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Kenya eVisa Online: Kenya eTA Application Guide
Kenya eVisa is now commonly handled as Kenya eTA. Use this page to understand who needs online travel authorization, who is exempt, which eTA type to choose, what documents are required and how to prepare before travel.
Many travelers still search for “Kenya eVisa online,” but Kenya’s current entry system is the Electronic Travel Authorization. The eTA is used for most foreign visitors who are not exempt. It must normally be approved before departure, and travelers should carry proof during airline and border checks.
Standard eTA: USD 30
Transit eTA: USD 20
One Year Multi-Entry: USD 300
Five Year U.S. eTA: USD 185
EAC citizens: up to 180 days
Africa Tour Visa is a private assistance service. Kenya eTA approvals, exemptions and final admission decisions are made by Kenyan immigration authorities.
Important terminology
Kenya eVisa vs Kenya eTA: what changed?
Travelers often use the phrase “Kenya eVisa” because older online visa systems were widely known by that name. For current Kenya short-stay entry, the correct modern term is usually Kenya eTA, meaning Electronic Travel Authorization.
The practical meaning is simple: if your nationality and travel category are not exempt, you should not wait until the airport or expect a traditional visa on arrival. You should complete the online authorization process before traveling, wait for approval and carry the approval with your passport.
Clear rule for travelers
Use this page when searching for Kenya eVisa online, but understand that most travelers now need to check Kenya eTA rules. If you are exempt, carry proof of exemption and travel documents. If you are not exempt, apply for the correct eTA category before departure.
Who needs online authorization?
Kenya eTA eligibility and exemptions
Kenya does not apply the same rule to every passport. Some travelers are exempt, some need standard eTA, some need transit eTA, and some require special handling because of passport type or travel purpose.
| Traveler category | Likely Kenya position | Important details |
|---|---|---|
| EAC citizens | eTA exempt | Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda may stay up to 180 days. |
| Listed exempt nationalities | eTA exempt | Some listed countries are exempt for up to 90 days. |
| Listed African nationalities | eTA exempt | Selected African nationals may enter for up to 60 days without eTA. |
| Somalia and Libya passport holders | Special review | Do not treat as ordinary African exemption. Verify current Kenya immigration requirements before travel. |
| Airport transit without leaving the airport | Usually exempt | If you remain inside the airport precincts, eTA may not be required. |
| Transit and leaving the airport | Transit eTA usually required | Use the transit route if you need to exit the airport during a stopover. |
| Most other foreign nationals | eTA required | Apply online before departure and carry the approval document. |
Do children need Kenya eTA?
When eTA is required, travelers should expect each traveler to need individual authorization, including children and infants. Families should check every passenger separately because exemptions depend on each traveler’s passport.
Fees and categories
Kenya eVisa / eTA types and fee indicators
The correct category depends on your trip. Do not use a standard single-entry eTA if your journey is transit, repeated multi-entry travel, official duty, employment, study or long stay.
| Category | Best for | Entry position | Fee indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | Tourism, safari, holiday, family visit, short private travel or short business meeting. | Single entry. | USD 30. |
| Transit eTA | Passengers transiting through Kenya who need to leave the airport precincts. | Short transit use. | USD 20. |
| East African Tourist eTA | Regional tourist travel involving Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. | Verify current availability before relying on this route. | Verify before application. |
| One Year Multi-Entry eTA | Frequent travelers entering Kenya several times within 12 months. | Multiple entries for one year. | USD 300. |
| Five Year Multi-Entry eTA | American nationals making repeated visits to Kenya. | Multiple entries for five years. | USD 185. |
| Diplomatic, Official or Courtesy eTA | Diplomatic, official, service passport and eligible official-duty travelers. | Depends on passport, mission and official letter. | May be fee-exempt or specially handled. |
Fee warning
Government fees and processing options may change. Always verify the current fee before payment. Payment does not guarantee entry; final admission is decided by Kenya immigration officers at the point of entry.
Documents
Kenya eTA document requirements
Most applicants need basic travel documents. Extra documents may be required depending on travel purpose, host type, accommodation, business visit, medical visit or official mission.
| Document | Who needs it | Preparation guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | All travelers | Use a passport valid for at least 6 months with at least one blank page. |
| Selfie or passport-style photo | Most eTA applicants | Image should be clear, recent and show the face properly. |
| Email and phone number | All eTA applicants | Use contact details you can access before and during travel. |
| Travel itinerary | Most visitors | Prepare arrival date, departure date and flight details. |
| Accommodation proof | Tourists and most visitors | Hotel, lodge, safari camp, tour confirmation or host address should match your stay. |
| Business invitation | Business visitors | Invitation should show company details, purpose, dates and traveler name. |
| Host invitation and host ID | Family or private visits | Host details should be consistent with the address and purpose used in the application. |
| Medical appointment or referral | Medical visitors | Use a medical institution letter or appointment confirmation. |
| Official letter | Diplomatic or official travel | Carry diplomatic, official or service passport plus official-duty letter. |
| Onward ticket | Transit passengers | Required to prove the next destination after Kenya. |
Application process
How to apply for Kenya eTA online
The online process should be completed before travel. Travelers who need eTA should not wait until airport check-in because airlines may request proof before boarding.
