Published: 9 September 2026 | Last updated: 9 September 2026. This independent travel information portal sources fee data directly from the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services via etakenya.go.ke.
The standard single-entry Kenya eTA costs $30 for UK citizens in 2026, while the transit eTA is $20. The eVisa Kenya cost totals approximately £25 to £30 including card surcharges. This government fee is non-refundable and payable via 3D-Secure Visa or Mastercard only.
In 2026, the Kenya eTA costs $30 for a standard single-entry permit and $20 for transit. UK travellers pay approximately £25 to £30 including card surcharges. Multiple-entry options range from $185 to $300. The government fee is non-refundable.
What Is the Kenya eTA? How It Replaced the eVisa
The Kenya eTA replaced the eVisa on 1 January 2024; visa on arrival is no longer available. The eVisa Kenya cost dropped: legacy single-entry $51, transit $21; current eTA $30 single, $20 transit, saving $21 per application. When you compare eVisa Kenya cost with airport visa options, the eTA is now the only route. For a detailed comparison, see our Kenya eVisa vs eTA guide. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($101) is listed as COMING SOON on the government portal and not currently available for Kenya entry.
Kenya eTA Government Fees in 2026: Single-Entry, Transit & Multi-Entry
The eVisa Kenya cost breakdown starts with the government processing charge: $30 single, $20 transit, $300 multi-entry; standard processing 72 hours at etakenya.go.ke.
| eTA Type | Government Fee (USD) | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Single-Entry | $30 | Within 72 hours | Most common for UK tourists |
| Transit | $20 | Within 72 hours | For connecting flights through Kenya |
| One Year Multi-Entry | $300 | Within 72 hours | Frequent visitors / business travellers |
| Five Year Multi-Entry | $185 | Within 72 hours | US nationals only |
| Expedited (any type) | Base fee + $100 | Immediate | Additional charge on top of standard fee |
Standard Single-Entry eTA Fee
The standard Kenya eTA price is $30 with 72-hour processing and a 90-day stay. The most common option for British tourists on holiday.
Transit eTA Fee
A Kenya transit eTA costs $20. Airside passengers remaining within airport precincts under 72 hours are exempt. If leaving the airport or transiting over 72 hours, the $20 transit eTA is mandatory.
Multiple-Entry eTA Options
The one-year multi-entry Kenya eTA costs $300 for frequent business travellers. The five-year multi-entry at $185 is restricted to US nationals. UK citizens cannot access the five-year option; the standard $30 single-entry is most cost-effective for British tourists.
Expedited vs Standard Processing
Expedited Kenya eTA processing costs an additional $100 for immediate turnaround versus the standard $30 fee processed within 72 hours. For a full breakdown of standard and urgent timelines, see our Kenya eTA processing time guide.
| Standard | Expedited | |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost (single entry) | $30 | $130 ($30 + $100) |
| Processing time | Within 72 hours | Immediate |
| Best for | Travellers with 72+ hours before departure | Last-minute travel / emergencies |
The True Cost for UK Travellers: Government Fee + Card Surcharge + GBP Total
For UK travellers, the eVisa Kenya cost for UK citizens includes a 2.5 to 3.5% card processing surcharge on the government processing charge, totalling approximately £25 to £30. The base $30 is charged in USD; your card issuer converts at the prevailing exchange rate, plus any bank transaction fee of 1% to 3%.
| eTA Type | Government Fee | Est. Card Surcharge (3%) | Est. Total (GBP)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Single-Entry | $30 | ~$0.90 | £25 to £30 |
| Transit | $20 | ~$0.60 | £17 to £20 |
| One Year Multi-Entry | $300 | ~$9.00 | £250 to £260 |
*GBP estimates based on approximate USD/GBP rates as of September 2026. Rates fluctuate daily. Use a UK travel card with zero FX fees to reduce the total. If the portal offers Dynamic Currency Conversion (paying in GBP instead of USD), decline it and pay in USD to avoid unfavourable rates.
Self-Apply vs Agency: Cost Comparison and Government Resources for UK Applicants
Self-applicants pay $30 plus card surcharge on the government portal; agencies charge approximately $55 including a service fee.
| Channel | Total Cost (est.) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Government portal | $30 + card surcharge | Direct application, no middleman, 72 h processing |
| VisaHQ UK | ~$55+ | Agency support, live chat, WhatsApp +442045773307 |
| evisa-info.com | ~$55 | 3D-secure payment, AI assistant, 10+ years experience |
The Kenya eTA government charge is $30; agencies add $25+ in service fees.
Kenya High Commission London, 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1ASHours: Mon to Fri 09:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 17:00. Passport & ID Office: 09:30 to 13:00, appointment only. Contact: WhatsApp +254 110 922 064, phone +254 717 436 070, email [email protected] or [email protected].
How to Apply and Pay for Your Kenya eTA: Step-by-Step
The Kenya eTA application is submitted online at etakenya.go.ke, processed within 72 hours, and payable by 3D-Secure Visa or Mastercard only.
Check eligibility
Check at etakenya.go.ke/eligibility – UK citizens require an eTA.
