Ruth Haines
As of January 2024, Kenya has implemented a new visa system, replacing the previous eVisa with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This means that travellers must complete an ETA before their departure, and there are no ETAs issued on arrival. Previously, tourists could obtain a visa on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, but this is no longer the case. The new system simplifies the entry process for visitors, with visa applicants required to upload a passport photo and a copy of their passport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you get a Kenyan visa at the airport? | No, Kenya no longer offers visas on arrival. |
| What is required to enter Kenya? | An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) |
| When did the new rule come into effect? | January 2024 |
| When should you apply for an ETA? | At least 72 hours before travel |
| Where can you apply for an ETA? | www.etakenya.go.ke |
| Who is exempt from obtaining an ETA? | Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes, and citizens of East African Partner States (for a period not exceeding 180 days) |
| Can you get a Kenyan visa before travelling to Kenya? | Yes, through the eVisa system. |
| Where can you apply for an eVisa? | www.evisa.go.ke |
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What You'll Learn
Obtaining a Kenyan visa at the airport
Since January 2024, Kenya has implemented a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for all travellers wishing to enter the country. This has replaced the previous eVisa system and the traditional visa on arrival. As a result, it is no longer possible to obtain a Kenyan visa at the airport or any other port of entry. All travellers, except those who are exempted, must obtain an ETA before departure. The official ETA website is www.etakenya.go.ke, and applications must be made through https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en/evisa.html. Exemptions from obtaining an ETA include citizens of East African Partner States (including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) for visits not exceeding 180 days, holders of Kenya Permanent Residence or valid Work Permits and Passes, and certain other official passport holders.
The ETA system simplifies the entry process for visitors and aims to attract more tourists to Kenya. It is recommended that travellers have their flight itinerary readily available in both digital and printed formats to ensure a smoother immigration process. The new digital portal, www.etakenya.go.ke, facilitates the seamless identification of travellers to Kenya in advance. This portal replaced the previously operational www.evisa.go.ke platform, which is no longer in use.
While it is no longer possible to obtain a Kenyan visa at the airport, tourist visas could previously be obtained upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The shift to the ETA system improves the efficiency of the entry process and provides travellers with the assurance of having their visa confirmed before departure. This aligns with the global trend towards digitisation and streamlines border security measures.
For specific information regarding visa requirements, prospective visitors can refer to the Kenya Embassy website or contact the Embassy directly. Additionally, for those intending to undertake internships, placements, or volunteer work in Kenya, it is necessary to liaise with host organisations and apply for the appropriate authorisation from the Director of Immigration Services in Nairobi. The website www.immigration.go.ke provides comprehensive details on all immigration services, including work permits, passes, citizenship, and frequently asked questions.
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The eVisa and its benefits
As of January 2024, Kenya has implemented a new visa system, replacing the previous eVisa process with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This means that travellers must complete an ETA before their departure. This can be done through the official eTA website, www.etakenya.go.ke, and costs a small fee.
The eVisa has several benefits for travellers. Firstly, it saves time at the point of entry, as visitors no longer need to fill out manual applications and wait for visa stickers and receipts. The online process is also simple and user-friendly, consisting of three steps, and visa approval is done in real time. This removes the anxiety of not knowing whether a visa will be granted at the port of entry.
The eVisa also allows travellers to save their application and return to it at a later time. Additionally, it enables tour operators and travel agents to apply on behalf of the applicant, provided they supply accurate information, including invitation letters, itineraries, and hotel details. This ensures that applicants' details are secure and can be tracked for security and emergency purposes.
The Kenyan eVisa is part of the country's commitment to digitising its operations and streamlining the entry process for visitors, with the aim of attracting more tourists to experience all that Kenya has to offer.
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Transit visas and exemptions
From January 2024, Kenya has replaced the traditional visa on arrival with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This means that all travellers wishing to enter Kenya, including those in transit, must obtain an ETA before departure. The ETA can be applied for on the official website: www.etakenya.go.ke. It is recommended to have your flight itinerary readily available in both digital and printed formats to ensure a smoother immigration process.
