Kenya

If you're planning to experience Kenya's world-renowned wildlife safaris, conduct business in Nairobi's thriving economic hub, or pursue academic opportunities at leading universities, understanding the visa landscape is your crucial first step toward a successful journey.

Strategic Entry Planning for Kenya

Kenya has transformed its entry system to balance accessibility with security. All foreign nationals can now enter Kenya without a traditional visa for tourism or business travel for stays up to 90 days. Most visitors must obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure; however, following May 2025 amendments, nationals of most African countries (except Somalia and Libya) and certain Caribbean nations are exempt from the eTA requirement. Whether you're drawn to the Maasai Mara's spectacular migration, Mount Kenya's challenging peaks, or the coastal charm of Mombasa, eligible visitors should secure eTA authorization well before departure.

Essential Traveler Categories

Our comprehensive guidance addresses specific requirements for:

• Tourism enthusiasts seeking safari adventures and coastal experiences
• Business professionals exploring East African markets
• Students and researchers pursuing academic goals
• Transit passengers connecting through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

The eTA costs USD 30 and government processing takes up to three business days. The eTA is generally valid for a single entry into Kenya. However, if you temporarily leave Kenya to visit another EAC Partner State (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda), the eTA remains valid for re-entry into Kenya. This authoritative guide transforms Kenya's immigration complexities into clear, actionable strategies, ensuring your East African adventure begins smoothly and compliantly.

Kenya implemented a significant policy change in January 2024 that fundamentally altered its entry requirements for international travelers. All foreign nationals, regardless of nationality, can now enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business travel for stays up to 90 days. However, most travelers must obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online prior to travel.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) System

Most visitors who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before the start of their journey, including infants and children. The ETA costs USD 30 and government processing takes up to three business days. The eTA is generally valid for a single entry into Kenya. However, if you temporarily leave Kenya to visit another EAC Partner State (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda), the eTA remains valid for re-entry into Kenya.

Who Is Exempt from the eTA Requirement

Effective May 30, 2025, Kenya significantly expanded eTA exemptions under Legal Notice No. 93 (Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Amendment Regulations, 2025). The following travelers do not need an eTA before arrival:

• Citizens of EAC Partner States — Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda — for stays up to 180 days
• Nationals of all other African countries, except Somalia and Libya, for short stays
• Nationals of certain Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Kenya residents holding permanent resident certificates or valid work permits endorsed on their passport
• Transit passengers remaining airside without leaving the airport precincts
• Cruise ship passengers arriving and departing on the same vessel without disembarking
• Holders of United Nations, African Union, and other international organization Laissez-Passers on official business
• Crew members listed on carrier manifests proceeding to destinations outside Kenya

Passport Requirements

All travelers must present:

• Passport with at least two blank pages, six months' validity
• Proof of onward or return travel
• Sufficient funds for stay
• Approved eTA confirmation (printed or digital), where applicable

Transit and Airport Rules

Transit passengers staying airside for under 72 hours and not leaving the international transit area do not need an eTA. However, leaving the airport requires an approved Electronic Travel Authorization regardless of transit duration.

Who Needs an eTA

Citizens from Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and other regions outside the May 2025 exemption list must obtain an eTA before travel. Kenya no longer issues traditional visas or visas on arrival for these nationalities. The eTA must be secured online through the official government portal at etakenya.go.ke before departure.

Application Process

You should apply for your eTA at least 3 to 7 days before your intended travel date, though applications can be submitted up to 3 months in advance. The application requires a passport bio-data page scan, passport-style photo, travel itinerary or hotel booking, and return flight ticket information. Payment is processed online via credit or debit card during the application.

Verification

Always verify current requirements through the official Kenya eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke or contact your nearest Kenyan embassy. Entry requirements can change, and immigration officers at the port of entry make final admissibility decisions even with an approved eTA.

Kenya offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes, from tourism to business ventures. Understanding the specific requirements for each type ensures smooth entry and compliance with immigration regulations.

Electronic Travel Authorization

Kenya abolished visa requirements for all foreign visitors from January 1, 2024, implementing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system instead. The ETA costs USD 30 and government processing takes up to three business days. The Kenya ETA is valid for 90 days after issue and allows for a single entry into the country. East African Community nationals are exempt from the ETA requirement. On May 30, 2025, the ETA program received significant amendments, expanding the list of nationals exempt from obtaining the ETA to most African nationals except Libya and Somalia.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

The Kenya ETA now serves as the replacement for the country's previous short-stay visas for tourism, business activities, educational pursuits, health-related visits, or transiting through the country. Single-entry tourist visa permits stays up to 90 days. Requirements include proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds. Processing time typically takes 2-5 business days, though travelers should apply at least one week in advance.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas cater to commercial activities including:

• Conference attendance and meetings
• Market research and negotiations
• Investment exploration
• Trade missions and exhibitions

The Kenya Business Visa allows travelers to enter Kenya for business meetings, conferences, and commercial activities but does not allow paid employment or hands-on work. Business visas require invitation letters from Kenyan partners and company documentation. Multiple-entry business visas are available for businesspeople who must regularly visit Kenya, valid for up to one year and enabling several visits.

Work and Employment Permits

Work permits integrate visa authorization for employment purposes. Categories include skilled worker permits, investor permits, and dependent passes. Processing requires 21-60 days with extensive documentation including educational certificates and employer sponsorship.