Fill in the form
Personal details, passport info, itinerary, accommodation booking.
Upload documents
Passport bio page and a selfie or passport-type photo.
Pay the fee
3D-Secure Visa/Mastercard only. No Apple Pay, PayPal, or Amex.
Receive your eTA
PDF approval within 72 hours; print or save in the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” app.
Apply up to 3 months before travel; submit at least 72 hours before departure. Group applications: use “Apply as a Group” – each traveller pays individually. For details on costs and requirements, read our Kenya eTA group application guide. Third-party applications allowed on behalf of others. Status tracking: click “Check Status” on the homepage with your reference number — see our guide to checking your Kenya eTA status online.
Accepted Payment Methods
The portal accepts 3D-Secure Visa and Mastercard only (credit or debit). No cash, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, American Express, or bank transfers. The eVisa Kenya cost is charged in USD – use a card with no foreign transaction fee and decline Dynamic Currency Conversion. For a full overview of accepted cards and troubleshooting tips, see our Kenya eTA payment methods guide.
Children and Family Fee Policy
Every child, including infants, pays the full $30 Kenya eTA – no exemption. A family of 2 adults and 2 children pays $120 in government fees plus card surcharges. For step-by-step instructions on applying for minors, see our Kenya eTA guide for children and infants.
Documents, Eligibility, Fees & Refund Policy
A valid passport with six months validity and at least one blank page is required for a Kenya eTA application; the $30 government processing charge is non-refundable if denied.
- Passport: minimum 6 months validity from entry date; at least 1 blank page for stamps.
- Photograph: selfie or passport-type digital photograph.
- Contact details: valid email address and phone number.
- Travel itinerary: arrival and departure dates, flight numbers, accommodation booking confirmation.
- Health documents: yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from endemic countries.
- Health declaration: mandatory within 72 hours before flight, free, QR code on arrival. Does not affect the eVisa Kenya cost.
Exemptions (no eTA needed): air transit passengers remaining in airport precincts, ship passengers not leaving the vessel, carrier crew on manifest departing outside Kenya, private aircraft owners refuelling without leaving airport precincts, serving members of the British Military, citizens of EAC Partner States (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) up to 180 days, and diplomatic/service passport holders on official duty (must apply but exempt from fee).
The $30 government processing fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Errors cannot be corrected – submit a new application and pay another $30. Stay extensions are handled at local immigration offices in Kenya for a separate in-country fee. The Kenya eTA must be shown at all departure and arrival points as a printed PDF, downloaded to mobile, or saved in the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” app.
FAQ: Kenya eTA and eVisa Kenya Cost
How much does a Kenya eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The standard single-entry Kenya eTA costs $30 (government fee). Including a typical card surcharge of 2.5% to 3.5%, UK travellers pay approximately £25 to £30 in total. This depends on the prevailing USD to GBP exchange rate and your card issuer’s foreign transaction fee.
Is the Kenya eTA fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The $30 government processing fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. To avoid losing this fee, verify your eligibility at etakenya.go.ke before submitting, and double-check all entered information including your passport number and name spelling.
Do children need to pay the same eTA fee as adults?
Yes. Every child, including infants, requires a separate $30 Kenya eTA. There is no child exemption under the current eTA system. For example, a family of 2 adults and 2 children pays $120 in government fees, plus applicable card surcharges.
What payment methods are accepted on the Kenya eTA portal?
The portal accepts 3D-Secure Visa and Mastercard only (credit or debit). It does not accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, American Express, cash, or bank transfers. Use a travel-friendly card with zero foreign transaction fees to reduce your total cost.
How long does the Kenya eTA take to process?
Standard processing takes within 72 hours, or 3 business days. Expedited processing provides immediate turnaround for an additional $100 on top of the base government fee. Apply at least 72 hours before your departure to avoid needing the expedited option.
What is the difference between eVisa and eTA for Kenya?
The eVisa was replaced by the eTA on 1 January 2024. The eTA is cheaper ($30 vs $51 for single-entry) and processed entirely online. The old eVisa system no longer exists. If you see $51 quoted online, that information is outdated and superseded by the eTA.
Do I need a transit eTA if I’m connecting through Kenya?
If you stay airside within the airport transit area for up to 72 hours and do not pass through immigration, no eTA is needed. If you leave the airport or transit for more than 72 hours, you need a $20 transit eTA.
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA through an agency?
Yes. Agencies like VisaHQ charge approximately $55 or more, which includes the government fee and a service fee. Self-applying directly on etakenya.go.ke costs only $30. Agencies offer convenience and support, but self-applying is the cheapest route for your Kenya eTA.
What happens if I make a mistake on my Kenya eTA application?
You must submit a new application and pay another $30. There is no amendment option after submission. Double-check your passport number, full name as printed on your passport, and travel dates before clicking submit to avoid paying twice for a single trip.
Is the Kenya health declaration form free?
Yes. The health declaration form is mandatory for all passengers but carries no fee. It must be completed within 72 hours before your flight and presented as a QR code to port health officials upon arrival in Kenya.
