable Kenyan adventure.

Who is Exempt from the Kenya eTA?

While the eTA is a universal requirement, certain categories of travelers are granted exemption, as outlined by the Kenyan government. These exemptions are based on nationality, residency status, or the purpose of the visit.

1. Kenya Permanent Residents and Passport Holders:

• Holders of a Kenyan Passport or a valid Kenya Permanent Residence permit.
• Individuals with valid Work Permits, Passes, or re-entry passes endorsed in their passports.

2. Citizens of the East African Partner States:

• Citizens from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
• They are exempt from the eTA for a stay not exceeding 180 days.

3. Specific Visa-Exempt Countries:

• The following nations enjoy a visa-free stay and are exempt from the eTA for a period not exceeding 90 days:
  • Caribbean & Pacific Nations: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, San Marino, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Bahamas, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
  • Commonwealth & Other Nations: Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malaysia, Maldives, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, The Gambia, Union of Comoros, Zambia, Zimbabwe, The Republic of Congo.

4. Specific African Countries:

• Nationals from the following African countries are also exempt from the eTA for a period not exceeding 60 days:
  • Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia.

5. Other Exempt Categories:

• Transit Passengers: Travelers who remain within the airport premises and do not leave the precincts of the airport.
• Crew Members: Members of any ship, aircraft, or train crew whose names are included in the manifest and who are proceeding to a destination outside Kenya.
• Private Aircraft Owners: Individuals on a refueling stop who do not leave the airport.
• Diplomatic & Official Personnel: Holders of Diplomatic, Official, Special, and Service Passports from specific countries, and holders of Laissez-Passers from major international organizations (e.g., UN, AU, IMF, World Bank, etc.) on official business. This also applies to serving members of the British Military.

Required documents while applying for Tourist Visa

A successful eTA application hinges on having the correct documents ready before you begin. At Africa Holiday Safaris, we’ve broken down the requirements into a simple checklist to ensure a smooth, stress-free process. The following documents must be prepared in a clear digital format (e.g., JPEG, PNG, or PDF) for upload.

Core Documents Required for All Travelers

Regardless of your travel purpose, every applicant must provide these foundational documents to the Kenya Immigration portal:

• Valid Passport: This is your most critical document. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in Kenya. Additionally, it must have at least one blank page for the entry and exit stamps upon arrival. You will need to upload a clear scan of the passport’s bio-data page.
• Digital Photograph: A recent, clear, passport-type photograph or a high-quality selfie taken within the last six months. The photo should have a light-colored, plain background, and your face should be fully visible without any shadows, hats, or sunglasses.
• Contact Information: You must provide accurate contact details, including a valid email address and phone number, which will be used for all communication regarding your application.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your round-trip journey, including confirmed flight numbers and dates of arrival and departure from Kenya.
• Accommodation Confirmation: A booking confirmation from your hotel, lodge, or camp. If you will be staying with friends or family, you will need to provide their full address and contact information.
• Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) to pay the non-refundable eTA application fee.

Additional Documents Based on Your Purpose of Travel

Depending on why you are visiting Kenya, you may be required to upload supplementary documents.

• For Business Travelers:
  • Invitation Letter: An official invitation letter from the Kenyan company or organization you are visiting. This letter should be on company letterhead, clearly state the purpose and duration of your visit, and be signed by an authorized representative.
  • Company Registration: A copy of the Kenyan company’s registration certificate.
• For Family Visits:
  • Invitation Letter: A signed invitation letter from your host in Kenya.
  • Host’s Identity Document: A copy of your host’s Kenyan National ID, Passport, Alien Card, or Entry Permit.
• For Diplomatic Travel:
  • Diplomatic Passport: A clear scan of your Diplomatic, Official, or Service passport.
  • Official Letter: An official letter from your country of origin or sponsoring organization that outlines the purpose of your mission.
• For Other Purposes:
  • Medical: A referral letter from a hospital or medical institution.
  • Conferences: An invitation or participation letter from the organizers.
  • Employment or Resettlement: Specific supporting documents that validate your travel purpose, such as a contract or official correspondence.

