A valid Kenya eTA application requires a confirmed Kenya eVisa flight itinerary showing both arrival and departure dates, alongside proof of accommodation. Documents with passenger names that do not match the passport bio-page exactly are rejected. Standard processing takes approximately 72 hours at a government fee of $30 USD.
Introduced on 1 January 2024, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA replaced the former eVisa system) for most travellers. Citizens of EAC partner states and most African Union member states are exempt. According to the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services, the eTA is linked directly to your passport number. Date mismatches between arrival flights and hotel check-in are a leading rejection cause – align your Kenya eVisa flight itinerary dates with your accommodation check-in/out dates before uploading.
UK travellers should account for a card processing surcharge and potential foreign transaction fees from their bank when paying the total amount of approximately $34.09 USD. Using a fee-free travel card can help avoid additional bank charges. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Kenyan government. Always verify the latest requirements on the eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke.
To apply for a Kenya eTA, you must upload a flight itinerary showing both your arrival and departure dates, flight numbers, and passenger name matching your passport. Alongside this, you need a hotel booking confirmation or equivalent proof of accommodation covering your entire stay. Both documents are required supporting papers in the online application.
Kenya eVisa Flight Itinerary and Return Ticket Rules
A valid Kenya eVisa flight itinerary must show flight numbers, airport codes, passenger name, and both arrival and departure dates in PDF/JPEG. The eTA portal requires confirmed entry and exit dates – a one-way ticket alone will not satisfy the requirement.
- Flight number and airline name
- Departure and arrival dates (e.g., LHR-NBO)
- Airport codes for both legs
- Passenger name matching the passport bio-data page exactly
- Booking reference or PNR code
For open-jaw itineraries, upload both booking confirmations. For air arrival and land exit, upload inbound flight plus onward ticket. Unpaid reservation holds (“dummy tickets”) carry significant risk: holds typically expire within 24-72 hours, while standard eTA processing takes 72 hours – the hold may lapse before approval completes. Last verified: September 2026. The latest permitted application submission is 4 days before travel; the earliest is 3 months before travel. Supporting documents must be uploaded as low-resolution PDF or JPEG files, maximum 1 MB per file.
Proof of Accommodation: Hotel, Airbnb, and Host Letters
Hotel booking dates must align exactly with your Kenya eVisa flight itinerary dates. Accepted proof: hotel confirmations, platform invoices, or host invitation letters.
A standard hotel booking confirmation must display the guest name matching the passport, hotel name, address, check-in and check-out dates, and a booking reference number. The Kenya eVisa flight itinerary must match these dates precisely, as date mismatches between arrival flights and hotel check-in are a leading rejection cause – ensure your Kenya eVisa flight itinerary arrival date matches the hotel check-in date, and departure date matches check-out.
For Airbnb or Vrbo bookings, the platform-generated invoice PDF is accepted as accommodation proof. Requesting the host’s Kenyan national ID copy as an additional supporting document is recommended.
Travellers staying with friends or family must submit an invitation letter containing the host’s full name and address, the guest’s full name, exact stay dates, and a copy of the host’s Kenyan national ID or passport.
For mobile safaris and wilderness camping, the safari operator’s day-by-day itinerary on company letterhead, including lodge or camp names, serves as valid accommodation proof alongside the Kenya eVisa flight itinerary.
Document Upload and Passenger Name Matching
Upload the Kenya eVisa flight itinerary and accommodation proof to separate designated fields within the “Supporting Documents” section at etakenya.go.ke. Photo: JPEG ≤293 KB; supporting documents: PDF/JPEG ≤1 MB per file. After upload, verify auto-extracted passport data against the bio-data page.
| Document Type | Format | Max Size |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photo | JPEG | ≤ 293 KB |
| Kenya eVisa flight itinerary | PDF/JPEG | ≤ 1 MB |
| Proof of accommodation | PDF/JPEG | ≤ 1 MB |
| Passport bio-data scan | JPEG/PDF | ≤ 1 MB |
The Kenya eVisa flight itinerary must display a passenger name matching the passport bio-data page exactly, including all middle names. If the airline booking omits a middle name or carries a maiden/married name discrepancy, contact the airline for an amendment before applying. A three-step protocol resolves mismatches:
Compare booking against passport
Check the name character by character
Request name correction
Contact the airline for an amendment
Upload revised itinerary
Submit the corrected document
Passenger name inconsistencies – e.g., omitted middle name or maiden/married name mismatch – remain the single most common cause of Kenya eTA rejection in 2026, accounting for over 30% of failed applications (source: Directorate of Immigration Services).
For assistance, contact Kenya eTA support: WhatsApp +254 110 922 064, Phone +254 717 436 070, Email [email protected].
eTA Fees, Processing Time, and UK Payment Tips
Kenya eTA: $30 base + ~$4.09 surcharge = ~$34.09 (~£27-28 at typical 2026 exchange rates). UK banks add 1-3% foreign transaction fee; use a fee-free travel card (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) to avoid it.
| Fee Component | USD | Approx. GBP |
|---|---|---|
| Government base fee | $30.00 | ~£23-24 |
| Card processing surcharge | ~$4.09 | ~£3-4 |
| Total (standard) | ~$34.09 | ~£27-28 |
| Express surcharge (optional) | +$100.00 | +~£79-80 |
| Total (express) | ~$134.09 | ~£106-108 |
Standard processing takes 72 hours (3 business days). Express processing is immediate for +$100 USD. The earliest permitted submission is 3 months before travel; the latest is 4 days before departure. The Kenya eVisa flight itinerary and accommodation booking should be confirmed before applying. A refundable Kenya eVisa flight itinerary is the safest option – it avoids the risk of dummy ticket expiry (24-72 h) while standard eTA processing takes 72 hours, and allows date changes without reapplying. The eTA is valid for 90 days from issue, with a maximum stay of 90 days (single entry).
Kenya eTA Travel Documents FAQ
What documents do I need for the Kenya eVisa application?
Passport (valid 6+ months, 1 blank page), digital photo (JPEG ≤293 KB), Kenya eVisa flight itinerary (arrival + departure), proof of accommodation, payment card. Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country.
Can I change my flights after my Kenya eVisa is approved?
Yes. The eTA is linked to your passport number, not your Kenya eVisa flight itinerary. Carry both your original eTA and updated flight confirmation. For significant date changes, contact [email protected].
How long can I transit at JKIA without needing an eTA?
No eTA required if staying airside in the transit lounge without clearing passport control. Exiting the transit area triggers mandatory eTA requirement.
Do I need to print my Kenya eTA, or can I show it on my phone?
Present as printed PDF, on mobile device, or in the Kenya Travel Authorisation app. A printed backup is recommended.
Will I be asked for proof of funds at Kenya immigration?
Immigration officers may ask for proof of funds at the border – carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least £50 per day of stay (not an upload requirement, but a precaution).
What documents are needed when entering Kenya by land border?
Valid passport, approved eTA (mandatory for land entry), and hotel reservation vouchers. Border posts like Namanga have cyber cafes for last-minute applications.
Is a Kenya eTA the same as a visa?
No. The eTA replaced the visa and eVisa systems on 1 January 2024. It grants permission to travel to a port of entry but does not guarantee admission.
What happens if my hotel booking is cancelled after I submit my eTA application?
Rebook immediately and carry the new confirmation. An approved eTA remains valid, but you must present valid accommodation proof on arrival.
Can families submit a group Kenya eTA application?
Yes. Select “Apply as a Group” for up to 9 people. Each traveller, including infants and children, still needs an individual eTA.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate if flying directly from the UK?
No, unless transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic zone (Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America per WHO).
