New Kenya eTA: What you need to know

On Janaury 1st, 2024, Kenya removed its eVisa system and replaced it with the Electronic Travel Authorization system (eTA), currently in full operation. With the exception of individuals holding valid Kenya Passports, Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes, as well as Citizens of the East African Partner States, all visitors, including infants and children, planning to travel to Kenya must obtain an approved eTA prior to embarking on their journey.

Here's all the information you need to know.

How to Apply:

• Apply for eTA at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en) (USD 34 fee)
• Submit your application a minimum of 3 days before your intended travel date
  You can also apply as early as 3 months before your planned departure
• Families are recommended to apply together

• You need to pay a processing fee of USD $34
• An eTA is for a single entry, flight-specific, and date-specific
• Approval takes 3 working days (check status at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en)

• A valid passport for a minimum of six (6) months beyond your intended arrival date in Kenya, with at least one blank page
• Selfie or passport photo
• Contact information, including email address and phone number
• Travel itinerary
• Accommodation booking
• Payment method e.g. debit card, credit card, Apple Pay
• Possible additional requirements:
  • Yellow fever certificate (depending on the country)
  • Other vaccinations/test results (check website)

• Kenyan citizens and holders of Kenyan travel documents
• Permanent residents and holders of valid work permits in Kenya
• Citizens of East African Partner States (for 6 months)
• Passengers in transit staying within the airport
• Holders of certain diplomatic passports, official passports, and specific laissez-passers are exempt from paying for the ETA but still need to apply. See the full list below

• Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports on official duty
• Holders of specific laissez-passers for official business purposes (see full list below):
• United Nations Organization
• African Union
• African Development Bank
• Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa
• International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa
• Desert Locust Control Organization
• COMESA
• International Monetary Fund and World Bank
• Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
• African Airlines Travel Association (IATA)
• Environment Liaison Centre International ELCI)
• Union of Radio, Television Network of Africa (URTNA)
• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• CIP (International Potato Centre)
• African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC)
• African Housing Fund (AHF)