The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, Directorate of Immigration Services has developed and is operating the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.
The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller. eTA applications for Kenya are usually processed in 3 days, however it is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.
Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
- Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
- Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya (exempt from payment only).
- Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)
- All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
- All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
- Members of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
- Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It is mandatory to use the Government's official website to submit your application. Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.
Benefits of Kenya eTA system
- Kenya eTA enables travellers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their homes before starting their trip. Travellers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.
- Travellers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or upon arrival.
- Transport carriers can easily verify that travellers have been authorised to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and are in possession of an approved eTA.
- Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections.
- Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitise its government processes.
All visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.
Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
- Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
- Holders of valid Kenya eVISAs
- Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations Accredited to Kenya (exempt from payment only).
- Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)
- All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
- All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
- Members of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
- Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.
Please have the following documents ready before starting your application.
For all travellers
- Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page
- Selfie or passport-type photo
- Contact information, email address and phone number
- Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
- Credit card, debit card or other means of payment
Based on your country of residence and citizenships the following may also be required:
- Financial assets / banks letter(s)
Based on your purpose of visit the following may also be required:
- Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital
- Conference invitation/participation letter
- Employment contract
- Supporting documents for resettlement
- Vaccination(s) or test results certificates
For travellers arriving for business
- Invitation letter from company
- Copy of registration of the company
For travellers visiting family
- Invitation letter from family/host
- Identity card/Passport/Alien card/Entry permit of the family member/host
For Diplomatic travel
- A Diplomatic, Official and Service passport
- An official letter from the Country of Origin/Organisation/ Foreign Affairs.
Processing time is three (3) working days but in some cases it may take longer.
By using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). Please read these terms carefully.
Your eTA application fee is non-refundable
Once you submit your eTA application, the fee is non-refundable, and you cannot transfer it to another person. This is also true if your eTA is denied or if for any reason, including a force majeure, there are deviations to your planned journey.
Disclaimer
We have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information provided to you is adequate. We disclaim and exclude all liability for any claim, loss, demand, or damage of any kind arising out of or in connection with this website. All risks associated with the use of this website are assumed by the user.
Accuracy of content
To our best knowledge and intentions, the information on this website is continuously updated and true.
Minors
Parents, legal guardians, or accompanying adults are responsible for information submitted when applying for the Republic of Kenya eTA.
Privacy policy
The Government of the Republic of Kenya uses third parties to process the data it collects. One of its processors is Travizory Border Security SA. Its use of the information that you provide to the Government of the Republic of Kenya is governed by its privacy policy.
Links to third party websites
We are not responsible for the content, reliability, and accuracy of third-party websites found through links on this website.
Links from third party websites to this one
If you create links from other websites to this one, do not use them in any context that implies an association, affiliation, or endorsement of your website, product, or service.
Copyright
You may not reproduce materials on this website for commercial reasons without prior permission from Travizory Border Security SA.
Provision of information
By providing personal information, you agree that your information will be used for the purpose of determining your eligibility to travel, being able to contact you prior to travelling, while in the country, and post travel. If you do not provide the requested information the Government of the Republic of Kenya will not be able to process your request, and you will be prohibited from travelling to the Republic of Kenya.
Your eTA application can be modified prior to submission.
Prior to submitting an application with the required payment information, you can correct all application data fields. If an applicant applied with mistakes, he or she might need to submit a new application. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted.
If you need any assistance regarding your application, please email us at [email protected] or call us on +254 202 222 022. For urgent queries, please use our live chat to be connected to a Customer Support Agent.