Last updated: 9 September 2026
To complete a Kenya eTA apply from UK process, British passport holders must use the etakenya.go.ke portal. The standard fee is $30 USD (approximately £24-26). Processing takes 3 working days, and the approved eTA arrives as a PDF via email. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure date. I successfully applied for my Kenya eTA in January 2026 using the steps below: the payment went through with a Monzo card without extra fees, and I received the PDF in exactly 2 working days.
Who Needs a Kenya eTA from the UK?
Kenya eTA is mandatory for British passport holders travelling for tourism, business, or medical visits up to 90 days. Introduced in January 2024, it replaced the Kenya visa and applies to all visitors, including children. The Kenya eTA is not issued on arrival and must be obtained before travel. The fee is non-refundable.
Who Is Exempt from Kenya eTA?
- British military members serving on official duty
- Diplomatic and official passport holders on official duty (fee-exempt but must still apply)
- Airside transit passengers who do not leave the airport precincts
- Seafarers arriving and leaving on the same vessel
- East African Partner State nationals (stays up to 180 days)
Which British Passport Holders Need a Kenya eTA?
| Passport Type | eTA Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British Citizen | Yes | Standard tourist or business eTA |
| BN(O) | Yes | Apply online at etakenya.go.ke |
| BOTC / BPP | Yes | Same process as British Citizen |
| British Subject | Contact High Commission | Eligibility may differ |
Dual nationals travelling on a British passport must carry a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement for UK re-entry. For Kenya entry requirements, the Kenya High Commission in the UK at 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS is the recommended contact (Chancery hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00).
Kenya eTA Passport and Document Requirements for British Travellers
British passport holders must present a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of arrival in Kenya and at least 2 blank pages, as confirmed by FCDO guidance on gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya. Passports reported lost or stolen result in denied entry. Existing Kenyan visas remain valid until expiry.
Documents Required for Your Kenya eTA Application
- Passport data page scan – clear digital scan including the full machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom; do not crop
- Passport-style photograph – white background, taken within the last 6 months; a selfie taken during the online application is also accepted
- Flight booking confirmation – must include all travellers’ names and flight details
- Accommodation details – hotel name, address, check-in and check-out dates
- Invitation letter – required when visiting family or friends; must include a copy of the host’s Kenya ID Card or host’s passport photo page with a valid Kenyan visa
Upload File Formats and Size Limits
- Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF
- Maximum file size: 5 MB per document
- Passport scan must include the full MRZ – do not crop the bottom strip
- Photograph: plain white background, taken within the last 6 months
Kenya eTA Registration & Personal Details Portal Walkthrough
UK applicants register at etakenya.go.ke with an email and password, verify their email, then enter personal details matching their British passport exactly. The Kenya eTA portal supports English (default) and Somali, with light/dark theme options under Device Settings.
- Visit etakenya.go.ke and click “Apply Now”.
- Create an account with your email address and a password, then verify your email (mandatory before proceeding).
- Select your eTA type: Standard ($30 USD), Transit ($20 USD), or 1-Year Multiple Entry ($300 USD).
- Enter personal details: full name exactly as printed on your British passport (including middle names), date of birth, nationality (“United Kingdom”), gender, passport number, and expiry date. Enter your full UK address clearly in the “Home Address” field if the portal expects a Kenyan-style format.
How Far in Advance Can UK Citizens Apply?
The Kenya eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so UK citizens can apply up to 90 days before travel. The minimum submission deadline is at least 72 hours prior to departure, while FCDO guidance recommends applying at least 2 weeks before your trip. If departing on a weekend, submit by Wednesday to allow 3 working days for processing.
Kenya eTA Application Form, Travel Details & Submission
Enter travel details
Provide your arrival date, port of entry (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), purpose of visit (tourism or business), and Kenyan accommodation details (hotel name and address, or host’s details if visiting family or friends).
Upload documents
Submit a clear scan of your passport data page showing the full MRZ at the bottom, a passport-style photograph, flight booking confirmation, and accommodation details. Do not crop the MRZ strip.
Review and submit
Check that your name matches your British passport character-for-character, including middle names and hyphens. Confirm all entries, then submit the Kenya eTA application to proceed to the payment stage.
Kenya eTA Fees and Paying in GBP from the UK
The standard Kenya eTA fee is $30 USD (~£24-26 GBP), payable on etakenya.go.ke via Visa or Mastercard. The portal charges in USD; your bank converts to GBP and may add a ~2.99% non-sterling fee.
| eTA Type | USD Cost | Estimated GBP* |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (Single Entry) | $30 | ~£24-26 |
| Transit | $20 | ~£16-17 |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | $300 | ~£240-260 |
| Expedited (immediate) | $100 | ~£80-86 |
*Exchange rates fluctuate. Amounts shown are based on approximately 1 USD = 0.80 GBP as of 2026. Always check your bank’s live rate. Third-party agencies charge significantly more: The Travel Visa Company quotes £79.95, while Sherpa lists $80.09 USD.
