Last updated: 9 September 2026. We review this guide quarterly to reflect any changes from the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services. This is an independent informational website for travellers. We are not affiliated with the Kenyan government. Always verify details on the government portal at etakenya.go.ke.
The Kenya eTA (formerly known as eVisa Kenya) is an electronic travel authorisation required for all UK passport holders travelling to Kenya in 2026. It costs USD $30, takes 24 to 72 hours to process, and must be obtained online at etakenya.go.ke before departure.
This comprehensive guide covers every requirement, step, and fee for British tourists planning a trip in 2026. The eTA system replaced the traditional eVisa in January 2024, shifting the application process entirely online. UK citizens must submit their application through the government portal before travelling, as visas on arrival are no longer issued.
What Is the Kenya eTA?
The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is an electronic entry document applied for online at etakenya.go.ke before departure, replacing the former eVisa system in January 2024. Issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the eTA covers tourism, business, medical, and transit travel. It is not issued on arrival – UK passport holders must obtain approval before travel.
Kenya eTA vs eVisa – What Changed in January 2024?
In January 2024, the Kenyan government replaced the eVisa framework with the eTA system. Existing eVisas remain valid until their individual expiry date. Commercial sites still use the term “eVisa Kenya,” creating confusion – for 2026 travel, both terms refer to the same system.
| Attribute | eTA (2024-2026) | eVisa (pre-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| System name | Electronic Travel Authorisation | Electronic Visa |
| Application portal | etakenya.go.ke | eCitizen portal |
| Issued on arrival | No | No |
| Standard fee | USD $30 | USD $51 |
Do UK Citizens Need a Kenya eTA in 2026?
Yes, the Kenya eTA is mandatory for all UK citizens entering Kenya in 2026, whether for tourism, business, or transit. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and contain a minimum of 2 blank pages. British dual nationals must travel on a valid British passport or carry a certificate of entitlement.
FCDO advises against travel to severe-risk areas; check gov.uk foreign travel advice for Kenya for current zones. Kenya High Commission: 45 Portland Place, London W1B 1AS (Chancery Mon-Fri 09:00-13:00 & 14:00-17:00; Passport & ID Mon-Fri 09:30-13:00, by appointment). FCDO recommends travel insurance for all British travellers.
Passport Requirements for UK Travellers
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kenya and contain a minimum of 2 blank pages for stamps and endorsements. Damaged or altered passports may result in refused entry. UK passport renewal can take 10 weeks or more, so renew well in advance of your trip.
Who Is Eligible? Kenya eTA Nationalities & Exemptions
All foreign nationals need a Kenya eTA before travel in 2026, except EAC citizens (up to 180 days). UK passport holders pay the standard fee.
- East African Community (EAC) citizens – fully exempt: Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and DR Congo may enter and remain for up to 180 days without applying for a Kenya eTA.
- Bilateral agreement nationalities – eTA not required for short stays: Nationals of countries such as Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica, Mauritius, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe may stay 60-90 days depending on the specific agreement, without obtaining a Kenya eTA.
- Fee-exempt nationalities – must still apply: 17 countries including South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Malawi, Mauritius, Lesotho, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Eritrea, San Marino, Union of Comoros, and Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) are exempt from the fee but must still submit a full application on the portal at etakenya.go.ke.
- Referral visa countries – extended security clearance: Nationals of 12 countries – Afghanistan, Armenia, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, North Korea, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, and Yemen – require a referral visa with significantly longer processing times (weeks to months).
- UK nationals – standard eTA required: British passport holders must obtain a Kenya eTA and pay the standard fee of USD $30 (approximately £24 GBP).
- Transit passengers and carrier crew: Travellers arriving and departing by the same aircraft or ship without leaving airport precincts are exempt from the Kenya eTA entirely.
How to Apply for a Kenya eTA Online – Step by Step
Prepare: passport (6m+ validity), digital photo, itinerary, accommodation, email, Visa/Mastercard.
Visit etakenya.go.ke and create an account or log in.
Select your eTA type (single entry or multiple entry).
Fill in personal details, passport data, and travel information.
Upload your passport bio page scan and digital photograph.
Review and confirm all entered details.
Pay the USD $30 eTA fee via Visa or Mastercard.
Receive a confirmation email with the approved eTA as a PDF attachment.
Each traveller, including children and infants, needs a separate Kenya eTA application; no batch submission exists. The FCDO recommends applying at least 2 weeks before departure, even though standard processing takes 24-48 hours. Print the approved eTA – it is required at border control.
