Who needs the eTA?
Most foreign travellers must obtain an eTA before boarding, even for a long transit or a short safari. Some nationalities are exempt: check the list on the official site rather than relying on a forum or an old article. Each traveller needs their own application, including children.
How to apply
- Go only to etakenya.go.ke (or the official "Kenya Travel Authorisation" app). Applications made through third-party sites may be refused automatically, and several Kenyan embassies warn against them.
- Fill in the form: identity, passport, itinerary, address of your first accommodation, travel dates.
- Attach the requested documents (usually a photo, a passport page, an accommodation or flight booking) and pay by bank card.
- You receive the answer by email; download the PDF and keep a copy on your phone and on paper.
Fees, timing and validity
- Fees: secondary sources differ (roughly USD 30 to 51 depending on the case and on expedited options). We could not read the fee on the official site: check the exact amount before paying, and beware of any intermediary adding commissions.
- Timing: standard processing is about 3 working days according to the official FAQ, but it may vary with nationality. Apply at least one to two weeks before departure.
- Validity: secondary sources indicate validity of 90 days from issue, for one entry. Check the dates on your authorisation.
- Passport: it should in principle be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
Other papers to prepare
- A return or onward ticket and an accommodation booking may be requested.
- Yellow fever: a certificate is required from travellers aged one year and over arriving from a risk country (or who spent more than 12 hours in transit there). See vaccines, malaria and health in Kenya.
- Travel insurance with repatriation is strongly advised.
After arrival
At Nairobi airport, expect passport control and a check of the vaccination certificate if applicable, then the journey into town: see from the airport to central Nairobi. To estimate the cost of your stay, see the budget for a trip to Kenya; for safety, scams and safety in Kenya.
