Kenya eTA Policy

The basic requirements expected by a traveler who wishes to apply for an eTA for Kenya, according to the Eligibility Criteria of the Kenya eTA , are an easy online way that allows the citizens of eligible countries to go on tourism, business purposes, or transit in Kenya without actually having to visit any consulate or embassy. An applicant must be qualified by meeting specific eligibility conditions with regard to passport validity and travel purpose criteria, among others.

Benefits of the Kenya eTA

The Kenya eTA has different advantages to travelers and, as such, can be considered an efficient way of permission to enter Kenya. Some of the major advantages which flow from its use include:

Who is Eligible for the Kenya eTA?

The Kenya eTA is available to nationals of different countries, majorly those having diplomatic relations with the country. This includes Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU nations.

General Eligibility Criteria

The general eligibility criteria for the Kenya eTA include the following:

• Nationality: Applicants must be in possession of a passport from an eligible country.
• Valid Passport: The passport to be used for travel should be valid for a period of not less than six months from the intended date of entry into Kenya.
• Purpose of Visit: Applicants are actually going for tourism, short business trips, or in transit to another country.

Exemptions:

Nationals of some East African countries, such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, do not require the Kenya eTA because they have visa-free travel privileges within the East African Community.

Countries Eligible for the Kenya eTA

• Kenya
• eTA not required and may enter with ID card
• eTA not required
• eTA required free of charge
• eTA required for a fee

The countries and territories eligible for a Kenya eTA include:

Purpose of Travel and Eligibility

The Kenya eTA is supposed to cover only a few certain types of travel, each with different eligibility criteria:

Visa Type	Purpose	Eligibility	Duration of Stay
Tourist Visa	For sightseeing, leisure, or visiting family in Kenya.	Applicants must be a citizen of an eligible country, possess a valid passport, and have a travel itinerary showing intended activities.	Allows a stay of up to 90 days in Kenya, extendable by another 90 days.
Business Visa	For business trips, meetings, conferences, or short-term work assignments.	Requires general eligibility plus a supporting document, such as a business invitation letter from a Kenyan company or organization.	Maximum stay of 90 days, with the option to extend.
Transit Visa	For travelers with a stopover in Kenya en route to another destination, not exceeding 72 hours.	Passport from an eligible country, proof of onward travel, and a valid visa for the next destination if required.	Valid for up to 72 hours; no extension permitted.
East Africa Tourist Visa	A joint visa for travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.	Travelers from eligible countries who plan to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.	Valid for 90 days with multiple entries within Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Requirements for a Kenya eTA

For an applicant to be eligible for a Kenya eTA, the following documents and information will be required when making the application:

• Passport: It should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.
• Digital Passport-Photo: A recent color photo on a plain background, in the required format and size as outlined by Kenya. (Size and Format requirements)
• Travel Itinerary: Proof of travel arrangements, such as hotel reservations and a return or onward flight ticket.
• Business Documentation (if applicable): For business travelers, an invitation letter from the host company in Kenya.
• Proof of Financial Means: Though not always necessary, travelers may be asked to provide proof that they can support themselves for the duration of their stay.
• Payment Method: A credit or debit card to cover the fee for the eTA

How to Apply for the Kenya eTA

After eligibility, follow through with these simple steps toward a Kenyan eTA application by accessing the Official eVisa website:

1. Fill Out the Application Form: Fill in personal information, passport details, and travel itinerary. 
2. Upload Required Documents: Attach a digital passport photo, a scanned passport copy, and any other additional documentation required according to the case. Such could include business invitation letters.
3. Pay for the Visa Fee: You complete your application by making the required online payment.
4. Get Your eTA: This will be sent to you via email once your application is approved. You need to print out a copy for presentation upon arrival.

Processing Time: The applications usually take about ... to be processed; hence, at least a week in advance of your date of travel is recommended for when you should apply.

Validity of the Kenya eTA

Depending on the type of visa that a person is applying for, the Kenya eTA shall have different periods in which travelers can enter Kenya:

Single Entry Tourist and Business eTA: An eTA allows for a 90-day stay from the date of entry into the country. It is extendable once for a continuous period of 90 days. 

Transit eTA: The validity of the Transit eTA is non-extendable for up to 72 hours. 

East Africa Tourist Visa: Multiple entries are allowed between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda within 90 days.

Important Note: Re-entry into Kenya will require a new visa, with the exception of the East Africa Tourist Visa that allows multiple entries among the three participating countries.

Reasons for Kenya eTA Rejection

While the process of application is fairly simple, applications for Kenya eTA can be rejected for the following:

• Lack or Incorrect Information: Incomplete or incorrect information on the application form.
• Low-quality Documents: Low-resolution photos or unclear passport scans.
• Ineligibility: Those coming from countries that are not eligible for the eTA, or those who do not comply with the purpose of the visa, such as working without a work permit. 
• Security Concerns: People with some sort of criminal record or with potential security concerns can be rejected. 

Tips: It is very important to carefully review all details concerning an application and its accompanying documents before submission in order to avoid common mistakes.

FAQs

Can I apply for the Kenya eTA if I will be visiting family in Kenya? Am I allowed to work in Kenya on an eTA? Is the Kenya eTA available upon arrival? How can I extend my stay in Kenya with an eTA? Am I allowed reentry into Kenya on the East Africa Tourist Visa if I have visited Uganda or Rwanda?

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 November 2025; thus, some visa rules and traveling norms might change.