Document Upload Requirements & Specifications
| Document | Accepted Formats | Max File Size | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport bio page | JPEG, PNG, PDF | 500 KB-1 MB | Full bio page, all four corners visible, text legible |
| Digital photograph | JPEG, PNG | 500 KB-1 MB | White background, no headwear (unless religious), face clearly visible |
Common errors include files exceeding the size limit, blurry images, and cropped edges. Use a free image compressor if your file is too large.
Kenya eTA Fees & Payment Methods (2026)
The Kenya eTA costs USD $30 on the etakenya.go.ke portal; third-party sites charge significantly more for the identical application.
The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) levies a non-refundable application fee of USD $30 (approximately £24 GBP, subject to exchange rate fluctuations). Payment is accepted via Visa and Mastercard. If an application is rejected, the fee is not refunded. Travellers must verify they are on the etakenya.go.ke domain, as third-party intermediaries like ke-visa.com add service markups and pose identity theft risks.
| Portal Type | Fee | Payment Methods | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| etakenya.go.ke | USD $30 | Visa, Mastercard | None |
| Third-party sites | Inflated (gov fee + markup) | Varies | Identity theft, extra costs |
eTA Fee Exemptions
Certain travellers are exempt from the Kenya eTA fee, though fee exemption does not equal application exemption. Holders of diplomatic or official passports on official duty, as well as UN, AU, COMESA, and IGAD laissez-passer holders, pay no fee. Nationals of 17 specific countries (including South Africa, Ethiopia, and Zambia) must still submit an application on etakenya.go.ke but have the fee waived. East African Community citizens are exempt from the eTA entirely.
Processing Time, Validity & Duration of Stay
The Kenya eTA requires 24 to 72 hours for approval, remains valid for 3 months, and permits a 90-day stay, extendable once to 180 days.
Processing times for the Kenya eTA involve a statutory minimum of 72 hours. Standard turnaround for straightforward applications is typically 24 to 48 hours, though the UK FCDO recommends applying at least 2 weeks before departure to accommodate seasonal backlogs. Applicants from referral visa countries face processing times of weeks to months.
The Kenya eTA validity window lasts 3 months from the date of issuance. Upon entry, border control stamps a permitted stay of 90 days. The validity window dictates when you can enter Kenya; the permitted stay dictates how long you can remain.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation permits one extension of 90 days, resulting in a maximum stay of 180 days. Applicants must submit extension requests at the Directorate of Immigration Services in Nairobi before their current stay expires.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry vs Transit Visa
Choose single-entry, multiple-entry, transit eTA, or East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya + Rwanda + Uganda).
The single-entry Kenya eTA grants one entry only. Leaving Kenya for a neighbouring country, such as Tanzania, requires a new eTA to re-enter. The multiple-entry Kenya eTA permits repeated entries within the validity window and is ideal for side trips to neighbouring countries. Approval for this category requires authorisation from the Director of Immigration Services in Nairobi, with processing taking 1-2 weeks. The transit Kenya eTA covers layovers of up to 72 hours and is not suitable for tourism.
For multi-country itineraries, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, is valid for 90 days after arrival, and allows multiple entries within the three participating countries. It follows a different application process and fee structure than the standard eTA.
| Type | Key Difference | When to Choose | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry eTA | One entry only; re-entry requires a new eTA | Direct UK-to-Kenya trips with no cross-border travel | USD $30 (approx. £24 GBP) |
| Multiple-entry eTA | Multiple entries within validity; requires Director of Immigration Services approval | Safari circuits or side trips to neighbouring countries with return to Kenya | USD $30 (approx. £24 GBP) |
| Transit eTA | Layovers up to 72 hours; not for tourism | Connecting flights with a short stopover in Kenya | USD $30 (approx. £24 GBP) |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | Covers Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda; 90 days, multiple entries | Multi-country East African itinerary | Different application and fee |
What to Expect at Kenya Border Control on Arrival
At Kenya border control, present your printed eTA and passport; expect fingerprint scanning and a stamp granting up to 90 days’ stay.
Proceed to the immigration queue upon landing.
Present your printed Kenya eTA approval, passport, and return or onward flight booking.
Undergo biometric capture: fingerprint scan and facial photograph at the immigration desk.
Your passport is stamped with the permitted stay, typically 90 days.
