A transit eTA is for travellers with a layover in Kenya while travelling to another destination. This transit period is usually less than three days – 72 hours. If the travellers hold a transit eTA, they can leave the airport and travel to Kenya for three days. The best way to plan a transit eTA is by applying for it while getting a connecting flight through Kenya. Travellers need to fill out a Kenya eTA application form. It is a great way to make the most of the waiting time in the famous African country.

A Kenya Transit eTA provides an opportunity to see Kenya's local cultures and natural beauty before heading to the final destination. These hotspots for tourists are located near airports, so the visitors never wander away from catching their flight on time. There are ten dedicated airports nationwide from where all flights are easily accessible.

Note: all travellers can only leave the airport between flights with a valid transit eTA. The stay cannot exceed 72 hours. If the traveller does not get the transit eTA, they must stay at the airport and will not be allowed to leave.

Transit eTA Requirements

All applicants wishing to apply for the Kenya Transit eTA must meet a few Kenya eTA requirements to become eligible. These are:

1. At most, the total number of hours spent in Kenya should be 72 hours. If visitors wish to stay longer, they can apply for the Kenya Tourist eTA, which allows travellers to stay up to 90 days.
2. A few documents will be required from the applicant to get the transit eTA approved. The passport will be necessary and valid for at least six months. The applicant will also require the onward air ticket or the return ticket. Additionally, the applicant will need to submit a recent passport-sized photograph.
3. All applicants applying for the transit eTA must pay the Kenya eTA fee.

Photograph Requirements for the Kenya Transit eTA

When the applicants submit the passport-size photograph, it must meet the following criteria:

• The picture should have been taken within the last six months.
• The image should be coloured and not black and white.
• The face of the applicant should be visible in full from the front.
• The background must be plain white or off-white.
• The head should not be covered with any headgear or accessories except for religious purposes

eTA Requirement to Transit Through Kenya

All international travellers travelling through Kenya to another destination need a transit eTA to leave the airport during the layover. If their layover is short and they wish to stay, they are not required to have a transit eTA. A transit eTA can only be obtained if the travellers want to stay in Kenya for no more than three days – 72 hours. If travellers wish to stay longer than three days, they must apply for a tourist eTA, which allows them to stay for up to 90 days.

Kenya Transit eTA Fee

Irrespective of the type of eTA applied for by the travellers to enter Kenya, the eTA fee is standard, i.e. 35.00 USD. This amount is only the application fee and does not include the processing charges. The processing fee differs for the standard and premium processing services for a Kenya transit eTA. 

Kenya International Airports

Passengers travelling from other countries can land at the following international airports in Kenya:

1. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
2. Moi International Airport in Mombassa.
3. Most international flights land and transit through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It is located in Nairobi near the Embakasi suburbs. The airport has flights to more than 50 countries, so transit flights will likely land here.
4. Visitors holding a valid transit eTA can leave the airport and travel to Kenya. Hiding a car to see a maximum number of places in the short 72-hour stay is recommended. The roads and infrastructure of this part of Kenya are excellent.
5. Several hotels are located nearby to accommodate travellers with a short stay. It is recommended to book a room in advance.

FAQs

1. What is a Kenya Transit eTA? 2. How long can I stay in Kenya with a Transit eTA? 3. Can I leave the airport in Kenya during my layover without a Transit eTA? 4. What are the requirements for obtaining a Kenya Transit eTA? 5. Is there a fee for the Kenya Transit eTA? 6. What are the photograph requirements for the Kenya Transit eTA? 7. Do I need a Transit eTA if I stay in the airport during my layover in Kenya? 8. What if I want to stay in Kenya for more than 72 hours? 9. Which airports in Kenya handle international flights? 10. Is it recommended to rent a car during the 72-hour transit period?