Every child and infant travelling to Kenya must hold an individual Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) with no age exemptions. The standard fee is $30 per applicant. Processing is completed within 3 working days. UK families can submit a group application, adding each child as a separate applicant.
Last verified: September 2026. We checked the official Kenya eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) and UK FCDO Kenya travel advice before publishing. Immigration rules can change; always confirm current requirements before applying.
This is an independent, unofficial tourism information website. We are not affiliated with the Government of Kenya. The only official application portal is etakenya.go.ke.
Kenya uses the term “eTA” (Electronic Travel Authorisation), not “eVisa”. This page is optimised for the search phrase “Kenya eVisa for minors”, but the application on etakenya.go.ke is officially called a Kenya eTA.
Quick answer: To apply for Kenya eTA for minors, each child needs a valid passport, unabridged birth certificate, digital photo, and parental consent letter (if not travelling with both parents). The Kenya eTA costs $30 per child and processes within 72 hours. UK families can submit as a group.
About the author: Alex Morgan is a UK travel journalist who has applied for Kenya eTAs for his own family, including for his infant daughter. He updates this guide after each trip and follows changes to the eTA system.
Who Needs a Kenya eTA? Rules for Children and Infants in 2026
Every traveller to Kenya, including newborn infants, must hold an individual Kenya eTA before departure. No age-based exemptions exist under the current system.
The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation replaced the previous visa regime in January 2024. Each minor, including newborns, must have their own valid passport and separate Kenya eTA. Infants cannot be added to a parent’s passport. Arriving without an approved eTA results in denied boarding by the airline or denied entry at Kenyan immigration.
Citizens of EAC member states and diplomatic passport holders are exempt from obtaining an eTA. All other travellers, regardless of age, must apply via the portal at etakenya.go.ke before travel. For official requirements, see the Kenya eTA portal and UK FCDO Kenya entry requirements.
Required Documents for Kenya eTA Applications for Children
A Kenya eTA application for a child requires the minor’s passport (6+ months validity, at least 2 blank pages for UK travellers), a digital photo, accommodation confirmation, and travel itinerary.
- Individual passport for each minor – valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival, with a minimum of 2 blank pages per UK FCDO guidance.
- Digital photograph – white background, recommended size 350x450px, JPEG or PNG format, face occupying 70-80% of the frame. For infants: eyes must be visible, no supporting hands or headbands in the photo. Common rejection reasons include shadows on the face and non-white backgrounds.
- Accommodation booking confirmation – hotel reservation or host invitation letter.
- Travel itinerary – arrival and departure flight details.
- Parent or guardian contact details – email address and phone number for application correspondence.
The Kenya eVisa for minors follows the same documentation framework as adult applications. See below for birth certificate requirements and parental consent letter rules.
Birth Certificate Requirements for Kenya eTA Applications for Children
An unabridged birth certificate listing both parents’ names is required for a Kenya eTA minor application. UK-issued certificates already meet this standard.
- Unabridged certificate – “unabridged” means both parents’ names are listed. UK-issued birth certificates already meet this standard, so most UK families need no additional steps.
- Upload format – colour scan in PDF or JPEG format, clearly legible.
- Lost or missing certificate – order a replacement from the UK General Register Office (GRO) online at gov.uk.
- Foreign-language certificates – require a certified English translation.
- Certificates issued outside the UK – may need an apostille for legalisation.
What If the Child’s Passport Shows a Different Surname?
Upload a marriage certificate, deed poll, or change-of-name document as supplementary evidence. UK-specific: obtain a deed poll via the UK Deed Poll Service and upload it as a supplementary document to the Kenya eTA application.
Parental Consent Letter for Kenya eTA: When and How to Provide It
A parental consent letter is mandatory for Kenya eTA applications when a minor travels without both parents or with a non-parent guardian.
The parent consent letter must contain full names of both parents and the child, passport numbers, travel dates, destination, contact information, and signatures. Notarisation is recommended but not universally mandated; when in doubt, notarise. Upload the letter to the minor’s Kenya eTA application file on the portal.
Supporting Documents for Single Parents and Legal Guardians
Single parents applying for the Kenya eTA must upload a sole custody court order or the deceased parent’s death certificate. Decision tree: single parent with full custody? Upload custody order. No full custody? Upload a court order granting permission to travel. Legal guardians must provide guardianship papers.
Kenya eTA for Adopted Children: Required Documents
For adopted children, include the adoption decree or finalisation order. For domestic vs. international adoption documentation differences, contact the Directorate of Immigration Services at [email protected].
