Apply for your eTA for travel to Kenya

Kenya eTA

From 1 January 2024, the Government of Kenya replaced the eTA system with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). This means that all UK passport holders must obtain an eTA before traveling to Kenya.

Do UK Citizens Need a eTA for Kenya?

Yes. UK citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya for tourism, business, medical visits, or transit purposes. The eTA is a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all foreign nationals (except a few exempt categories, such as children under 16).

Key Details for UK Travelers

• Type: Single-entry travel authorisation
• Validity: 90 days from date of issue
• Duration of Stay: Up to 90 days (extendable once inside Kenya for an additional 90 days)
• Application: 100% online, no embassy visits required
• Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (faster services may be available)
• Delivery: Approved eTA is sent by email in PDF format

Requirements for a Kenya eTA (UK Citizens)

When applying online, UK travelers must prepare:

• Valid UK passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 1 blank page)
• Recent passport-style photo (digital)
• Return flight ticket (required in most cases)
• Hotel booking / accommodation details (for tourists)
• Invitation letter & company documents (for business visits)
• Invitation letter and ID/passport of host (for family visits)
• Transit proof (for transit eTA applicants)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable based on travel history)

Types of Kenya eTA for UK Citizens

Depending on the purpose of visit, UK travelers can apply for:

• Tourist eTA – For holidays, sightseeing, or visiting family/friends (valid 90 days).
• Business eTA – For work-related visits or meetings (valid 90 days).
• Transit eTA – For short stays (up to 3 days) while en route to another country.
• East Africa Tourist eTA – Allows travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda with one authorization (valid 90 days).

How to Apply for the Kenya eTA from the UK

• Complete the online application form with passport and travel details.
• Upload required documents (photo, passport, bookings, etc.).
• Pay the government fee and, if using a consultancy, the processing/service fee.
• Receive the approved Kenya eTA by email (usually within 72 hours).

Fees for Kenya eTA

• Government Fee: Mandatory and paid directly to the Kenya authorities (non-refundable).
• Service/Processing Fee: Charged by service providers for assisting with the application (refundable in some cases if the eTA is rejected).

Processing Options for UK Applicants

• Normal Service: Approval within 3 working days
• Urgent Service: Approval within 24 hours
• Super Urgent Service: Approval within 5 hours (for emergency travel)

Important Notes for UK Citizens

• Children under 16 years are exempt from eTA requirements.
• Always carry a printed copy of your approved eTA to show to immigration officers upon arrival.
• Multiple entries require a new eTA each time.
• Applying at least one week before departure is recommended.