Collect luggage and proceed through customs; a declaration form is required for prohibited or tax/duty-eligible items.
Enhanced Ebola screening applies to travellers arriving from DRC, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Keep your printed Kenya eTA with your passport throughout the trip.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if arriving from a country with transmission risk and recommended for all travellers. Children aged 9 months and older require the certificate, which must be issued at least 10 days before arrival. Travellers unable to receive the vaccine may present an exemption certificate from a licensed physician at border control.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for Kenya; always check current FCDO guidance before departure. Anti-mosquito measures are recommended for dengue and malaria prevention. Refer to TravelHealthPro’s Kenya guide for detailed medical entry requirements.
Kenya eTA for Children & Minors
Every child, including infants, requires a separate Kenya eTA submitted by a parent, along with an unabridged birth certificate and consent letter.
- Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity rule applies)
- Unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names
- Parental consent letter if travelling with one parent or a third party
- Copy of both parents’ passports or ID documents
- Yellow fever certificate for children aged 9 months and older
Children under 18 travelling alone require additional documentation. For specific requirements, contact the Kenya High Commission at 45 Portland Place, London W1B 1AS.
Beware of Scam eTA Websites
The only Kenya eTA portal is etakenya.go.ke; third-party intermediaries charge inflated fees and may harvest personal data.
Red flags that indicate a site is not the government portal include: a URL that does not end in .go.ke, additional “service fees” layered on top of the base cost, and urgency language such as “apply now before it expires.” Third-party intermediaries may also harvest submitted personal data, creating a risk of identity theft.
| Attribute | Government Portal | Third-Party Sites |
|---|---|---|
| URL | etakenya.go.ke (.go.ke domain) | Non-.go.ke domains |
| Fee | USD $30 (~£24 GBP) | Government fee + service markup |
| Data handling | Government-secured system | May harvest personal data |
Report suspicious sites to the Directorate of Immigration Services via WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064 or phone at +254 717 436 070.
Kenya eTA FAQs
How much does the Kenya eTA cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The statutory fee is USD $30 (approximately £24 GBP), non-refundable, only on the etakenya.go.ke portal. Accepted payment methods include Visa and Mastercard. Third-party sites charge inflated fees with a service markup.
How long does it take to get a Kenya eTA?
Standard processing turnaround is 24 to 48 hours for straightforward applications. The statutory processing deadline is up to 72 hours. The UK FCDO recommends applying at least 2 weeks before departure to account for seasonal backlogs. Referral visa countries may take weeks to months.
Can I extend my Kenya eTA once I’m in Kenya?
Yes, you can apply for one extension of up to 90 additional days, allowing a maximum stay of 180 days. Apply at the Directorate of Immigration Services in Nairobi before your current permitted stay of 90 days expires. After departure, you must apply for a new eTA online to re-enter.
What if my Kenya eTA application is rejected?
If your Kenya eTA application is rejected, the USD $30 fee is non-refundable. You may reapply with corrected information and documents. For disputes, contact the Directorate of Immigration Services via WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064 or phone at +254 717 436 070.
Is the Kenya eTA the same as a visa on arrival?
No, the Kenya eTA is not a visa on arrival. The eTA must be obtained online at etakenya.go.ke before departure. Kenya no longer issues traditional visas on arrival. You must have an approved eTA printed or available digitally before you travel.
Do I need to print my Kenya eTA?
Yes, printing the approved eTA PDF is strongly recommended. A physical printout must be presented with your passport at the port of entry during border control. Keep the printed eTA with your passport throughout your trip.
Is a yellow fever certificate required for UK travellers to Kenya?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from a country with transmission risk, and recommended for all travellers. Children aged 9 months and older require it. The certificate must be issued at least 10 days before arrival. Medical contraindication exemptions are available with a physician’s certificate.
Can I use the Kenya eTA to visit Tanzania or Uganda?
No, the Kenya eTA is valid for Kenya only. For multi-country trips, consider the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for 90 days with multiple entries. Leaving Kenya with a single-entry eTA requires a new application to re-enter.
What passport validity do I need for a Kenya eTA?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Kenya and have a minimum of 2 blank pages for stamps and endorsements. Damaged or altered passports may lead to refused entry. British dual nationals must travel on a valid British passport.
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA on my phone?
The eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke is mobile-responsive, so you can technically apply on your phone. However, a desktop computer is recommended for completing the form and uploading documents to avoid errors with file formats and sizes.
