Most visitors to Kenya need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online at the official portal before travel, with a fee of about US$30. Apply at least a few days before departure (up to three months ahead) with a passport valid for six months, a photo, flight details and accommodation bookings. Citizens of East African Community states and many African countries are exempt.
Key takeaways
- Kenya replaced visas with the eTA in January 2024.
- Fee about US$30, non-refundable, paid online.
- Apply at least a few days before travel, up to three months ahead.
- Passport valid for six months with a blank page.
- Use only the official portal; avoid agents charging extra.
Kenya made entry simpler in January 2024 by replacing visas with an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or eTA. Instead of a visa stamp on arrival, you apply online before you travel and show your approval when you check in and at immigration.
Who needs an eTA?
Most international visitors need an eTA, including travellers from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Citizens of East African Community countries do not, and many African nationalities have also been exempted. Rules change, so check the current list on the official portal before you apply.
How to apply
- Go to the official eTA portal of the Government of Kenya and create an account.
- Fill in your passport details, travel dates and contact information.
- Upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport’s photo page.
- Add your flight booking and accommodation details. We provide a letter with your itinerary and lodges.
- Pay the fee of about US$30 by card.
Approval usually comes by email within a few days. Print a copy or keep it on your phone.
Use only the official government portal. Copycat websites charge extra fees for the same authorisation.
Documents to have ready
- A passport valid for at least six months from your entry date, with at least one blank page.
- A recent passport-style photo.
- Your flight itinerary showing entry and exit.
- Your accommodation details or safari itinerary.
Yellow fever
Kenya may ask for a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Just as important, neighbouring countries such as Tanzania and Uganda can ask for a certificate when you arrive from Kenya. If you are combining countries, have the vaccination at least ten days before travel and carry the certificate. Read malaria and health tips for East Africa and sort visas and vaccinations early.
Fees, money and arrival tips
Kenya’s currency is the shilling, but safari costs are usually quoted in US dollars. Cards are accepted in most lodges and hotels, and mobile money is widely used locally. Keep some small US dollar notes for tips. On arrival, follow the signs for immigration, show your eTA approval with your passport, then collect your bags and meet your driver-guide outside.
Combining Kenya with Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania
Many of our travellers combine Kenya with gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, or with the Serengeti in Tanzania. Each country has its own entry rules: Uganda uses an e-visa, Tanzania an e-visa, and Rwanda a visa on arrival or online. Read the Uganda visa guide and combining Uganda with Kenya or Tanzania.
A pre-travel checklist
- Check your passport is valid for six months with a blank page.
- Apply for the eTA at least a week before you fly.
- Have the yellow fever vaccination at least ten days before travel if you need it.
- Arrange travel insurance that covers safari activities and evacuation.
- Bring some US dollars printed after 2013 for tips and extras; cards work in most lodges.
Arriving in Kenya
Most travellers land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Your driver-guide meets you at arrivals with a sign. See the Kenya guide and how much a Kenya safari costs, then get safari pricing when you are ready.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need a visa for Kenya?
No traditional visa; most visitors need the eTA instead, approved online before travel.
How long does the eTA take?
Usually a few days. Apply at least three days before travel, and earlier in busy periods.
Is a yellow fever certificate required?
Kenya may ask for one if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk, and neighbouring countries often require one when you arrive from Kenya. We recommend carrying it.
Can I use the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Rules have changed since the eTA was introduced, so check with us or the official portals when you plan a multi-country trip.
Do children need an eTA?
Yes, every traveller, including children, needs their own authorisation unless exempt.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
