Confirm exemption status
Use the official eligibility page because exemptions were expanded under the 2025 rules.
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation
Kenya eTA Guide for Safari Travellers
Plan a Kenya safari with current eTA requirements, official costs, documents, processing advice, exemptions and entry information for adults and children.
Ask a Visa-Planning QuestionOpen Checklists
Standard eTAUSD 30
Typical processingAbout 3 days
Recommended lead timeAt least 2 weeks
Passport6 months + blank page
Entry summary: Kenya replaced the traditional visitor visa for most travellers with an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Each non-exempt passenger, including infants and children, normally needs an approved eTA before travel. A standard eTA costs USD 30 on the official portal, and the government recommends applying at least two weeks before departure even though many applications are processed within about three days.
Before you open the application
The eTA gives permission to travel to Kenya; the immigration officer at the port of entry makes the final admission decision. Prepare your passport page, facial photograph, itinerary, accommodation confirmations and payment method before starting. EAC citizens and additional listed nationalities may be exempt, so eligibility must be checked against the current official list rather than assumed from older visa rules.
Read the passport-validity and blank-page guide before paying any non-refundable application fee.
Document checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months after planned arrival
- At least one blank passport page
- Passport-style photograph or selfie
- Arrival and departure itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmation
- Email, phone number and payment method
Application sequence
Submit one record per traveller
A family can begin a group application, but each passenger receives an individual authorisation.
Review every passport detail
Names, document number and dates must match the passport used for the journey.
Fees and permission types
Compare the main entry options
| Permission | Published fee or basis | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Transit eTA | USD 20 | For eligible travellers transiting through Kenya |
| Standard eTA | USD 30 | Single travel authorisation |
| One-year multi-entry eTA | USD 300 | Multiple visits within the approved period |
| Five-year multi-entry eTA | USD 185 | Listed for eligible United States nationals |
Official authority: Check the current rules and apply through the government immigration portal. Information was reviewed on 21 July 2026; nationality lists and fees can change.
Common questions
Is a Kenya eTA the same as a visa?
It is a pre-travel authorisation used for most visitors. It permits travel to Kenya, but it does not guarantee entry; admissibility is decided at the border.
Do children need a Kenya eTA?
Yes, unless exempt. The official application guidance states that infants and children must have an approved eTA before beginning their journey.
How early should we apply?
Kenya reports that many applications take around three days, but recommends submission at least two weeks before travel to allow for document questions or peak demand.