To enhance the ease of doing business on the admission of foreigners into the country, Kenya has developed the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which does away with the visa. 

This approach was adopted on the first of January, 2024, to improve the travel experience for tourists while not compromising on security. In this ultimate guide, you will learn about everything you need to know about Kenya’s new ETA system.

 

What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization?

eta application

 

ETA is an electronic system used to determine the admissibility of visitors intending to travel to Kenya and it is a semi-automated system. It is also compulsory for most foreign visitors, apart from those from the East African Community (EAC) member states and a few others.

The following are some of the key features of Kenya’s ETA:

  • Validity: Single entry, for 90 days from the approval date.
  • Processing Time: Usually 3 days, sometimes longer
  • Cost: USD 32.50 per traveler and bank and processing fees
  • Application Platform: Official website  www.etakenya.go.ke

 

Which Individuals Require a Kenya ETA?

ETA application

Every foreign visitor including infants and children must acquire an ETA before visiting Kenya with a few exceptions’ circumstances.

Exempt Categories

  1. For holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificates issued by Missions abroad.
  2. Kenya Permanent Residents, those with valid work permits and passes.
  3. Residents of East African Partner States: The Republics of Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Uganda (except for six months).
  4. Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Recognized in Kenya.
  5. Other categories include passengers in transit who do not leave the airport compound.
  6. Employees of ships, airplanes, cars, or any other means of transportation.
  7. Persons who own private planes that may require fueling but otherwise do not leave the airport.

 

How to apply for Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization

ETA application

 

Step-by-Step Application Process

 

  1. Visit the official website: www.etakenya.go.ke
  2. If you want to proceed, click on the “Apply Now” button and follow the prompts given.
  3. Input all necessary details correctly
  4. Submit the completed application
  5. Get an email acknowledging the receipt
  6. If applicable, receive a payment confirmation email
  7. Wait for approval or rejection email from the immigration officer
  8. If approved, download or print the PDF document attached to this form as your travel authorization.

 

Required Documents and Information

  • Passport with at least six months’ validity from the planned date of arrival.
  • Clear, recent passport-style photograph or even selfie.
  • Email and phone number
  • Schedules of arrival and departure
  • Accommodation booking confirmation
  • Type of payment (credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, etc.)

 

Advantages of Kenya’s ETA System

  1. Ease of application process from the comfort of your home.
  2. Less congestion and time taken at points of entry.
  3. Improved security through prescreening of the visitors.
  4. Appreciation of the support provided to Kenya in a bid to enhance digital governance.
  5. Enhanced information gathering in the planning of tourism and security industries.

 

Important Considerations for Travelers

 

  • It should be applied at least three days before the planned travel date.
  • ETA is single entry only
  • The passengers cannot be boarded until and unless the carriers have ensured the approval of ETA.
  • The ETA is not an assurance of entry; the immigration officers make the final decision upon arrival.

 

Latest Changes to Kenya’s ETA Policy

 

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June 20, 2024 Update

Citizens of Botswana, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, and Zambia do not pay the ETA fee when visiting Kenya.

 

February 22, 2024 Update

The ETA fee for nationals of Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, San Marino, and South Africa has been removed as a result of bilateral visa waiver arrangements. These travelers still need to apply for a new ETA for every visit to Kenya.

 

Conclusion

The adoption of the Electronic Travel Authorization system as the entry procedure in Kenya is a milestone toward the modernization of such procedures. 

By making the process easier and relying on technology, Kenya’s goal is to increase tourism rates while having strict security measures in place. Tourists intending to visit this beautiful East African country should ensure that they acquire adequate information on the ETA and apply early enough to avoid any inconveniences.

However, it is always important to cross check all the information and follow all the ETA process procedures keenly as it is a user friendly process, but it requires full compliance. If well prepared, a tourist will be able to enjoy the Kenyan culture, beautiful geography, and of course exciting wildlife.

For any additional questions or help in applying for the ETA, a traveler should reach out to the official support email, support@www.etakenya.go.ke, or turn to our travel agents with expertise in Kenya.