Travel authorisations
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Short answer
- Operator
- Directorate of Immigration Services, State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services 1
- Status
- Live. Official portal active when accessed on 24 October 2026 1
- Start
- 1 January 2024, as reported by Anadolu Agency 2
- Apply
- etakenya.go.ke 1
How the Kenya eTA works
The official portal describes the eTA as a semi-automated system that determines eligibility 4. It is not the final authority to enter Kenya. The portal states that admissibility will be determined at the point of entry 4.
The portal states that all travellers to Kenya are required to submit information before departure 1. It warns that failure to comply may lead to denial of boarding or a penalty fee on arrival 1. The pages read for this entry do not give the penalty amount or the current fee 3.
Applications are made online and the portal offers a status check for submitted applications 1. Processing is typically three working days but may take longer in some cases 3. The general information page lists an urgent processing service and advises applying at least 2 weeks before travel 4.
What applicants need
- A passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank page 3.
- A selfie or passport-style photo 3.
- An email address and phone number 3.
- An itinerary showing arrival and departure, and an accommodation booking 3.
- A payment method such as a credit or debit card 3.
- Documents for the travel purpose, such as an invitation letter, company papers or a hospital referral 3.
Who is exempt under the 2025 rules
The official general information page lists exemptions under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025 4. The page does not give an effective date for the rules 4.
| Group | Stay or status |
|---|---|
| Citizens of Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda 4 | Exempt for up to 180 days 4 |
| Nationals of listed countries including Botswana, Ghana, Jamaica, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa 4 | Exempt for up to 90 days 4 |
| Nationals of listed African countries including Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia 4 | Exempt for up to 60 days 4 |
| Holders of Kenya permanent residence, valid work permits, passes or re-entry passes 4 | Exempt 4 |
| Holders of listed laissez-passers on official business, such as UN, African Union and EU 4 | Exempt 4 |
| Transit passengers who do not leave the airport precincts, and listed crew 4 | Exempt 4 |
Timeline
- 12 December 2023: President William Ruto announced the end of visa requirements for international visitors, as reported by Andrew Wasike of Anadolu Agency 2.
- 1 January 2024: The policy took effect. Anadolu Agency reported a US$30 fee and a 90-day stay 2.
- 7 January 2024: The Ministry of Interior issued an update and reported 9,787 applications received, as reported by Kenneth Gachie of Citizen Digital. The same report said the fee for most travellers fell from Ksh7,756 (US$50) to Ksh4,700 (US$30) 6.
- 21 February 2024: The EastAfrican reported that the Department of Immigration and Citizen Services exempted citizens of Ethiopia, South Africa and other listed countries from eTA fees 5.
- January 2025: A government notice proposed exempting African nations, except Somalia and Libya, from the eTA, as reported by The Star 7.
- 14 July 2025: The Star reported that Kenya removed the eTA requirement for most African and Caribbean countries, with Libya and Somalia excluded over security concerns 7.
Reported concerns and differing figures
In January 2024 Citizen Digital reported traveller complaints about the new system 6. Kenneth Gachie reported that journalist Larry Madowo described the eTA as a visa under another name 6. The EastAfrican reported in February 2024 that some countries complained of high charges 5.
Stay limits differ between sources. The Star reported in July 2025 that African nationals can stay up to two months and East African Community citizens up to six months 7. The official exemption list sets 60, 90 or 180 days depending on nationality 4.
Common questions
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?
Anadolu Agency reported a fee of US$30 in January 2024 2. Citizen Digital reported on 8 January 2024 that a Ministry of Interior update of 7 January cut the fee for most travellers from US$50 to US$30 6. The EastAfrican reported US$30 per traveller in February 2024 5. The official how-to-apply page lists a payment method but no amount 3.
How long does a Kenya eTA take to process?
The official site says typically three working days, and sometimes longer 3. It advises applying at least 2 weeks before travel 4.
Do East African citizens need a Kenya eTA?
Citizens of Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda are exempt for up to 180 days under the 2025 rules listed on the official site 4.
Does an approved eTA guarantee entry to Kenya?
No. The official site says admissibility will be determined at the point of entry 4.
Do transit passengers need a Kenya eTA?
Passengers on the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft who do not leave the airport precincts are exempt, according to the official site 4.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@digitalborderdirectory.com.
Sources
- Directorate of Immigration Services, Kenya: Your visit to Kenya begins here, Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (accessed 24 October 2026)
- Anadolu Agency, Andrew Wasike: First batch of foreign tourists arrive in Kenya under new visa-free entry scheme (6 January 2024)
- Directorate of Immigration Services, Kenya: How to apply, Kenya eTA (accessed 24 October 2026)
- Directorate of Immigration Services, Kenya: General Information, Kenya eTA (accessed 24 October 2026)
- The EastAfrican, Aggrey Mutambo: Kenya exempts Ethiopia, South Africa from e-travel authorisation fees (21 February 2024)
- Citizen Digital, Kenneth Gachie: 'Too hectic!' Kenya's 'visa-free' status questioned by numerous travelers after ETA introduction (8 January 2024)
- The Star, Tabnacha Odeny: Kenya waives Visa requirements for most African and Caribbean nations (14 July 2025)
Related
- UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
The UK ETA costs £20, lasts 2 years or to passport expiry, and is needed by most visa-free visitors. Rollout dates, refusals and legal basis.
- US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
ESTA is required for Visa Waiver Program travel to the US. The fee is US$40.62 from 16 October 2026. Rules, eligibility and proposed app-only changes.
- Canada electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA. It costs CAN$7 and lasts up to five years. Exemptions, conditional eligibility and the law.
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
The NZeTA costs NZ$17 in the app or NZ$23 online, plus the NZD 100 visitor levy from 1 October 2024. Who needs it, validity and processing time.
- Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 and is for visa-free visitors to Korea. Validity is 3 years from July 2023. A temporary exemption runs to 31 December 2026.