🧐 Tourist visa
✨ Extendable
Kenya Visa-Free Entry (eTA Required)
Updated:
Duration
90 days
Required income
Flexible
Program cost
$ 30
Processing
1–3 days
Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to leave Kenya. The eTA is mandatory and must be obtained before boarding — it cannot be issued on arrival. Kenya has a total ban on plastic bags; do not bring them. You may be asked to show proof of accommodation, sufficient funds and return travel. Always verify the latest health and security requirements before departure. Overstaying can result in fines, detention and future entry bans.
Imagine standing in the golden grasslands of the Maasai Mara watching the thunderous Great Migration, one of Earth's most epic natural events, while lions and elephants roam freely around you. Kenya delivers pure magic: world-class safaris, pristine white-sand beaches fringed by coconut palms, the dramatic peaks of Mount Kenya, and the vibrant Swahili culture of the coast. The energy, colors, and warm hospitality will captivate you from the moment you arrive. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons (June–October and December–March) for perfect wildlife viewing and beach weather. Book your flights and accommodation today — your African adventure of a lifetime is waiting.
Official program link:
https://www.etakenya.go.ke/
✔ Required documents
- Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the planned date of departure from Kenya
- Approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Proof of onward or return flights
- Confirmation of accommodation or letter of invitation
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of transmission
📋 How to apply
-
Decide and Research
Choose your travel dates, decide which national parks, beaches or mountains you want to explore, and visit the official eTA website to confirm current requirements. -
Submit eTA Application
Go to https://www.etakenya.go.ke/, create an account and fill in the online form with your personal details, passport information and travel itinerary. -
Upload Documents & Pay
Upload a recent passport-style photo, scanned passport bio page and pay the 30 USD fee. Ensure all information exactly matches your passport. -
Receive eTA Approval
Wait for approval (usually within 24–72 hours). The eTA will be sent to your email — download, print or save it digitally. -
Complete Travel Preparations
Book your flights, accommodation, safari tours and purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Prepare all supporting documents. -
Enter Kenya
At the airport or border, present your valid passport, approved eTA, return ticket and other documents. Clear immigration and begin your Kenyan adventure.
✅ Approval tips
- Apply at least 7–14 days before your departure
- Make sure every detail (name, passport number, dates) matches your travel documents exactly
- Use a clear, recent, passport-style photograph with a plain background
- Prepare a realistic day-by-day travel itinerary
- Check the official portal regularly for any updates or additional requests
- Use a stable internet connection and complete the application in one session when possible
❌ Common rejection reasons
- Inaccurate or inconsistent information compared to passport details
- Incomplete application or missing supporting documents
- Previous immigration violations or overstays in Kenya or other countries
- Travel from a yellow-fever risk country without valid vaccination certificate
- Security flags or criminal record that raises concerns
- Application submitted after travel has already begun
❓ FAQ
Yes. All nationalities can enter Kenya without a traditional visa, but every traveler must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure.
The standard fee is 30 USD per person (non-refundable). Children and certain categories may have different rates — always check the official portal.
The eTA usually allows a stay of up to 90 days for tourism. It is generally valid for the period of your approved trip.
No. The eTA must be secured before you board your flight. Airlines will deny boarding to passengers without a valid eTA.
It is not officially mandatory but strongly recommended. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, safari activities and trip interruption is highly advised.
Yes, if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The certificate must be presented at entry.
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, requires an individual eTA application.
🔗 Official sources
- Official Kenya eTA Portal (2026-05-20)
- Kenya Immigration Department (2026-04-15)
- Kenya Tourism Board Travel Advisory (2026-06-01)