Planning a safari in the Maasai Mara or a beach getaway in Diani? Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), making all travel clearance fully digital. Administered via the official government portal, the eTA system applies to nearly every international traveler arriving by air, land, or sea.
To ensure a smooth arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Moi International Airport Mombasa, you must understand the updated entry guidelines. Here is your definitive breakdown of the 8 updated Kenya eTA requirements in 2026, including costs, processing times, and mandatory documents.
1. Universal eTA Mandate for All Visitors (Including Minors)
Unlike previous immigration frameworks where children under 16 were exempt from visa requirements, the 2026 eTA system requires every traveler to have an individual eTA approval prior to departure.
* Infants & Children: Every minor must have an individual eTA linked to their passport number.
* Family Applications: Families can submit applications as a single group on the portal, but each member receives an individual electronic authorization document.
* Airlines Requirement: Airlines will deny boarding if any passenger—regardless of age—lacks a verified eTA.
2. Updated Passport Validity & Photo Specifications
Your passport is the core document linked to your digital clearance. Immigration officers at entry checkpoints enforce strict standards:
* 6-Month Validity Rule: Your passport must remain valid for at least six (6) months beyond your planned date of arrival in Kenya.
* Blank Passport Page: You must have at least one full blank page available for entry and exit stamps.
* High-Resolution Passport Scan: A clear, uncropped digital scan of your passport biodata page is required during the application.
* Passport-Style Selfie: A recent photograph or passport-style selfie taken against a plain background must be uploaded. Glasses, hats, or head coverings that obscure facial features are prohibited (unless worn for religious reasons).
3. Mandatory 72-Hour Processing Window & Advance Application
While standard processing typically takes 3 working days (72 hours), travelers are strongly advised to apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
* Standard Approval Time: 3 business days.
* Validity Period: An approved standard eTA is valid for travel within 90 days from the date of issue.
* Length of Stay: The actual duration of your stay (up to 90 days for tourism) is stamped by immigration officials upon arrival at the port of entry.
* No On-Arrival Issuance: Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival. You must obtain authorization online before starting your journey.
4. Exclusive Official Portal Submission (etakenya.go.ke)
The official government portal for all eTA applications is etakenya.go.ke. Unofficial third-party websites often charge excessive processing surcharges or issue fraudulent approvals.
> Crucial Travel Tip: Always verify that your browser address bar displays etakenya.go.ke. Authorized agencies do not issue paper visas; all valid electronic authorizations feature a scannable official QR code.
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5. Accommodation Proof & Flight Itinerary Verification
To complete your eTA application, you must provide verified travel documentation demonstrating your itinerary details:
* Confirmed Flight Itinerary: Round-trip flight confirmation detailing arrival and departure dates, flight numbers, and airline details.
* Accommodation Evidence: Hotel booking confirmations, safari lodge reservations, or an official invitation letter if staying with private hosts.
* Contact Details: A valid personal email address and active mobile phone number for status updates.
6. Purpose-Specific Supporting Documents
Depending on your reason for entering Kenya, the Department of Immigration Services requires specific supporting documents during the online upload stage:
| Purpose of Travel | Required Supporting Evidence |
|—|—|
| Tourism / Safari | Hotel bookings, safari itinerary, return flight ticket |
| Business Travel | Official invitation letter from the host company and a copy of the company’s registration certificate |
| Visiting Friends / Family | Signed invitation letter from the host, plus a copy of host’s Kenyan ID, passport, or valid work permit |
| Medical Treatment | Referral letter from a medical institution or appointment confirmation with a Kenyan hospital |
| Conference / Events | Official conference invitation letter or event accreditation badge |
7. Updated Fee Structure & Approved Payment Options
The eTA application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online prior to application processing:
* Standard eTA Fee: US $30 per person (excluding standard card processing surcharges).
* Payment Methods: Credit cards, debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and designated mobile payment options.
* Multi-Entry Authorizations: Long-term multi-entry eTAs (1-year and 5-year options) carry higher tier fees ($185–$300) and require additional verification.
8. Exemptions Framework (EAC Partner States & Transit)
Certain categories of international travelers are exempt from obtaining an eTA:
* East African Community (EAC) Citizens: Passport holders from Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda are exempt for stays up to 180 days.
* Air Transit Travelers: Passengers transiting through Kenya who remain within the airport terminal precincts and depart on the same or connecting flight do not require an eTA.
* Kenyan Permanent Residents & Permit Holders: Holders of valid Kenyan re-entry passes, work permits, or permanent residence status.
Step-by-Step Kenya eTA Application Process
1. Gather Required Documents
Complete prior to opening the portal
Obtain a clear PDF/image scan of your passport biodata page, a digital passport selfie, flight itinerary, hotel/lodge confirmations, and your payment card.
2. Access Official Portal
etakenya.go.ke
Navigate to etakenya.go.ke and select “Apply Now”. Choose whether you are applying for an individual or a family group.
3. Complete Personal & Contact Information
Enter your full name, nationality, date of birth, contact details, and passport information exactly as they appear on your legal documents.
4. Upload Photo & Supporting Documents
Upload your digital selfie, passport copy, travel itinerary, and accommodation confirmations. Ensure all uploaded scans are legible and uncropped.
5. Pay Application Fee & Receive Confirmation
Pay the standard US $30 fee using your card. Save your application reference number to track processing status online. Once approved, download and print your eTA document.
Summary of Essential Kenya eTA Rules
| Requirement | Standard Policy |
|—|—|
| Official Application Site | etakenya.go.ke |9
| Base Processing Fee | US $30 per applicant |
| Standard Processing Time | 3 business days (72 hours) |
| Travel Validity Window | Valid for entry within 90 days of issuance |
| Passport Requirement | Minimum 6 months validity + 1 blank page |
| Exempt Regional Passports | EAC member state citizens (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc.) |
