How to Apply for an eTA (alternative visa) to Travel to Kenya Online

Last update: January 2024

Getting an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for entry to Kenya couldn't be simpler, with the country instituting online applications to make the process easier. Please note, it is NOT possible to get an eTA on arrival - so you need to apply before traveling.

The eTA is Kenya’s alternative to a travel visa.

How to Apply for a Kenyan eTA?

You can apply for a Kenyan eTA online, at the eTA website.

Click “Apply Now” to get started.

1. The first step is to select the type of application: individual or group.
2. Next, select your country of residence.
3. From there, you will fill out your personal details, beginning with uploading a scan of your passport and a photo of yourself.
4. Enter your contact information.
5. Enter the details of your trip: purpose of trip, arrival and departure details, and where you will stay.
6. Enter general personal details.
7. Fill out the customs declaration.
8. Upload the supporting documents. Here, you will upload your contract with Shadows Of Africa and your international flight confirmation. These need to be uploaded in PDF format. If you need help creating PDFs for this step, let us know! We are here to help.
9. Confirm your details and proceed.
10. Complete your application by entering your payment details and paying for the eTA application. The fee for the eTA is 34.09USD per traveler, which includes the cost of the eTA and bank and processing fees.

Processing time will vary depending on the type of eTA and your country of citizenship.

Standard processing time is three (3) working days.

The whole process consists of 10 steps. The is a fairly intuitive one, with the site guiding you through the various fields you'll need to complete.

The only step that may be difficult is step 8, which asks you for your supporting documents. Thankfully, that's where we come in! In most cases, your booking confirmation that you have received from your Shadows Of Africa Safari Expert can be uploaded - and it will meet all requirements. If you require additional information to complete the process just let us know what documents you need from us and we'll gladly provide them!

You can track the progress of your application on the eTA website. Just click “Check your application” on the home page.

REQUIREMENTS FOR KENYAN eTA

Please have the following documents ready before starting your application.

For all travelers:

1. Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya;
2. At least one blank page in the holder’s passport;
3. Selfie or passport-type photo;
4. Contact information, email address and phone number;
5. Details of your arrival and departure itinerary;
6. Accommodation booking confirmation(s);
7. Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment.

Based on your country of residence and citizenships the following may also be required:

1. Financial assets / banks letter(s);
2. Return transportation booking (flight ticket, etc.).

Based on your country of residence and travel history the following may also be required:

1. Yellow fever certificate;
2. Other vaccination(s) or test results certificates

Based on your purpose of visit the following may also be required:

1. Letter and/or appointment letter from the referring doctor / hospital;
2. Conference invitation/participation letter;
3. Employment contract;
4. Supporting documents for resettlement.

For Business visits:

1. Invitation letter from company;
2. Copy of registration of the company.

For Family visits:

1. Invitation letter from family/host;
2. Identity card / Passport / Alien card / Entry permit of the family member / host.

For Diplomatic travel:

1. A Diplomatic, Official and Service passport;
2. An official letter from the Country of Origin/ Organisation/ Foreign Affairs.

WHO NEEDS AN eTA TO VISIT KENYA

PERSONS WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM OBTAINING THE ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (eTA)

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 United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
4. Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya.
5. Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (Exempted for Six (6) months)
6. 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.
7. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
8. 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.
9. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.

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

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND DURING YOUR KENYAN eTA APPLICATION

1. In the event of lapse during payment please do not re-apply, contact the administrator on support@etakenya.go.ke.
2. Inappropriate document uploads will lead to automatic rejection of the visa.
3. Upload recent color passport-size photos with a clear background.

Any Questions?

If you have any further questions about the eTA process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. That’s what we’re here for!
https://www.mfa.go.ke
https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en