Kenya eVisa exempt countries include over 70 nations allowing visa-free entry for 60 to 90 days, alongside six EAC states with 180-day privileges. UK citizens must apply for an eTA online at USD 30 (approximately GBP 24). Diplomatic, laissez-passer, and transit passengers also benefit from specific exemptions under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
Kenya eVisa exempt countries include over 70 nations such as Botswana, Singapore, South Africa, and most CARICOM states, with stays up to 90 days. EAC citizens (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) enjoy 180-day visa-free entry. Diplomatic passport holders from Turkey, India, Brazil, Iran, and China are also exempt.
Which Countries Are Exempt from Kenya eTA in 2026?
Kenya eVisa exempt countries include 71 nations whose citizens may enter Kenya without an Electronic Travel Authorisation. A total of 43 countries qualify for 90-day visa-free stays, 28 African countries for 60-day stays, and 6 EAC partner states for 180-day stays under Section 48 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Rules, 2025. This Kenya visa waiver list consolidates all three duration tiers below.
90-Day and 60-Day Exempt Countries
| Stay Duration | Representative Countries | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 90 days | Botswana, Singapore, South Africa, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Bahamas, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Cyprus, Brunei, Maldives, Sierra Leone, Ghana | 43 |
| 60 days | Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Seychelles, Algeria, Cameroon, Tunisia, Senegal, Sudan, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde | 28 |
Kenya eVisa exempt countries classified at 60 days include Seychelles, per the etakenya.go.ke eligibility tool. Nationals of Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique, San Marino, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, and Zambia must apply for an eTA but are exempt from paying the fee.
EAC Citizen Privileges (180 Days)
Citizens of six EAC partner states may enter Kenya for visa-free entry up to 180 days without an eTA. Rwanda and Uganda citizens may also use a national ID card instead of a passport. EAC citizens with a valid eTA may re-enter Kenya from other EAC countries without a new authorisation.
| Country | Stay | National ID Card Accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| Burundi | 180 days | No |
| DR Congo | 180 days | No |
| Rwanda | 180 days | Yes |
| South Sudan | 180 days | No |
| Tanzania | 180 days | No |
| Uganda | 180 days | Yes |
Diplomatic, Laissez-Passer & Special Document Exemptions
Kenya eVisa exempt countries extend visa-free privileges to diplomatic, official, and service passport holders from five nations, plus UN, AU, and EU laissez-passer holders on official business.
Diplomatic Passport Holders
| Country | Passport Types | Max Stay | Family Members |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | Diplomatic, Service | 30 days | Not specified |
| Turkey | Diplomatic, Official, Special, Service | 90 days | Yes – same passport types |
| Brazil | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 90 days | Not specified |
| India | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 90 days | Not specified |
| China (PRC) | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 30 days | Not specified |
Ordinary passport holders from these five countries must apply for a standard eTA.
Laissez-Passer and Other Exempt Categories
Holders of laissez-passer from the following organisations are exempt from the Kenya eTA whilst on official business only, with fee waivers applying:
- United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), African Development Bank (ADB), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)
- COMESA, IMF, World Bank, IGAD, IATA, European Union (EU)
- International Labour Organization (ILO), Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI), URTNA, PTA/COMESA Bank
- International Potato Centre (CIP), African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC), African Housing Fund (AHF)
- Afreximbank, IRLCO, DLCO
Additional Kenya immigration exempt categories include holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Kenya Work Permits, valid Kenya Passes (student, dependant), passports endorsed with valid Kenya re-entry passes, and holders of written authority in lieu of re-entry pass. Serving members of the British Military are also exempt from visa formalities.
Transit Exemptions and Recent Policy Updates (2025-2026)
Air and ship transit passengers not leaving the airport precincts or vessel, manifested air crew (up to 7 days), manifested ship crew (up to 14 days), and private aircraft owners on refuelling stopovers are exempt from the Kenya eTA. Leaving the transit area requires a Transit eTA at USD 20.