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Kenya eTA for Your Family
Apply for a Kenya eTA family application by creating a parent account on etakenya.go.ke, selecting “Apply as a Group,” and adding each child separately.
Gather required documents
For each minor: passport, birth certificate, consent letter (if needed), and digital photo.
Create a parent’s account
On etakenya.go.ke using the parent’s or guardian’s email address and phone number.
Select “Apply as a Group”
To enable a family application process under one primary profile.
Add each child as a separate applicant
Entering the minor’s passport details, travel dates, and parent or guardian information individually.
Upload required documents per child
Birth certificate, consent letter if applicable, and passport photo directly to the minor’s Kenya eTA application file.
Review all entries for accuracy
Cross-checking names, dates, and passport numbers against the physical documents.
Pay the eTA fee
$30 per applicant via credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay. Payment is processed in USD.
Receive approval via email
Within 3 working days. Track status with the reference number.
Parents can submit on behalf of minors (third-party application allowed per etakenya.go.ke). The traveller’s information must be provided and indicated during finalisation.
How Many Family Members Can Apply Together?
Each family member must have their own passport details uploaded individually within the Kenya eTA portal. For very large families, submit in batches if the portal limits entries per session.
Kenya eTA Cost, Processing Time, and Validity for Children
The Kenya eTA costs $30 per applicant regardless of age; standard processing takes 3 working days; the approved eTA is valid for 90 days from issuance.
The Kenya eTA costs $30 per applicant regardless of age, with no age-based reduction. Expedited processing costs an additional $100, processed immediately upon submission. Payment via credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay. At current exchange rates, $30 is approximately £24; $100 is approximately £80.
Standard processing time is 3 working days (approximately 72 hours). The Kenya eVisa for minors carries the same validity as adults: 90 days from date of issuance. UK families should apply at least 2 weeks before departure per FCDO guidance. Example: if your flight departs 15 June, apply no later than 1 June.
If an application is rejected, review the rejection reason, correct the issue, and re-apply via etakenya.go.ke. Track status using the reference number sent by email.
UK Families: Health and Travel Requirements for Children Entering Kenya
UK families travelling with children to Kenya must consider yellow fever vaccination requirements, FCDO travel advisories, and ensure all passports meet entry standards for the Kenya eTA.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. Check TravelHealthPro’s Kenya guide for the current list. Children under 9 months are generally exempt from yellow fever vaccination.
The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Kenya and against all but essential travel to other parts. Each child’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival with at least 2 blank pages.
Emergency contacts for UK nationals in Kenya: British High Commission Nairobi; FCDO helpline. Kenya High Commission London: 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 (appointment required for Passport and ID queries: 09:30-13:00).
Kenya eTA for Minors: Frequently Asked Questions
Do infants need a separate Kenya eTA?
Yes, every infant and child must hold an individual Kenya eTA. No age-based exemptions apply.
What documents are required for a Kenya eTA application for a child?
A Kenya eTA for a child requires the minor’s passport, digital photo, accommodation confirmation, travel itinerary, and birth certificate.
Is the Kenya eTA fee different for children and infants?
No, the Kenya eVisa for minors costs $30 per applicant, the same as adults, with no age-based reduction.
How long does Kenya eTA processing take for minors?
Standard processing is 3 working days. FCDO recommends applying at least 2 weeks before departure.
Can a single parent apply for a Kenya eTA for a child without the other parent’s consent?
A single parent must provide a consent letter or, if they have sole custody, upload a court order or death certificate for the Kenya eTA.
What if my child’s birth certificate is in a different language?
Foreign-language certificates require a certified English translation for the Kenya eVisa for minors application. UK-issued certificates need no translation.
How do I apply for Kenya eTA as a family group?
Create a parent account on the eTA portal, select “Apply as a Group,” add each child separately, and pay $30 per applicant for the family application process.
Is the Kenya eTA valid for children the same as for adults?
Yes, the Kenya eTA validity is 90 days from issuance for all applicants, including children and infants.
Can I submit a Kenya eTA application on behalf of my child?
Yes, parents can submit a Kenya eVisa for minors application on behalf of their children. Third-party applications are allowed.
What supporting documents do I need if I am a legal guardian applying for a minor?
Legal guardians applying for a Kenya eTA must upload guardianship papers. For adopted children, include the adoption decree.
Does a child with dual UK-Kenyan nationality need an eTA?
Kenyan citizens do not require a Kenya eTA. Dual UK-Kenyan nationals should enter Kenya on their Kenyan passport.