Student and Academic Visas

Student passes enable enrollment in recognized Kenyan institutions. Requirements include admission letters, financial proof, and academic transcripts. Validity aligns with course duration, with extension possibilities upon academic progress verification.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas are issued for periods not exceeding three days to persons who intend to transit through Kenya to a different destination. Diplomatic visas are issued for single or multiple entries to holders of diplomatic passports who are on official duty. Courtesy or official visas are issued to persons holding official or service passports on official duty and to ordinary passport holders where it is considered desirable on the grounds of international courtesy. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint tourist visa that entitles holders to travel to and within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for the purpose of tourism, valid for 90 days with multiple entry. Family reunion visas facilitate visits to Kenyan residents and citizens.

Processing Times

Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) processing takes three working days in most cases, though some applications may require longer. Expedited processing (immediate priority review) is available for an additional USD 100. Work permits require an application processing fee of KES 20,000 (approximately USD 155) plus an issuance fee of KES 500,000 per year (approximately USD 3,900) upon approval. Student visa processing typically takes 14–21 days. Peak travel seasons from December to January and July to August may extend processing times by 2–4 additional days.

Visa Costs and Fees

• Standard single-entry eTA (tourism/business): USD 30 (total approximately USD 32–34 including bank fees)
• 5-year multiple-entry eTA (US citizens only): USD 185
• Transit eTA: approximately USD 20
• Expedited processing: USD 100 additional charge
• East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda): USD 100
• Work permit: KES 500,000 per year (approximately USD 3,900) plus KES 20,000 application fee (approximately USD 155)

Application Locations

Primary application through etakenya.go.ke, the official Electronic Travel Authorization portal, also accessible via Kenya's eCitizen platform (ecitizen.go.ke). This replaced the previous evisa.go.ke platform. Alternative processing available at Kenyan embassies worldwide.

Essential Requirements

• Passport valid 6 months beyond planned arrival date with at least one blank page
• Digital passport photo or selfie via webcam
• Flight ticket confirmation
• Accommodation booking confirmation
• Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic areas)

Payment and Validity

Payments accepted via Visa and MasterCard. The eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from the date of issuance. Duration of stay is determined at the point of entry upon arrival. Success rate exceeds 95% for complete applications.

Contact: Kenya Immigration department at [email protected] or WhatsApp +254 110 922 064

Step 1: Determine Your Travel Authorization Type

Kenya implemented the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system in January 2024, replacing the previous eVisa system with a new digital portal at etakenya.go.ke. All visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization before the start of their journey. The eTA allows entry for tourism, business, or transit purposes, with most authorizations valid for single entry and stays up to 90 days.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Collect essential documents including:

• Valid passport with at least six months validity from the intended travel date
• Recent passport-size photograph or selfie taken during application process
• Travel information and flight itinerary including arrival flight number and date of departure
• Proof of booking for hotel accommodation or letter of invitation if staying with friends
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries

Ensure all documents are in English or officially translated and available in digital format for upload.

Step 3: Complete Application Through eTA Portal

Submit applications through Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorization portal at etakenya.go.ke, which replaced the evisa.go.ke platform. Create an account, fill out forms accurately with personal details, passport information, and travel plans, then upload required documents in specified formats. Applications may be submitted as early as 3 months prior to travel.

Step 4: Pay Processing Fees

Pay the eTA processing fee of USD 30 online at time of application. Payment is accepted via credit cards, debit cards, Visa, and Mastercard. Keep payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 5: Submit and Track Application

After submission, receive a confirmation email with tracking number. Monitor application status through the eTA portal. Processing time is three working days but in some cases it may take longer. It is recommended that travelers apply at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for receiving authorization.

Step 6: Receive Travel Authorization

Download approved eTA and print multiple copies for travel. Present your printed eTA to immigration officers at the port of entry along with your passport. If your application is declined, contact the support team for further details on your situation and reapplication options. No biometric appointments or in-person submissions are required for the eTA application process.

Kenya's eTA rules vary significantly by nationality following amendments introduced in May 2025. Understanding which category applies to you determines whether you must apply before travel or may arrive without advance authorization.

Nationalities That Must Obtain a Kenya eTA

Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, EU member states, and most countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America must obtain a Kenya eTA before travel. No visa on arrival is available for these nationalities. The standard single-entry eTA costs USD 30 (total approximately USD 32–34 including bank fees) and permits stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Apply through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke at least seven days before departure.

US Citizens: Standard and 5-Year Multiple-Entry eTA

US passport holders have access to a 5-year multiple-entry eTA for USD 185, allowing unlimited re-entries to Kenya over five years. This option is currently available exclusively to US nationals and offers strong value for frequent visitors. The standard single-entry eTA at USD 30 remains available for one-time visits. Both options are applied for at etakenya.go.ke.

African Nationals: eTA Exempt Since May 2025

Effective May 30, 2025 (Legal Notice No. 93, Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Amendment Regulations, 2025), nationals of all African countries except Somalia and Libya are exempt from the eTA requirement and may enter Kenya without advance authorization. EAC Partner State citizens — Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda — may stay up to 180 days. Citizens of Somalia and Libya are not covered by this exemption and must obtain appropriate travel authorization before departure.

Caribbean Nationals: eTA Exempt Since May 2025

Nationals of certain Caribbean countries are also eTA-exempt under the same May 2025 amendments. Countries listed in the Seventeenth Schedule of the amended regulations include The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, among others.

Transit Through Kenya: When Is an eTA Required?

Travelers transiting through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) who remain airside in the international transit area do not require a Kenya eTA. If you need to exit the airport during transit — for example, for an overnight stay in Nairobi — you must obtain an eTA before departure. A transit eTA (approximately USD 20) is available for travelers requiring short-term landside access. Confirm requirements with your airline and Kenya immigration authority before travel.