Processing Time: While the standard processing time is typically three working days, it is wise to submit your application well in advance of your trip, as some cases may require additional verification that can extend the processing time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenya Tourist Visa Application

Navigating a new travel process can bring up a lot of questions. As your trusted partner in African adventures, Africa Holiday Safaris has compiled this comprehensive FAQ section to provide you with clear, concise answers about the Kenya eTA.

Q: What is the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?

 The eTA is a mandatory digital travel document that all foreign visitors must apply for and obtain before their journey to Kenya. It replaces the traditional visa system for most nationalities, serving as a pre-travel screening and simplifying the entry process upon arrival. It is a security measure that grants you the authority to travel to Kenya.

Q: I have a diplomatic passport. Do I still need an eTA?

 Yes. While certain diplomats and holders of Laissez-Passers are exempt from paying the fee, all travelers, including members of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Kenya, are required to complete an eTA application. This ensures that their travel is properly authorized and recorded in the new system.

Q: Do I have to pay for my eTA as a diplomat?

 No. While you are required to complete the application, official diplomatic travelers are not required to pay the standard eTA fee. However, if you have an urgent need for the eTA, you may choose to pay for an expedited service to receive your approval faster.

Q: We are traveling as a couple/group. Is one eTA enough for all of us?

 No. An eTA is an individual travel document. Each person traveling in your group, including children and infants, must have their own approved eTA. For your convenience, the official eTA application portal allows you to apply as a group, making it easy to manage multiple applications at once.

Q: How to Apply for Your eTA,  A Step-by-Step Guide

The Government of Kenya has designed a secure and user-friendly platform for all eTA applications. It is crucial to use only the official channels to avoid fraud.

Official Platforms:

• The official website: https://etakenya.go.ke
• The official mobile application: “Kenya Travel Authorisation”

Application Steps:

1. Visit the official website and click “Apply Now.”
2. Fill in all personal details as they appear on your passport. Double-check all information for accuracy to prevent delays or rejection.
3. Upload all required documents based on your purpose of travel.
4. Submit the application. A unique six-digit application ID will be automatically generated and sent to your email.
5. Make your payment using a valid credit or debit card. A confirmation email for your payment will be sent.
6. Receive Your Authorization: An email with an approval or refusal notification will be sent to you once an Immigration Officer has made a decision.
7. Finalize Your Document: If your application is approved, download the PDF document attached to the email. You must either print this PDF or save it to your mobile device, as this is your official electronic travel authorization to be presented at all departure and arrival points.

Please Note: You are only authorized to travel to Kenya after your eTA application has been officially approved. If your application is denied, you will not be able to travel at that time.

Q: What documents are required for an eTA application?

The requirements vary slightly by category, but typically include:

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity with at least one blank page).
• A selfie or a passport-type photo.
• Your contact information (email and phone number).
• Your travel itinerary (arrival and departure details).
• A confirmed accommodation booking.
• A valid payment method.

Q: How long does it take to process an eTA?

 The standard processing time is generally three (3) business days, or 72 hours. However, it is always recommended to apply well in advance of your trip, as some applications may take longer due to additional verification processes.

Q: How much does the eTA cost?

 The fees vary depending on your chosen processing speed:

• Normal Processing: The standard fee is $30, with a processing time of up to 72 hours.
• Expedited Processing: This option is available for an additional fee and is processed immediately for urgent travel needs.

Q: How do I track my eTA application?

 You can easily track your application status by visiting the official eTA website. Simply click the “Check Status” button on the homepage and enter the reference number that was sent to your email after you submitted your application.

Q: Can someone apply on behalf of others?

 Yes. You can apply on behalf of a friend or family member, but you must ensure that all the traveler’s information is provided accurately.