There are, however, certain exemptions to the requirement of obtaining an ETA. Citizens of the following East African Partner States are exempt for visits of up to 180 days: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Additionally, holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits, and Passes are exempt. All persons whose passports are endorsed with valid Kenya re-entry passes or any other written authority in lieu of a re-entry pass are also exempt.
In terms of transit visas, if a passenger is in transit and needs to clear immigration to enter Kenya, they will need a transit visa. This can be applied for at a designated workstation at the port of entry. It is important to note that a transit visa is required even if the passenger is only passing through immigration before checking in for a connecting flight.
There are also specific scenarios where a transit visa is not required. Passengers who arrive and depart by the same aircraft or ship without leaving the precincts of the airport or ship do not need a transit visa. Similarly, crew members of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier whose names and particulars are included in the crew manifest are exempt, provided they are proceeding to a destination outside Kenya. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya are also exempt, provided they do not leave the airport premises.
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The new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system
From January 2024, Kenya has implemented a new mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which replaces the previous eVisa system. This means that travellers can no longer obtain a visa on arrival at Kenyan airports. The new system aims to streamline the entry process for visitors and make it easier to identify travellers in advance, with the ultimate goal of attracting more tourists to Kenya.
The ETA must be obtained at least 72 hours before travelling to Kenya, through the official website www.etakenya.go.ke. This website replaces the previous eVisa portal, www.evisa.go.ke. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, taking just three simple steps. Applicants need to upload a passport-sized photo and a copy of their passport, which can be scanned or taken with a mobile phone. The system automatically resizes the photo to fit the required specifications.
The ETA costs more than the previous eVisa, but the exact fee amount is unclear. The application process can be saved and resumed at any time before submission. Once the ETA is approved, applicants can track their application status in real time through their iVisa account and receive email updates.
It is important to note that certain nationalities are exempt from obtaining an ETA, including citizens of East African Partner States such as Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania, who can stay for up to 180 days without an ETA. Transit passengers may also be exempt, but if their stay exceeds 72 hours, they will need to apply for a regular tourist ETA.
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Visa application process and requirements
As of January 2024, Kenya has implemented a visa-free regime. However, all travellers, except those exempted, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their journey to Kenya. The ETA can be applied for on the official website, www.etakenya.go.ke, and must be done at least 72 hours before travel. It is important to note that there are no ETAs issued on arrival.
The ETA replaces the previous eVisa system, which is no longer in use. The eVisa was an online application process that required applicants to upload a passport-sized photo and a copy of their passport. The new ETA system aims to streamline the entry process and make it more seamless for travellers.
For US citizens, the US Embassy in Nairobi offers a range of visa services, including expedited/emergency appointments for urgent travel. Additionally, J-1 applicants accepted to fee-exempt US Government-funded programs may be eligible for expedited scheduling. The US Embassy also provides a Gold Key Service for a fee, offering US companies assistance in scheduling appointments with potential business contacts in Kenya.
For those undertaking internships, placements, or volunteer work in Kenya, it is necessary to liaise with the host organisation and apply for the appropriate authorization from the Director of Immigration Services in Nairobi before commencing any activities.
Tour operators and travel agents can apply for visas on behalf of applicants, provided they supply accurate information, including invitation letters, itinerary, and hotel details. This information is crucial for security and emergency purposes.
It is always recommended to have your flight itinerary readily accessible and well-organised to ensure a smoother immigration process.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Kenya no longer offers visas on arrival. All travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure.
You must apply for the ETA at least 72 hours before traveling. The ETA can be obtained through the official eTA website: www.etakenya.go.ke.
Yes, certain individuals are exempt from obtaining an ETA, including citizens of East African Partner States (for a period not exceeding 180 days) and holders of Kenya Permanent Residence or valid Work Permits.
