Jazmin Li
Kenya has implemented an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, which requires all travellers to obtain an eTA before their arrival in the country. This system has replaced the previous eVisa process and short-stay visas, and is designed to streamline the visa application process and make entry into Kenya easier. The eTA costs $30 and is valid for a single entry to Kenya, with applications submitted through the official eTA portal. Travellers should apply at least two weeks before their planned travel date, and those whose applications are approved will receive a PDF document that must be presented at departure and arrival points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do I need a visa to enter Kenya? | Yes, all international travelers need a visa to enter Kenya. |
| What type of visa do I need? | You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which has replaced the old eVisa system. |
| How much does the eTA cost? | The eTA costs $30. |
| Who needs to apply for an eTA? | Every international traveler, including minors and babies, must secure an eTA before arriving in Kenya. |
| Who is exempt from the eTA? | Citizens of Kenya and East African Community (EAC) Partner States are exempt from the eTA. |
| When should I apply for the eTA? | It is recommended to apply for the eTA at least two weeks before your planned travel date and at least three days prior to travel. |
| How long is the eTA valid for? | The eTA is valid for a single entry to Kenya and is valid for three months from the date of issue. |
| What do I need to apply for the eTA? | You need to fill out an application form, provide a passport photo and a copy of your passport, and pay the visa fee. |
| Where can I apply for the eTA? | You can apply for the eTA online through the official website: www.etakenya.go.ke or www.evisa.go.ke. |
| How will I know if my eTA application has been approved? | You will receive a notification via email, and you can also check the status of your application on the website. |
| What do I need to do if my application is approved? | Download the PDF document attached to the approval email, or download it to your mobile device or the "Kenya Travel Authorization" mobile app. |
| What happens if my application is denied? | You will not be able to travel to Kenya, and you will need to reapply if necessary. |
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What You'll Learn
Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system
The eTA system covers various visa categories, including tourism, business, education, health, and transit. It serves as a single-entry visa for brief stays in Kenya, allowing travellers to engage in tourist activities, business endeavours, educational pursuits, or health-related visits. The eTA is valid for multiple entries into EAC Partner States (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda), but a new eTA is required if visiting a country outside this block before re-entering Kenya.
To apply for the eTA, travellers must submit biographic information and answer eligibility questions. Applications should be made at least three days before travelling, and approvals are sent via email. The eTA costs $30 and can be managed through the \"Kenya Travel Authorization\" mobile app or other visa apps. The application process requires a passport-size photo and a copy of the passport, which can be scanned or taken by a mobile phone.
The eTA system offers several benefits, including streamlining the visa application process, reducing queues upon arrival, and simplifying the check-in process for airlines. It enables travellers to submit all relevant information and documentation before their trip, providing peace of mind that they meet the requirements for entering Kenya. The eTA system also enhances security by authenticating the identity of the applicant upon arrival with digital photos and fingerprints.
It is important to note that Kenya no longer offers visas on arrival, and travellers must present a valid eTA during the check-in and boarding process. Visitors are advised to keep both digital and printed copies of their eTA confirmation to ensure seamless entry into Kenya.
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How to apply for an eTA
As of January 2024, Kenya has implemented an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, which requires all travellers to apply for an eTA before their journey to Kenya. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an eTA:
- Visit the official eTA website: http://www.etakenya.go.ke. This is the new digital portal launched by the Government of Kenya for travellers to apply for eTA.
- Create an account on the website and log in to access the eTA application form.
- Fill out the eTA application form by providing the required biographic information and answering eligibility questions. You will also need to upload a passport-size photo and a copy of your passport. Make sure to review your application for any mistakes before submitting, as errors can lead to delays in processing.
- Submit the application at least three days prior to your travel, as recommended, to ensure adequate time for authorisation. The processing time for tourist visas can take up to 15 working days.
- Await notification of visa approval via email. You can also check the status of your application by visiting the eTA website and logging into your account.
