Complete Guide To Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

What is eTA?

This a valid legal document that allows foreigners to enter the Republic of Kenya for a given purpose for a given period of time.

It is a replacement for the previously used eVisa and was introduced to make Kenya a Visa free country to enter.

How long does it take to acquire eTA?

It normally takes 3 working days (72 hours) for the application to be processed. However, it might take much longer depending on the situation.

Who needs eTA to travel to Kenya?

All visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved (eTA) before the start of their journey.

Who is exempted from eTA requirement to enter Kenya?

1. Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
2. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
3. Holders of valid Kenya eVISAs
4. Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
5. Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations Accredited to Kenya (exempt from payment only).
6. Citizens of the East African Partner States including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Somalia and Uganda who are exempted for Six (6) months
7. 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.
8. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
9. 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.
10. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.

What are the application requirements?

• 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 for every applicant
• Contact information including residential address, email address and phone number
• Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
• Credit/Debit card or other means of payment

Other requirements might include;

• Financial assets / banks letter(s)
• Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital (MEDICATION TRAVEL)
• Conference invitation/participation letter (EVENT TRAVEL)
• Employment contract (WORK TRAVEL)
• Supporting documents for resettlement (RESIDENCE TRAVEL)
• Vaccination(s) or test results certificates
• Invitation letter from company (BUSINESS TRAVEL)
• Copy of registration of the company (BUSINESS TRAVEL)
• Invitation letter from family/host (FAMILY TRAVEL)
• Identity card/Passport/Alien card/Entry permit of the family member/host (FAMILY TRAVEL)
• A Diplomatic, Official and Service passport (DIPLOMATIC TRAVEL)
• An official letter from the Country of Origin/Organization/Foreign Affairs (DIPLOMATIC TRAVEL)

How To Apply

• Access eTA Portal on your phone, tablet or computer.
• Click/Tap Apply now button.
• Choose the category you belong from the 3 options i.e. Tourists & Visitors; Kenyan & EAC States Passport Holders; Diplomats & Laissez Passport Holders
• Check the boxes for Declaration of Consent to collection of data to proceed
• Choose whether it is an Individual Application (travelling alone) or Group Application (travelling together to a maximum of 5 persons)
• Upload your passport bio-data page and a selfie that meet the required standards or you will be needed to change
• Enter your Contact, Trip & Traveler’s information
• Customer declaration if you are carrying cash or goods worth over USD5000
• Upload other required documents
• Review your applications to ensure details are entered correctly and all required documents are uploaded.
• Submit the application
• Make the payment using your Debit/Credit Card. Keep your invoices and application/tracking number for reference. A confirmation email will be sent as a proof of successful application
• Be checking the site for the status of your application. When ready the status will change from Processing to Valid.

All the best in preparing for your travel !!!

For further inquiry or guidance, our team is on standby. Passport Application is a related service. See also Other Services or contact us via Email or WhatsApp for assistance.