How long it takes to get a eTA from Kenya

A eTA is an official document issued by the Kenyan government that allows foreign individuals to enter, stay, and travel within Kenya for a specific purpose and duration.

The time it takes to acquire a Kenyan eTA can vary depending on several factors, including the type of eTA, the method of application, and the efficiency of the processing system at the time of application.

A Kenyan eTA is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. A eTA holder should enter Kenya within 3 months from the date of issuance. The length of stay in Kenya begins on the date of entry into Kenya, NOT from the date of eTA issuance.

Here is some general information about acquiring a tourist eTA for Kenya:

1. eTA Processing Time:

 The processing time for a tourist eTA application can range from a few days to a few weeks. It usually takes between 24 and 72 hours to process a Kenyan eTA online application. Travellers can expect to receive their eTA within this time.It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing.

There are a number of reasons why a tourist eTA to Kenya may not be approved. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Incomplete or incorrect information. If your eTA application is incomplete or contains incorrect information, it may be denied. Make sure to carefully review the eTA application requirements and provide all requested information.
• Insufficient funds. The Kenyan government requires that all visitors have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Kenya. This means that you must show proof of financial support, such as a bank statement or letter from your employer.
• Lack of a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya. It must also have at least two blank pages for eTA stamps.
• Criminal record. If you have a criminal record, you may be denied a eTA to Kenya. This is because the Kenyan government considers you to be a potential risk to national security.
• Medical reasons. If you have a serious medical condition, you may be denied a eTA to Kenya. This is because the Kenyan government may not be able to provide you with the necessary medical care.
• Previous eTA violations. If you have overstayed a previous eTA to Kenya or have otherwise violated Kenyan immigration laws, you may be denied a new eTA.

2. Online eTA Application:

 Kenya offers an eTA system, allowing tourists to apply for a eTA online before travelling. The online application process is straightforward and requires submitting the necessary documents and paying the eTA fee electronically. The eTA is typically processed within a few business days.

You will need to create an account and provide the following information:

• Your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and passport number
• Your contact information, such as your email address and mailing address
• Your travel information, such as the dates of your visit to Kenya and the purpose of your visit
• The required supporting documents, such as a passport-size photograph, a letter from your employer or school, and proof of financial support.

3. Kenyan Embassies/Consulates:

The Embassy of the United States, Nairobi, is the largest embassy in Kenya. Tourists can also apply for a eTA through the Kenyan Embassy or Consulate in their home country. 

If you are applying for a eTA from a Kenyan embassy/consulate that does not accept online eTA applications, you will need to apply for a eTA in person. You can find a list of Kenyan embassies/consulates on the website of the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The application process, requirements, and processing times may vary depending on the embassy/consulate. It is advisable to contact the embassy/consulate directly for specific instructions.

4. eTA Validity:

The validity of a tourist eTA for Kenya depends on the type of eTA and the traveller's nationality. Generally, tourist eTA are valid for stays of up to 90 days within a specific period, usually three to six months. 

The validity of a eTA in Kenya depends on the type of eTA you are applying for.

Here are the different types of Kenyan eTA and their validity periods:

• Single-entry tourist eTA: This eTA allows you to enter Kenya once and stay for a maximum of 30 days.
• Multiple-entry tourist eTA: This eTA allows you to enter Kenya multiple times and stay for a maximum of 90 days per entry.
• Business eTA: This eTA allows you to enter Kenya for the purpose of conducting business and stay for a maximum of 90 days.
• Student eTA: This eTA allows you to enter Kenya for the purpose of studying and stay for a maximum of 1 year.
• Work eTA: This eTA allows you to enter Kenya for the purpose of working and stay for a maximum of 1 year.
• Diplomatic eTA: This eTA allows diplomats and their dependents to enter Kenya for the purpose of conducting official business and stay for a maximum of 1 year.

The validity period of your eTA will be stamped in your passport when you apply for it. You should check the validity period of your eTA before you travel to Kenya to make sure that you have enough time to stay in the country

5. eTA Renewal:

If you wish to extend your stay in Kenya beyond the validity of your tourist eTA, you may be able to apply for a eTA extension or renewal.The cost of extending your eTA will vary depending on the type of eTA you are extending. You can find the cost of extending your eTA on the website of the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Here are some of the reasons why you may need to renew your eTA:

• Your eTA has expired. If your eTA has expired, you will need to renew it in order to stay in Kenya legally.
• Your eTA is damaged or lost. If your eTA is damaged or lost, you will need to renew it in order to obtain a new eTA.
• You have changed your name or other personal information. If you have changed your name or other personal information since you obtained your eTA, you will need to renew it in order to reflect the changes.
• You have changed your travel plans. If you have changed your travel plans and will be staying in Kenya for a longer period of time than originally planned, you may need to renew your eTA.
• You have found a job in Kenya. If you have found a job in Kenya and will be staying in the country for an extended period of time, you may need to renew your eTA.

It is best to consult the official website of the Kenyan Department of Immigration or contact the nearest Kenyan Embassy/Consulate. They can provide specific details based on your nationality and the type of eTA you are applying for.

The number of eTA issued by Kenya has been increasing in recent years. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the country's growing tourism industry and its increasing economic ties with other countries.

Here is a graph showing the number of eTA issued by Kenya from 2015 to 2021:

It is important to note that these are just estimates and the actual number of eTA issued may vary. If you are interested in more specific information, you can contact the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.