Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
- Official website
- https://www.etakenya.go.ke or the Kenya Travel Authorisation app 4
- Standard eTA
- US$30, single entry 3
- Other types
- Transit US$20, one-year multiple entry US$300 3
- Express option
- Extra US$100, processed immediately 4
- Processing
- Usually 3 days 2
- Apply
- At least 2 weeks before travel 2
- Passport
- At least 6 months validity and one blank page 2
Who needs a Kenya eTA
All visitors who intend to travel to Kenya, including infants and children, must have an approved eTA before the start of their journey 1. The exemptions are set by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025 1. Groups travelling together need one eTA per person 4.
Members of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Kenya must complete an eTA. Diplomats do not pay for a standard eTA 4.
Who is exempt
The 2025 rules exempt these travellers, among others 1,2:
- Holders of Kenya permanent residence, valid work permits and passes, or re-entry passes
- Citizens of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, for up to 180 days
- Nationals of listed countries for up to 90 days, including Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Nationals of listed African countries for up to 60 days, including Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia
- Transit passengers who stay in the airport, crew on the manifest, and some laissez-passer holders on official business
Fees
The portal lists an East African Tourist eTA as coming soon 3.
When to apply
Applications are usually processed in 3 days, or 72 hours 2,4. The Directorate of Immigration Services recommends applying at least 2 weeks before travel 2. Expedited applications are processed immediately for an extra fee 4. Travel only after your eTA is approved 4.
What you need
Validity
The standard eTA allows one entry into Kenya 3. The one-year and five-year eTAs allow multiple entries over those periods 3. The official pages we checked do not state how long an unused standard eTA stays valid 3. Print the approval PDF or save it in the app to show at departure and arrival 4.
Use only the official site
The Directorate says eTA applications must be completed only through https://etakenya.go.ke or the official Kenya Travel Authorisation app 4. Other sites that apply for you may add their own charges on top of the US$30 government fee 3,4.
Common questions
How much is a Kenya eTA?
US$30 for a standard single-entry eTA 3.
How long does a Kenya eTA take?
Usually 3 days. Apply at least 2 weeks ahead 2.
Do children need a Kenya eTA?
Yes. All visitors, including infants and children, need one, apart from exempt nationalities and groups 1.
Do Ugandans and Tanzanians need a Kenya eTA?
No. East African partner state citizens are exempt for up to 180 days 1.
Is there a faster Kenya eTA?
Yes. Expedited processing costs an extra US$100 and is immediate 4.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email hello@entryrulesexplained.com with the official link.
Sources
- Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya): How to Apply (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya): General Information (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya): Kenya ETA Eligibility and fees (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya): FAQs (accessed 19 October 2026)
Related
- Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Sri Lanka's ETA is free for 40 countries from 25 May 2026. Fees for other nationals, the 30-day stay, validity and the official eta.gov.lk site.
- Egypt e-Visa
Egypt's tourist e-Visa costs US$30 single entry or US$65 multiple entry. Who can apply, the 7-day rule, validity and the official portal.
- India e-Visa
India's e-Tourist visa costs US$25 for 30 days for most nationals from July to March. Fees, validity, the 4-day rule and the official site.