How the eTA or Visa Process Works for Traveling to Kenya

Are you planning a trip to Kenya? All visitors, including infants and children, must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before starting their journey. Without a valid eTA, you won’t be able to travel to Kenya, and major airports will check the validity of your eTA before you board the aircraft.

Who is Exempt from eTA Requirements?

According to Kenya’s authorities, the following individuals are exempt from obtaining an eTA:

1. Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificates issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
2. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits, and Passes.
3. Holders of valid Kenya eVISAs.
4. Holders of valid United Nations Conventional Travel Documents issued by the Government of Kenya.
5. Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations accredited to Kenya (exempt from payment only).
6. Citizens of East African Partner States (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) for six months.
7. Passengers in transit through Kenya who do not leave the airport.
8. Passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship who do not leave the ship.
9. Crew members of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle, or carrier, listed in the crew manifest, proceeding to a destination outside Kenya.
10. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refueling in Kenya who do not leave the airport.

Applying for an eTA

Applying for an eTA on the official government website can be time-consuming, requiring extensive forms and numerous supporting documents. Here’s a list of documents needed when filling out the application form:

For All Travelers:

• Valid passport for at least six months after your planned arrival in Kenya, with at least one blank page.
• Selfie or passport-type photo.
• Contact information, including email address and phone number.
• Details of your arrival and departure itinerary.
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s).
• Credit card, debit card, or other means of payment.

The selfie process required for uploading your passport picture can be unreliable, often requiring numerous attempts. Additionally, without a confirmation of your accommodation, you cannot proceed.

Based on Country of Residence and Citizenship, you will need:

• Financial assets/bank letters.

Based on Purpose of Visit, the following documents are required:

• Letter/appointment letter from the referring doctor/hospital.
• Conference invitation/participation letter.
• Employment contract.
• Supporting documents for resettlement.
• Vaccination or test results certificates.

For Business Travelers, you will be required to upload more documents:

• Invitation letter from the company.
• Copy of company registration.

For Visiting Family:

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

For Diplomatic Travel:

• Diplomatic, Official, and Service passport.
• Official letter from the Country of Origin/Organization/Foreign Affairs.

Processing time is three working days, but it can take longer in some cases.

Simplify Your eTA Application with ExpressETA

This is where ExpressETA comes in. At ExpressETA, we specialize in transforming your travel dreams into reality with a seamless, stress-free process. We turn the complicated and tedious process into a simple, swift experience.

Our one-page application form takes less than three minutes to complete. We only require your details, such as name, email, date of birth, and phone number. Then, upload two documents: your passport picture and a photo of yourself.

After that, get your eTA approved and in your inbox within 24 hours.

Choosing ExpressETA means choosing peace of mind. While we handle the paperwork, you can focus on planning your exciting trip to Kenya. Whether it’s a safari adventure, a beach getaway, or a cultural tour, we are here to make your travel preparations effortless.

Let us handle the complexities while you prepare for an unforgettable journey.