Exemptions from the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization

The Kenya ETA system eases the process of obtaining a visa for those entering Kenya for short-term visits. Not all travelers must apply for an ETA. Certain travelers, based on nationality, purpose of travel, or specific agreements, are exempt from the need to obtain a Kenya ETA. 

Kenya ETA Exemption for Visa-Free Nationals

Citizens of certain countries are allowed visa-free entry into Kenya for short stays, meaning they do not need an ETA or any other type of visa.

Eligible Countries: Kenya has agreements with several nations to allow visa-free entry. Travelers from these countries can visit Kenya for purposes such as tourism, business, or transit, usually for a stay of up to 90 days.

Here is a list of Visa-Free Countries:

Conditions

• Passport should be valid at least for six months from the date of entry
• Entry is normally granted for up to 30 or 90 days depending on the nationality and may be extended based on immigration policies.

Visa Exemption - Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

For certain countries, diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from the requirements of Kenya ETA for easier travel for those on official assignments or duties involving the government.

Visa exempt countries for diplomatic and official passport holders are:

Brazil, Cuba Turkey, China and Iran, India, Israel and Nigeria;

Privileges

• Exemption from ETA Requirements: Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports are not required to apply for an ETA for short visits or official duties.
• Facilitation for Official Assignments: This exemption is very helpful for the accredited representatives of foreign governments or international organizations to enter Kenya for official purposes without going through any other visa procedures.
• Simplified Entry: Such travelers enjoy special entry procedures that ensure no delay in their assignments or responsibilities.

Requirements

The requirements for visa free for diplomatic and official passport holders include:

• Valid Passport: Travelers need to possess a valid diplomatic, official, or service passport issued by their country or organization.
• Proof of Official Purpose: For most of the cases, this may involve providing a letter that supports their mission with an official invitation by a host organization, government, or international body which they will be representing.
• Full Observance of Conditions of Entry: As would be expected from ETA exempt travelers, all of Kenyan immigration regulations would also bind them, as will provide proof of the purpose, if asked for it.

This exemption underlines Kenya's commitment to facilitating diplomatic relations and to supporting international cooperation, giving room for manoeuvre to individuals representing governments and global organizations.

Nationals of East African Community (EAC)

Citizens of member states of the East African Community, such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, have certain privileges in moving across borders.

Privileges:

– Free movement within EAC countries with no need for a Kenya ETA.

– Travellers can enter Kenya using national identification cards or passports

Eligibility criteria

• One should provide a valid ID or passport on entry
• Entry period - The entry period shall be established through mutual agreement by member states of the EAC.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers who do not stay beyond the lay period will not require an ETA

Exempted Category:

• The passenger must not stay beyond 72 hours
• He must not leave the area designated for transit passengers in the airport

Eligibility:

• Proof of onward travel such as a confirmed ticket for the next destination.
• Passengers who are leaving the airport for any reason while in transit will need to get a transit visa or ETA depending on their nationality.

Special Agreements And Reciprocal Arrangements

Due to their arrangements on special visa waiver and their citizens, some countries include Kenyans entering without a visa for certain purposes such as travel.

Examples:

Because of bilateral agreements, Seychelles and Mauritius are exempted from visa requirements to enter Kenya. The same case applies to travelers from Caribbean countries, like Barbados and Bahamas.

Requirements:

• A valid passport and a return or onward ticket
• Meet entry conditions for a specific agreement

Exemptions for African Union Passport Holders

Holders of the African Union (AU) Passport, a travel document issued to officials and dignitaries of the AU, are exempt from obtaining a Kenya ETA.

• Benefits: Facilitates free movement for AU officials. Enhances regional integration and cooperation.
• Requirements: A valid African Union Passport. Proof of official or personal travel purpose.

Special Exemptions for Specific Traveler Categories

Kenya has targeted exemptions to the requirements for a Kenya ETA for certain groups of travelers. These exemptions are meant to facilitate ease of travel for persons in specific roles or circumstances while ensuring that standard entry requirements are met. The key traveler categories and their respective exemptions include:

• Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya

Exemptions also apply to diplomats and representatives of international organizations accredited to Kenya. Even then, they need to meet the alternative entry requirements like having a valid passport.

• Holders of United Nations Convention Travel Documents

Applicants holding a United Nations Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya are not required to apply for a Kenya ETA.

• Crew Members of Transport Vehicles

Crew members of ships, aircraft, trains, or other vehicles listed on crew manifests and traveling to destinations outside Kenya are exempt from the Kenya ETA requirement.

• Private Aircraft Owners

Owners of private aircraft making refueling stops in Kenya are exempt, provided they remain within the airport premises during their stay.

• Passengers on the Same Ship

People arriving and departing on the same ship without disembarking are also exempted from making an application for a Kenya ETA.

These exemptions make travel easier for the listed groups while ensuring that the integrity of Kenya's entry procedures is maintained.

Entry Requirements for Kenya ETA Exempt Persons

Even if you are in the list of countries that are exempt from the need to get a Kenya ETA, you are also required to meet certain requirements. These are:

1. Valid Passport: Passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry.
2. Proof of Travel Information: Return or onward travel ticket.
3. Accommodation Information: Proof of hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Kenya.
4. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Required for travelers coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
5. Proof of Adequate Funds: Evidence of financial resources to cover your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are children required to have a Kenya ETA to enter Kenya? Are holders of diplomatic or service passports exempt? Do passengers who are transiting through Kenya have to apply for an ETA? Are international organizations' members excluded from obtaining an ETA in Kenya? Is it required of aircraft or ship crew to have a Kenyan ETA? Are military personnel traveling on official duties exempt?

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules and traveling norms might change.