Kenya eTA Fees

Planning a trip to Kenya? If you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter, it’s important to understand the fees involved. In this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through Kenya eTA fees – what they are, how much they cost, how to pay them, and how to avoid any hiccups. Let’s dive in!

What is a Kenya eTA? (Fully Online Travel Authorization)

A Kenya eTA is an Electronic Travel Authorization – essentially a digital visa – that you obtain online before your trip. It has replaced the old visa-on-arrival system for most travelers. The process is straightforward: you fill out an application form on the Kenya eTA Application website, pay the required fees with a credit/debit card or other online method, and receive your eTA by email. It serves as your entry permit to Kenya – with no embassy visits or physical paperwork required.

How Much Does a Kenya eTA Cost?

The cost of your Kenya eTA depends on your chosen entry type (single or multiple) and processing speed. Quickly check your exact fee using the fee tool below—just select your country!

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Kenya eTA Government Fee

The first cost to know is the standard government fee for the Kenya eTA. Think of this as the base price that the Kenyan government charges to process your travel authorization. As of now, this fee is about $30 USD (approximately Ksh 4,500). It’s a mandatory payment that goes directly to Kenya’s immigration authorities for reviewing your application and granting the eTA. This fee is generally the same for all eligible nationalities and covers a single-entry visit.

Kenya eTA Service Fee

In addition to the government’s charge, you may encounter an eTA service fee during your application. This fee covers the processing work – things like verifying your documents and handling your application.

If you apply through the Kenya eTA portal, a small processing charge might be included in the total.

Note: If you choose to use a visa agency or an online visa service to help with your application, they will add their own service fee for the assistance they provide.

Basically, the service fee is the price of convenience. You’re paying for someone to make sure your application is filled out correctly and to liaise with the immigration system on your behalf. This fee is usually paid at the same time as the government fee, right before you submit your application.

The exact amount can vary depending on the platform or service you use, but it’s typically a reasonable charge that covers things like customer support and double-checking your documents.

Kenya ETA Processing Time

The standard processing time for a Kenya eTA is 3 - 5 working days. However, we prioritize every application and typically process it within 24 hours or less. This ensures you receive your visa on time and can plan your trip accordingly.

Note: In some cases, if additional documents are required, the processing time may take longer.

Urgent Application Fees (Expedited Processing)

Need your eTA result faster than the normal timeline? Kenya offers an urgent processing option for an extra charge. This means you can get your eTA approved more quickly (sometimes within 24 hours) by paying an additional urgent application fee.

If you apply a week or two in advance, you won’t need urgent processing (no extra fee). Use the urgent option only if timing is critical, since you’ll be paying extra for that rush service. Normally, the standard eTA approval comes through in a few days, so this expedited service is just there as a backup for last-minute situations.

Single vs. Multiple Entry & Nationality Differences

Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital entry permit required for most foreign travelers. While typically issued as a single-entry pass, Kenya now also offers a multiple-entry eTA valid for one year. Below is a comparison of the two types:

Type	Validity	Number of Entries	Use Case	Cost
Single-Entry eTA	Up to 90 days	One-time entry	Short visits	Standard fee
Multiple-Entry eTA	Up to 1 year	Unlimited within validity	Frequent travelers	Higher than single-entry

For the majority of foreign visitors, the eTA fee is the same standard amount regardless of nationality. Kenya doesn’t change the fee per nationality in most cases. However, Kenya does have a few exceptions regarding fees. Citizens of certain neighboring countries (like Uganda or Tanzania) can enter Kenya visa-free, so they don’t need an eTA or to pay any fee. Also, Kenya sometimes waives the eTA fee for specific nationalities – for example, recently, South African visitors could get an eTA without paying the government fee. Aside from these exceptions, most travelers will pay the standard eTA fee.

Accepted Payment Methods (Online Only)

Because the Kenya eTA application is done online, all payments are made online too. You’ll use one of the secure electronic payment methods available on the application platform. The common payment options include:

Credit or Debit Cards: Major card brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc., are accepted. You can use a credit card or a bank debit card (as long as it’s enabled for international online payments) to pay the eTA fee.
PayPal or Online Payment Services: Many applicants also have the option to pay via PayPal or similar secure online payment systems. This is convenient if you prefer not to enter your card details directly or if you have funds in a PayPal account.