- If your application is approved, download the attached PDF document or save it to your mobile device. You can also print this document. This is your electronic travel authorisation, which you must present during the check-in and boarding process and at all departure and arrival points. Keep both digital and printed copies for seamless entry.
Please note that the eTA costs $30 and is valid for a single entry to Kenya. It is mandatory for all international travellers, including minors and babies, to obtain an eTA before arriving in Kenya. Citizens of Kenya and East African Community (EAC) Partner States are exempt from the eTA requirement. Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary vaccinations (Yellow Fever and Poliovirus) and the required supporting documentation based on your travel purpose.
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How much does an eTA cost?
As of January 2024, Kenya has been a "'Visa Free' country for all travellers across the world. This means that visitors to Kenya no longer require a visa and instead need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). The eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya and offers permission to travel authorised by the Kenyan Government. The eTA is mandatory and must be presented during the check-in and boarding process. It is also important to note that having an eTA does not guarantee entry into Kenya; this is determined by the immigration officers upon arrival.
The eTA costs $30 as a processing fee, payable online during the application. This fee applies to all foreign citizens above the age of 18, including children. For those under 18, a parent, legal guardian, or accompanying adult must fill in the application on their behalf. The eTA application requires biographic information, including a valid passport, a recent passport picture or selfie, contact details, travel information, proof of booking for the hotel, a yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable), and credit/debit card information for payment.
It is recommended that eTA applications are submitted at least three days before travelling to Kenya to ensure adequate time for authorisation. Once approved, individuals will receive a PDF document that must be printed or downloaded to a mobile device. This electronic travel authorisation must be shown at all departure and arrival points.
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What documents do I need to apply?
As of January 2024, Kenya has been a ""Visa Free" country for all travellers across the world. However, all visitors are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before entering Kenya. Here is a list of documents you will need to apply for the eTA:
- A passport with at least six months' validity from the date of arrival in Kenya and at least two blank pages.
- Proof of yellow fever immunisation if arriving from an endemic country. Failure to provide this may result in denial of entry.
- Biographic information, including your full name, date of birth, address, and other contact details.
- Answers to eligibility questions. These will likely include questions about your health, character, and any criminal convictions.
- Payment of the eTA fee, which is currently $30.
It is recommended that you apply for your eTA at least two weeks before your departure, and no later than three days before your trip, to ensure adequate time for authorisation. Once your application has been approved, you will need to either print the attached PDF document or download it to your mobile device. You can also save it in the "Kenya Travel Authorisation" mobile app. This electronic travel authorisation must be presented at all departure and arrival points, as well as during the check-in and boarding processes.
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How long does an eTA last?
The Kenyan government implemented the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, which is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA is valid for a single entry to Kenya and the visitor must enter Kenya within 90 days from the date of issue. If the visitor does not enter within 90 days, the eTA issued becomes invalid. The eTA remains valid for more than one entry in case of temporary departure/entry to one or more EAC Partner States: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. A visit to a country outside this block renders re-entry to Kenya subject to a new eTA.
The length of stay in Kenya begins on the date of entry into Kenya and the eTA is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. The Visitor's Pass, which indicates the duration of validity of the eTA, may be extended for up to 90 days, with a maximum period of extension being 180 days.
The time it takes to acquire an 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. 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 an online application. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Kenya no longer offers visas on arrival. You must apply for the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before your journey.
You can apply for the eTA online via the website www.evisa.go.ke or through the "Kenya Travel Authorization" mobile app. The application requires a passport-size photo and a copy of your passport. The eTA costs $30 and must be applied for at least three days before travelling to Kenya.
You will be notified via email if your application has been approved. You can then either print the attached PDF document or download it to your mobile device. You must present this electronic travel authorization at all departure and arrival points.
It is mandatory for all travellers to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever and Poliovirus at least four weeks before departure. The vaccination certificates must be shown at the airport.
