East Africa ETA Visa Guidelines – Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania & Rwanda

East Africa ETA Visa Guidelines

Latest Kenya Travel Updates

Introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) replacing E-Visa for Kenya

Commencing January 4th 2024, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will be the new requirement for entry into Kenya, replacing the previous eVisa system. All visitors, including infants and children, except those with valid Kenya Passports, Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes, and Citizens of the East African Partner States, must now apply for the eTA.

To apply for an eTA, visitors are required to use the official Government website link https://www.etakenya.go.ke, before embarking on their journey. For travellers under the age of 18, the application responsibility rests with the legal guardian, parent, or accompanying adult.

The standard processing time for eTAs is three working days, with applications accepted up to 3 months in advance of the planned arrival. Applicants can check the status of their applications on the ETA website using the provided reference number. It is recommended that travellers apply soon after booking accommodations and transportation.

The eTA now supersedes all previous visa entry requirements for Kenya. However, ongoing e-visa applications will still be processed, and visitors with existing e-visas will be granted entry within the 90-day validity period without the additional eTA requirement.

Before initiating the application, ensure you have the following documents ready:

Requirements for all travellers:

• Valid passport (minimum validity of six months after planned arrival) with at least one blank page.
• Passport-type photo
• Contact information (Email address and phone number)
• Arrival and departure itinerary details
• Accommodation booking confirmation
• Payment of $34 per person via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or other accepted means.

Additional requirements based on country of residence/travel history:

• Yellow fever certificate.
• Other vaccination(s) or test results certificates.

Note that the eTA is valid for a single entry, specific to the airline/flight and date.

How to apply for eTA:

1. Visit etakenya.go.ke.
2. Click “Apply Now” and follow the provided instructions.
3. Ensure accurate data entry.
4. Submit the application.
5. Receive an email confirming application receipt and payment.
6. Upon Immigration officer decision, receive an email confirming Approval/Refusal.

If approved, print or download the PDF document attached to the email or save it in the “Kenya Travel Authorization” mobile app for presentation at departure and arrival points. In case of denial, contact support@etakenya.go.ke for further details.

Check your application status anytime at https://www.etakenya.go.ke.

For any clarification or assistance, feel free to contact us.

Application Timeline: You can apply for your ETA up to 3 months before your planned arrival in Kenya.

What Happens After You Apply? Once you’ve submitted your application, look out for an email notification. Upon approval, you’ll receive an ETA receipt with a reference number, which you can use to check your application status on the ETA website.

Processing Time: It typically takes 3 working days to process your ETA.

Benefits of Kenya’s eTA system:

Kenya eTA enables travelers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their home locations before starting their trip. Travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements fortravel to Kenya. Travelers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or at arrival anymore. Kenya’s eTA also benefits airlines by simplifying the check-in process. Transport carriers can easily verify that travelers have been authorized to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and are in possession of an approved eTA. Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections. Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitize its government processes.

>What do I do if my eTA is denied: If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details

>Do Children or Infants also require the Kenya eTA? Yes, all foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. We highly recommend that families apply as a group.

>What Information is Required for an eTA Application

Valid Passport, a recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during the application process Contact details (home address, telephone, email).
Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights).
Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted). Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries (please check the WHO website for the updated list of countries). Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable

>Does an eTA Guarantee Permission to Travel? No. An eTA is permission from the Kenyan Government to travel to the Republic of Kenya and it is mandatory to present a valid eTA during the check-in and boarding process. However, travelers may still be denied boarding by the carrier if other required documents such as passports and/or boarding passes are not presented. In addition, travelers may be subjected to questioning at the point of departure or arrival. This might result in you being denied access to the means of transport.

>What to do if my Means of Payment has been declined/refused For all visitors, the system will require a valid Credit or Debit card to make payment and complete the transaction. Cheques and cash are not accepted by the system. If the payment does not work, please wait a few minutes and try again, or check to make sure you have sufficient funds on your means of payment.