In this guide
Kenya electronic travel authorisation (eTA) gives permission to travel to Kenya when required for your passport and circumstances. It does not guarantee admission or determine your permitted stay: immigration officers decide these at the border.
Check whether you need a Kenya eTA
Use the official Kenya eTA service before applying. Eligibility depends on citizenship, passport or travel document, purpose of travel and any exemption that applies. Check every traveller separately, including children.
The official eligibility and exemption information includes different categories for residence or permit holders, certain nationalities, transit and official travel. Some nationality exemptions have 60-, 90- or 180-day limits. Do not assume that one family member’s exemption covers the whole party. Diplomatic and official travel also has specific conditions; passport type alone is not a reliable blanket exemption.
Prepare your application documents
For a tourism application, the official application instructions ask for:
- A passport valid for at least six months after your planned arrival, with an unused page.
- A recent passport-style photograph or selfie.
- Your email address and telephone number.
- Arrival and departure itinerary details.
- Accommodation booking confirmation.
- An accepted payment method, where a fee applies.
The application may request additional documents for your travel purpose, including health certificates where applicable. Follow the requirements shown for your own application rather than treating a general checklist as complete.
Apply through the official service
- Open the official eTA service and select the application option that fits your circumstances.
- Enter the traveller’s details and upload the requested documents. Check passport numbers, names and journey details carefully before submission.
- Submit the application and complete any required payment through the official service.
- Keep your reference number and use the official Check Status facility to follow progress.
- If approved, keep the approval PDF on your phone or print it for departure and arrival checks.
The official eTA FAQs allow someone to apply on another traveller’s behalf, using that traveller’s correct information. Group applications still require a separate authorisation for each passenger who needs one. An application acknowledgement or payment receipt is not an approval.
Processing time and application fees
Applications typically take three working days, but verification can take longer. The official service recommends applying at least two weeks before travel. Allow time for any follow-up request; do not rely on a guaranteed same-day decision.
Fees depend on the application category and processing option. Check the amount and payment terms displayed by the official service for your application before paying. A safari booking does not replace any required travel authorisation.
Travel validity and permission to stay
The standard application instructions describe travel within 90 days of issue. That travel-validity window is different from the length of stay granted at entry. Read your own approval and confirm the conditions for your journey, particularly if you plan to leave Kenya and return.
Frequently asked questions
Can a couple use one eTA?
No. Each passenger who requires an eTA needs their own authorisation, even when the applications are submitted together.
Does approval guarantee entry or a 90-day stay?
No. Approval permits travel; admission and the permitted stay are determined at the point of entry.
What if I have not received a decision?
Check the status using your reference number and contact the support service shown on the official portal if you need help. Travel only after the required authorisation has been approved.
Where should I check unusual passport or transit circumstances?
Use the official eligibility information and contact immigration support through the eTA portal. Conditions for transit, residence documents and official travel differ; do not infer eligibility from another traveller’s approval.
