Since January 2024 Kenya has used an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) instead of a traditional visa for most visitors. You apply online before you travel, and the approval is linked to your passport. Without an approved eTA, airlines may refuse to let you board.
Most non-African visitors need an eTA, including those from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Since 2025, citizens of most African countries and of the East African Community have been exempt. Rules for exemptions and children have changed several times, so always check your nationality on the official portal before you travel.
Apply only on the official government website, etakenya.go.ke. You will need a passport valid for at least six months after arrival with a blank page, a recent passport photo, your flight details, your accommodation or safari confirmation (we will send you this) and, if relevant, a yellow fever certificate. The government fee is paid online by card and is roughly in the US$30-35 range at the time of writing.
You can apply up to 90 days before travel. Approval often arrives within about three working days, but delays happen, so we recommend applying at least two weeks ahead. Keep a printed or digital copy of the approval to show at check-in and on arrival.
An eTA covers Kenya only. Tanzania and Zanzibar require their own visa, usually applied for online in advance. If you are combining Kenya with Uganda and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be a simpler option. We will advise on the right documents for your exact route.
Many unofficial sites charge extra "service fees" for the same application. Use only the government portal, and remember that final permission to enter is always given by the immigration officer on arrival.
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