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.

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Travel scene supporting Kenya eTA Guide for Safari Travellers

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.

Traveller documentation planning for Kenya eTA Guide for Safari Travellers

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

Confirm exemption status

Use the official eligibility page because exemptions were expanded under the 2025 rules.

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.