Policy Timeline (2024-2026)
January 2024
Kenya eTA introduced, replacing the traditional visa and eVisa system.
22 January 2025
Cabinet directive: drop eTA for all African countries except Somalia and Libya.
14 July 2025
Visa-free entry implemented for African nationals (except Somalia and Libya), stays up to 90 days.
2026 status
UK citizens and other non-African nationals still require a standard eTA at USD 30 (approximately GBP 24). An East African Tourist eTA is planned for future release.
Kenya eTA for UK Citizens: Do You Need One?
UK citizens are not exempt and must apply online for a Kenya eTA at etakenya.go.ke, paying USD 30 (approximately GBP 24), with standard processing taking 3 working days. Kenyan-British dual nationals entering on a British passport must also apply; those entering on a Kenyan passport are exempt.
Application Steps and Fees for UK Nationals
Visit www.etakenya.go.ke and create an account.
Complete the eTA application form with your travel details.
Upload a valid passport (6 months validity, one blank page), a passport photo, contact details, travel itinerary, and accommodation booking.
Pay the USD 30 fee by credit or debit card.
Receive your eTA – submit at least 72 hours before travel; 2 weeks recommended in advance.
Other eTA types include Transit at USD 20, 1-year Multi-Entry at USD 300, and 5-year Multi-Entry at USD 185 (US nationals only). Based on traveller reports, eTA approval often arrives within 48 hours, though the Directorate of Immigration Services advises applying at least 2 weeks before departure.
Kenya High Commission in the UK
For in-person enquiries, the Kenya High Commission is located at 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS. Chancery hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. Passport and ID services operate Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 13:00, by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which countries are exempt from Kenya eTA?
Over 70 countries: 43 nations (e.g., Botswana, Singapore) for 90 days, 28 African nations (e.g., Nigeria, Egypt) for 60 days, and 6 EAC states for 180 days.
Is Kenya visa free for UK citizens?
No. British nationals must apply for a Kenya eTA online before travelling. The standard processing time is 3 working days, and the fee is USD 30 (approximately GBP 24). Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure.
What are the EAC citizen privileges for Kenya?
Six EAC partner states (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) enter visa-free for up to 180 days. Rwanda and Uganda citizens may use a national ID card instead of a passport.
What are the diplomatic passport exemptions for Kenya in 2026?
Diplomatic, official, or service passport holders from Turkey, Brazil, and India are exempt for up to 90 days. Holders from Iran and China are exempt for up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders from these countries must apply for a standard eTA.
How long can visa-free visitors stay in Kenya?
Visitors from 43 exempt countries can stay up to 90 days. Nationals of 28 African countries can stay up to 60 days. EAC partner state citizens enjoy up to 180 days.
Are transit passengers exempt from the Kenya eTA?
Yes. Air transit passengers who do not leave the airport precincts and ship transit passengers who remain on the vessel are exempt. Manifested air crew are exempt for up to 7 days, and ship crew for up to 14 days. Leaving the transit area requires a Transit eTA costing USD 20.
What documents prove Kenya eTA exemption?
All exempt travellers need a valid passport (6 months validity, one blank page); diplomatic travellers also need an official letter from their country of origin or organisation accrediting the mission.
How to check if my country is exempt from Kenya eTA?
Use the etakenya.go.ke eligibility tool or consult the Kenya High Commission in the UK website.
What are the eTA fees for non-exempt nationalities?
Standard eTA: USD 30 (approximately GBP 24). Transit eTA: USD 20. 1-year multi-entry: USD 300. 5-year multi-entry: USD 185 (US nationals only).
Can I extend my visa-free stay in Kenya?
Visa-free stays cannot be extended beyond the permitted duration (90, 60, or 180 days). To stay longer, you must apply for a relevant permit at the Directorate of Immigration Services before your exemption period expires.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. This is a non-governmental informational guide. Always verify your eligibility on the official etakenya.go.ke portal before travelling.
