Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) on 5 January 2024, following a presidential directive implementing a visa-free regime. All foreign nationals — with the exception of eTA-exempt countries — must obtain an approved eTA before departing for Kenya. The eTA is applied for online at etakenya.go.ke and is processed within 24–72 hours in most cases. Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival, eVisas, or paper visas.
Citizens of several African and other countries are fully exempt and may enter Kenya without any pre-travel authorisation for periods typically ranging from 60 to 180 days depending on bilateral agreements.
eTA / Entry Authorisation Fee Summary Table
| Entry Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) | USD 32.50 | All nationalities requiring eTA; single entry; valid for up to 90-day stay |
| East African Tourist Visa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) | USD 100 | Joint visa for tourism within the three EAC countries |
| Transit authorisation | USD 32.50 | For transit passengers requiring authorisation |
| eTA-exempt nationals | Free | Majority of African countries and selected others; confirm exemption list at etakenya.go.ke |
| Diplomatic Visa | Free | Holders of diplomatic passports on official duty |
The eTA replaced single-entry (previously USD 51) and multiple-entry (previously USD 101) eVisas. The current USD 32.50 rate represents a significant reduction in travel costs.
Application Requirements
Applicants need a valid passport (at least 6 months’ validity beyond planned departure date), a selfie captured via webcam, accommodation booking confirmation, flight ticket/itinerary, travel insurance information, and customs and health declarations. Applications may be submitted up to 90 days before travel but must be submitted at least 3 days before departure.