Select category
Choose standard, transit, multi-entry, official or diplomatic handling according to your trip.
Prepare documents
Prepare passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation, payment method and purpose documents.
Review and submit
Check passport number, name spelling, nationality, dates and category before payment.
Carry approval
Print or save your approved eTA or exemption proof for airline and entry checks.
Travel purpose
Which Kenya eTA route should you choose?
Choosing the wrong route is one of the most common reasons for delays. The purpose selected must match the real trip.
Tourism and safari
Most non-exempt tourists use the standard eTA. Prepare passport, travel dates, accommodation or safari itinerary and payment method.
Business meeting
Short business meetings or conferences may use eTA, but paid local employment or long-term work should use the correct permit route.
Family visit
Family visitors may need host invitation details, host ID or permit copy, address and contact information.
Medical visit
Medical travelers should prepare appointment confirmation, hospital or clinic letter and supporting travel details.
Transit
If you remain airside, you may be exempt. If you leave the airport area, transit eTA is usually the safer route.
Frequent travel
Repeated visits may require a one-year multi-entry eTA. Eligible American nationals may consider the five-year route.
Avoid refusal or delay
Common Kenya eVisa / eTA mistakes
Most problems are avoidable. Review every detail before submitting because incorrect information can affect airline boarding and arrival checks.
- Using the old “eVisa” wording and missing the current eTA requirement.
- Entering passport number or nationality incorrectly.
- Choosing standard eTA when transit eTA is required.
- Assuming every African passport has the same exemption period.
- Using tourist eTA for employment, study or long stay.
- Uploading a blurred passport or selfie image.
- Applying too close to departure.
- Not checking if the passenger leaves the airport during transit.
- Using one authorization for a group instead of individual traveler checks.
- Failing to carry approval or exemption evidence.
- Ignoring special rules for diplomatic or official passports.
- Assuming payment means automatic approval or guaranteed entry.
Related Kenya pages
Continue your Kenya visa preparation
Use these related pages to understand the full Kenya visa and eTA process.
Kenya Visa Hub
Start with the full Kenya visa and entry requirements guide.
View Kenya Visa HubKenya eTA
Learn the Electronic Travel Authorization categories, fees and application process.
View Kenya eTAKenya Requirements
Review passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation and purpose-specific document requirements.
View RequirementsKenya eTA Fees
Compare standard, transit, one-year and five-year multi-entry fee indicators.
View FeesKenya Transit eTA
Check when transit passengers need eTA and when airside transit may be exempt.
View Transit eTAStart Application
Begin Kenya eTA assistance and document preparation support.
Start Application
FAQ
Kenya eVisa and eTA FAQ
Is Kenya eVisa still available?
Kenya now uses the Electronic Travel Authorization system for most foreign visitors. Many travelers still search for Kenya eVisa, but the current online authorization is generally Kenya eTA.
Do I need Kenya eTA if I am from an African country?
Many African nationals are exempt for either 60 days or 90 days, while EAC citizens are treated separately for up to 180 days. Somalia and Libya should be checked separately and should not be treated as ordinary African exemption cases.
What is the standard Kenya eTA?
The standard Kenya eTA is normally used for one short entry for tourism, safari, family visit, private visit or short business meeting when the traveler is not exempt.
What is the Kenya transit eTA?
Transit eTA is for passengers transiting through Kenya who need to leave the airport precincts. Passengers remaining inside the airport transit area may be exempt.
Can I apply for Kenya eTA on arrival?
Travelers who need eTA should apply before travel and wait for approval. Do not rely on airport arrival processing unless you have verified that your category is exempt or separately allowed.
How long does Kenya eTA processing take?
Processing is often described around 72 hours, but travelers should apply earlier because additional review, missing documents or incorrect details can delay approval.
Does Kenya eTA guarantee entry?
No. eTA is permission to travel, but final admission is decided by Kenya immigration officers at the point of entry.
Is Africa Tour Visa the official Kenya eTA website?
No. Africa Tour Visa is a private assistance service. Kenya eTA approvals, exemptions and entry decisions are made by Kenyan immigration authorities.
Start Your Kenya eTA Preparation
Check your eligibility, choose the correct eTA category and prepare your passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation, payment and purpose-specific documents before travel.
Apply for Kenya eTA Assistance