Apply for your eTA for travel to Kenya

Kenya eTA

From 1 January 2024, the Government of Kenya introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for international travelers. All United States passport holders are required to obtain a Kenya eTA before traveling to Kenya for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.

Do United States Citizens Need a eTA for Kenya?

Yes. United States citizens must apply for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before entering Kenya. The Kenya eTA is a mandatory online travel authorization for most foreign travelers visiting Kenya, including US tourists and business travelers.

Key Details for United States Travelers

• Type: Single-entry travel authorisation
• Validity: 90 days from date of issue
• Duration of Stay: Up to 90 days in Kenya
• Extension: Can be extended once inside Kenya for an additional 90 days
• Application: Fully online process, no embassy visit required
• Processing Time: Usually processed within 3 working days
• Delivery: Approved Kenya eTA sent by email in PDF format

Requirements for a Kenya eTA (United States Citizens)

When applying online, United States travelers should prepare the following documents:

• Valid United States passport with minimum 6 months validity
• At least one blank passport page
• Recent passport-style photograph (digital format)
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel booking or accommodation details
• Invitation letter and company documents for business travel
• Invitation letter and host ID/passport for family or friend visits
• Transit proof for transit travelers
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)

Types of Kenya eTA for United States Citizens

Depending on the purpose of travel, United States citizens may apply for the following Kenya eTA categories:

• Tourist eTA – For tourism, vacations, safari trips, or visiting family and friends.
• Business eTA – For meetings, conferences, and business-related activities.
• Transit eTA – For short transit stays while traveling to another destination.
• East Africa Tourist eTA – Allows travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with one authorization.

How to Apply for the Kenya eTA from the United States

• Complete the online Kenya eTA application form.
• Enter passport and travel details accurately.
• Upload all required supporting documents.
• Pay the government fee and applicable service charges online.
• Receive the approved Kenya eTA by email.

Fees for Kenya eTA

• Government Fee: Mandatory fee payable to the Kenyan authorities.
• Service/Processing Fee: Charged by application assistance or consultancy service providers.

Processing Options for United States Applicants

• Normal Service: Usually processed within 3 working days
• Urgent Service: Processing within 24 hours
• Super Urgent Service: Processing within 5 hours for emergency travel cases

Important Notes for United States Citizens

• Children under 16 years may be exempt from Kenya eTA requirements.
• Travelers should carry a printed copy of the approved Kenya eTA while traveling.
• A new Kenya eTA is generally required for every new entry into Kenya.
• Applicants are advised to apply at least one week before departure.
• Approval of the Kenya eTA is subject to immigration approval by Kenyan authorities.