When you reach the payment step of the eTA application, you’ll choose your preferred method and enter the details securely. Remember, there is no option to pay the eTA fee with cash or in person. You cannot pay at the airport on arrival, and you can’t walk into a Kenya embassy and pay for an eTA.

The fee has to be paid online as part of the application process.

Tips to Avoid Payment Issues and Scams

Most people find the eTA application and payment process straightforward, but it’s always smart to stay vigilant. Here are some tips to ensure everything goes smoothly and to avoid any fraud or scams:

Ensure Your Card Works for International Payments: Sometimes, banks decline international payments. Use a card that works for overseas purchases, or call your bank in advance to avoid blocks when paying the eTA fee.
Beware of Deals That Sound Too Good: If a website claims it can get you a Kenya eTA for free or super cheap, be skeptical. Kenya eTA fees are set by the government, so any offer of big discounts is likely a scam to steal your money or information.
Be Cautious with Emails or Calls: After applying, you’ll get official confirmation emails. If you receive any random email or phone call asking for extra payment or personal info, don’t trust it. Kenyan immigration won’t ask you to pay additional fees via unsolicited emails. When in doubt, check your application status on the Kenya eTA Status page directly.
Save Your Payment Receipt: When you pay the eTA fee, save the receipt or confirmation email. It’s proof of payment in case you need to reference your application later.

The Kenya eTA system is designed to be secure, but staying alert will ensure you don’t fall for any trickery. In short: use common sense, trust official channels, and keep records of your transaction.

Kenya eTA Application Made Easy

Applying for your Kenya eTA is simple. You can use the official government website or get help from a trusted visa service. For example, the Kenya eTA Application portal guides you through the process: they help fill out your form, check your documents, and submit everything correctly. Their service comes with a fee, but many travelers find it worthwhile for the extra support. It’s up to you – plenty of people apply on their own, but if you want to save time or avoid mistakes, an agency can be very helpful.

Conclusion

Kenya’s eTA system makes getting a visa easier than ever. In summary: you pay a standard government fee(around $30) when applying, plus a service fee if you use an agency or need expedited processing. Everything is paid online before you travel.

Remember to apply for your eTA early, use a reputable service, and pay securely online. If you do that, you should have no issues getting approved.

With your eTA taken care of, you’re all set for Kenya. Now you can focus on the fun parts of your trip – whether it’s a safari, exploring Nairobi, or relaxing on the coast. Safe travels and enjoy your Kenyan adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Kenya no longer offers visas on arrival for most travelers. You must get your Kenya eTA online before you travel, and pay the fees online as well. There’s no option to pay in cash at the airport. Be sure to complete the eTA application and payment ahead of time, otherwise, you won’t be allowed to board your flight or enter Kenya.

For most people, the Kenya eTA costs about $30 USD for the government fee. If you apply through a service or choose extra-fast processing, you’ll pay additional fees on top of that. For example, a visa service could add around$35-$420, and urgent processing has its own extra fee. Always review the total charges shown on the application before you pay, so you know the final amount.

Generally yes – the standard eTA fee is the same for everyone who is required to get an eTA. There are a few exceptions: some neighboring African nationals don’t need to pay (or need an eTA at all) due to regional agreements, and occasionally Kenya waives the fee for certain countries as a special policy. But if you’re from a country that requires an eTA, you can expect to pay the usual fee like other travelers.

You can pay the eTA fees using a credit card or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.), or through an online payment system like PayPal. All payments are done online on the secure application portal. Remember, you cannot pay the eTA fee with cash or at the Kenyan border – it has to be paid electronically during the application process.

Unfortunately, eTA fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied. The fees cover the processing of your application, not the outcome. This makes it important to double-check all your information and documents before submitting, to reduce the chance of any mistakes. Thankfully, denials are rare if you meet the requirements. If your eTA were denied, you would need to correct any issues and apply again (with a new payment).

Content Disclaimer: Even though we've updated this information as recently as April 2025 , it's always a good idea to double-check details with relevant authorities like embassies, airlines, or official travel agencies to make sure everything is accurate for your specific journey.