Payment Methods Accepted for UK Applicants
Kenya eTA payment accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards issued by UK banks. Your card must be enrolled in 3D Secure authentication, which may trigger a one-time passcode from your bank during checkout. Using a card with zero foreign transaction fees (e.g., Chase, Starling, or Monzo) avoids the ~2.99% non-sterling surcharge.
Kenya eTA Processing Time for UK Travellers in 2026
Processing takes 3 working days (Kenyan calendar, Monday-Friday). UK bank holidays do not extend this. Minimum deadline: 72 hours before travel; FCDO recommends 2 weeks. During peak seasons (July-October and December-January), allow 3+ weeks. An expedited Kenya eTA option costs $100 USD for immediate approval.
| Holiday | Date 2026 | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Office closed |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Office closed |
| Easter Monday | 6 April | Office closed |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Office closed |
| Madaraka Day | 1 June | Office closed |
| Mashujaa Day | 20 October | Office closed |
| Jamhuri Day | 12 December | Office closed |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Office closed |
Islamic holiday dates depend on moon sighting; 2026 dates are approximate. If applying around a Kenyan public holiday, add 2-3 extra days to your processing estimate.
UK-Specific Tips, Troubleshooting & Border Crossing
Common UK-specific issues with the Kenya eTA: card declines (3D Secure), address format confusion, and name mismatches. Each has a direct fix.
- Card declined during payment: Verify 3D Secure enrollment with your card issuer; authorise the foreign transaction with your bank; use an alternative UK-issued Visa or Mastercard.
- Address format confusion: Enter your full UK address (house number, street, city, postcode) in the “Home Address” field without omitting any line.
- Name mismatch errors: Names must match your British passport character-for-character, including middle names and hyphens. If you spot an error after submission, contact Kenya eTA support immediately with your reference number.
- Missing confirmation email: Check spam/junk folders; allow up to 24 hours; contact support if still missing.
Kenya eTA support channels: WhatsApp +254 110 922 064, phone +254 717 436 070, email [email protected].
Checking Your Kenya eTA Application Status
Visit etakenya.go.ke, click “Validate eTA,” and enter your reference number, passport number, and date of birth. Approval arrives as a PDF attachment to your registered email.
What to Bring to Kenya Airport
Kenyan immigration officers at NBO and MBA airports scan the QR code on your eTA PDF. Carry a printed A4 copy as the safest option; save the PDF to your phone for offline access as backup. Ensure the QR code is clearly visible.
Additional FCDO guidance: a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required when arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. Drones are illegal without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) – contact them well in advance of travel.
Kenya eTA Apply from UK: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Kenya eTA take for UK citizens?
Processing typically takes 3 working days on the Kenyan calendar, excluding weekends and public holidays. The absolute minimum submission deadline is 72 hours before travel.
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA with less than 6 months on my UK passport?
No. Your British passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Kenya and have at least 2 blank pages. Passports reported lost or stolen result in denied entry.
How much does a Kenya eTA cost in GBP?
The standard fee is $30 USD, approximately £24-26 GBP depending on the live exchange rate. Your bank may add a non-sterling transaction fee of around 2.99%. Applying directly saves money.
Do I need to print my Kenya eTA?
Yes. Kenyan immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Moi International Airport (MBA) may request a printed A4 copy of your approved eTA PDF. Ensure the QR code is clearly visible.
What happens if I make a mistake on my Kenya eTA application?
Contact the eTA support team immediately via WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064 or email at [email protected]. Provide your application reference number to help them locate your file.
Do children need a separate Kenya eTA from the UK?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children under 18 years old, must have their own individual Kenya eTA. A legal guardian or parent must complete the application on their behalf; families should apply as a group.
Can I use an agency to apply for a Kenya eTA from the UK?
You can, but third-party agencies charge significantly more. The Travel Visa Company charges £79.95, while the direct portal fee is approximately £24. Applying directly saves money.
Is a Kenya eTA the same as a visa for British passport holders?
No. The Kenya eTA is a fully online travel authorisation valid for stays up to 90 days. Existing Kenyan visas remain valid until expiry. The eTA replaced the visa system in January 2024.
How do I check my Kenya eTA status after applying?
Visit etakenya.go.ke, click “Validate eTA” or “Check Status”, and enter your reference number, passport number, and date of birth. The approval arrives as a PDF attachment to your registered email.
Do UK dual nationals need a Kenya eTA?
Yes, if travelling on a British passport. Dual nationals must carry a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement for UK re-entry.
This guide is independently researched and not sponsored by any third-party agency. Information sourced from gov.uk, etakenya.go.ke, and immigration.go.ke.
