Complete Guide to Kenya’s eTA: Mandatory Requirements for New Visitors To make entry into Kenya smooth and convenient for most foreign visitors, in 2025 the Government of Kenya decided to replace the traditional visa-on-arrival system and introduce the Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). This is a digital travel authorization, allowing travelers from certain Kenya eTA eligible countries to visit the country for short term stay, only for activities related to Tourism or Business. The initiative was taken by the government as an important move to make traveling to Kenya easier, safer and strengthening border security. Foreign visitors must obtain the eTA before boarding the flight to Kenya, as it is mandatory. Also, for some neighboring African countries, the government has announced a visa-free regime for tourism and business activities(for short stay) but they are also required to apply for the Kenya eTA to enter the country, aside from very limited exemptions. https://www.kenyasvisa.org/essential-guidelines-to-kenya-eta-requirements-for-first-time-travelers Important info • To be able to apply, the travelers must fulfill the Kenya eTA Requirements. • Although you have received the approved eTA, it does not guarantee entry, final admission is determined by Kenyan Immigration officials on arrival at the immigration check-in points in the airport. Who Needs a Kenya eTA? (The Kenya visa requirements) Mandatory for Most Foreign Nationals: The eTA is compulsory for all travellers that count adults, children, and infants, no matter from which country you are, unless they all belong to exempted countries as per the Kenyan Immigration law. Who are Exempted: There are some travellers from certain countries, who do not need the eTA that includes: • Citizens of Kenya, holding valid Kenyan passports • Permanent residents of Kenya, pass-holders, or those who have work permit • Travelers who are passport holders of one of the East African Community (EAC) partner states. For example citizens belonging to countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo. These travelers are exempted for stays under a certain number of days. • From certain specific countries having bilateral agreement Note: The list of the exempted countries keeps on changing, it is suggested to check the criterias before applying. What an eTA Is (and Isn’t) The Kenya eTA is an electronic travel authorization that gets digitally linked to your passport. You get a pre approval by the Immigration department of Kenya to enter the country, replacing the traditional method of visa application, which required applicants to visit the embassy or consulate office to submit the application and passport to get a physical visa sticker. Key points: • You cannot apply for the eTA after you have landed in Kenya, you will have to obtain the eTA before your date of journey, otherwise you will not be allowed to board the flight. • The eTA is electronic, will be mailed to you in PDF form, keep a copy of the eTA saved in your mobile and take a print out copy of it as well. • Since the eTA is digitally linked to the passport you have applied with, if the passport is expired, you will have to reapply with the new passport. • Although you have received the approved eTA, it does not guarantee entry, final entry decisions depend on the Kenyan immigration officials. Validity and Travel Window Once approved the Kenya eTA is valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue, permitting a stay of up to 90 days (sometimes shorter, depending on the decision of the Kenyan immigration officials). The standard Kenya eTA offers single entry, meaning you can enter Kenya only one time. If you wish to visit Kenya again, you will have to apply for the eTA again. In some cases for short term stay in Kenya, citizens of the US can apply for multiple entry eTA, offering them to enter Kenya unlimited times. Note: Do verify the details first in an official portal or get in touch with the visa experts to guide and provide you the required information. Length of Stay Once approved the Kenya eTA is valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue, permitting a stay of up to 90 days (sometimes shorter, depending on the decision of the Kenyan immigration officials).