Written by a UK travel visa specialist with 8+ years of experience helping travellers with East African eTA applications. Last updated: 9 September 2026. This is an independent informational guide, not affiliated with the Kenyan government. Verify details on the external portal at etakenya.go.ke.
The Kenya eTA replaced the former eVisa system in January 2024. UK travellers must complete their Kenya eVisa payment methods via the external portal at etakenya.go.ke using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. The standard fee is USD 30, about USD 32.50 with the gateway surcharge, and expedited processing adds USD 100. UK banks typically add 2 to 3% on top because the portal bills in USD.
What Is the Kenya eTA and Why Does the Payment Method Matter?
The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) replaced the former eVisa system in January 2024. Both terms refer to the same online travel authorisation processed through the external portal at etakenya.go.ke. The Kenya eTA is mandatory for UK citizens entering Kenya.
Choosing the correct Kenya eVisa payment methods before starting your application prevents failed transactions. The portal accepts only Visa and Mastercard, charges in USD, and enforces 3D Secure authentication. The recommended application window is up to 3 months before travel, with a minimum of 72 hours prior. For UK travellers, allow 2+ weeks to resolve any payment issues.
Quick answer: The Kenya eTA portal accepts Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. American Express, PayPal, bank transfers and M-Pesa are not supported. UK travellers should expect a 2 to 3% foreign transaction fee on top of the standard USD 30 application fee, bringing the typical total to approximately £24 to £27.
Accepted Payment Methods for Kenya eTA
The Kenya eTA payment system accepts Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards; American Express, PayPal, and M-Pesa are not supported. All transactions are processed on the external portal at etakenya.go.ke in USD. The available Kenya eVisa payment methods are limited to card-based transactions only.
| Payment Method | Accepted? | Notes for UK Travellers |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Credit | ✅ Yes | Lowest decline rate |
| Visa Debit | ✅ Yes | Enable 3D Secure and international payments |
| Mastercard Credit | ✅ Yes | Occasional 3D Secure delays |
| Mastercard Debit | ✅ Yes | Ensure international payments allowed |
| Maestro | ✅ Likely | Limited testing; enable online payments first |
| American Express | ❌ No | Not accepted |
| Diners Club | ❌ No | Not accepted |
| UnionPay | ❌ No | Not accepted |
| PayPal | ❌ No | Not supported |
| M-Pesa | ❌ No | Kenyan-registered SIMs only |
| Bank Transfer | ❌ No | Not available |
| eCitizen wallet | ⚠️ Alternate | Displayed as alternate option on portal |
The Kenya eTA portal permits third-party payment: the cardholder’s name does not need to match the applicant. A family member or travel agent can enter their card details provided the traveller’s information is correctly declared.
Can You Pay with Apple Pay or Fintech Cards?
The Kenya eTA portal does not support tokenised mobile wallets directly. To use an Apple Pay or Google Pay card, extract the physical card number, CVV and expiry from the wallet app and enter them manually. Fintech debit cards from Wise, Revolut, Monzo and Starling with UK-issued BIN numbers are likely to work. In our testing (September 2026), Wise and Monzo debit cards completed payment successfully after enabling international transactions. Ensure sufficient USD-equivalent balance to cover the fee plus any foreign exchange margin.
Kenya eTA Fees, Currency Conversion and UK Bank Charges
The Kenya eTA standard fee is USD 30, bringing the total card debit to approximately USD 32.50 once the payment gateway surcharge is included. UK banks typically add a 2 to 3% foreign transaction fee on top, as the portal bills exclusively in US dollars.
| Fee Type | USD | Approx. GBP |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing (72 hrs) | USD 30 (total ~USD 32.50 with surcharge) | £24 to £27 |
| Expedited processing (immediate) | USD 130 (USD 30 base + USD 100 expedited) | £105 to £115 |
The Kenya eTA payment portal converts GBP to USD at the rate set by your card-issuing bank. If offered Dynamic Currency Conversion, always select pay in USD to avoid inflated exchange rates. Cards with zero foreign exchange fees (Revolut, Wise, Starling) can save £1 to £2 per application.
How to Notify Your Bank Before Paying
Before initiating the Kenya eTA payment step, log into your banking app and enable international online transactions. Set a foreign transaction allowance or travel notice, and temporarily raise your online spending limit. Major UK banks including HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Barclays, Monzo and Starling all offer these controls through their apps.
How to Pay for Your Kenya eTA Online
The Kenya eTA payment process is completed on the etakenya.go.ke portal in five steps: log in, fill the application, enter card details, pass 3D Secure authentication, and receive email confirmation. Understanding the Kenya eVisa payment methods workflow prevents session timeouts and failed transactions.
Log in
or create an account at etakenya.go.ke.
Complete the application form
with passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation information.
Enter your Visa or Mastercard details
Pass 3D Secure authentication
by entering the one-time password sent by your UK bank via SMS or banking app.
Receive email confirmation
of payment receipt, sent to the address declared in your application.
The payment gateway enforces a session timeout. Have all card details ready before clicking “Pay,” and do not switch browser tabs or use a VPN during the transaction.
For group or family travel, the Kenya eTA portal offers an “Apply as a Group” option, but each individual passenger requires a separate payment. Ensure your card has sufficient limit for multiple transactions.
Troubleshooting: Kenya eTA Payment Failed or Card Declined
The Kenya eTA payment gateway rejects most failed transactions at the 3D Secure step, before the charge reaches your bank.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Transaction failed” error | 3D Secure OTP not received or not completed | Check phone signal; ensure bank SMS/push notifications enabled; open your banking app proactively for OTP delivery |
| Card declined immediately | UK bank auto-blocking foreign transaction | Log into banking app, set foreign transaction allowance or travel notice, then retry; alternatively use a different card |
| Payment page freezes | Browser popup blocker preventing 3D Secure window | Disable popup blocker for etakenya.go.ke; try incognito mode; disable VPN |
| Charged but no confirmation email | Gateway timeout: charge may be pending, not posted | Do NOT reapply. Check bank statement after 24 hours. If posted with no confirmation, contact [email protected] with transaction reference |
Duplicate Charges and Refund Process
If the Kenya eTA payment system freezes after submitting card details, check whether the charge is “pending” or “posted.” Pending charges from failed transactions typically auto-reverse within 3 to 5 business days. Do not submit a second application. If the charge is posted and no confirmation email arrived, contact [email protected] with your transaction reference, date, amount and application reference. For credit card payments over £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may apply; for debit cards, use your bank’s chargeback scheme.
Special Cases: Group Applications, Third-Party Payments and Fee Exemptions
The Kenya eTA requires a separate individual payment for each applicant, even when using the “Apply as a Group” option on the portal. Third-party payment is permitted: a family member, friend or travel agent can pay using their own Visa or Mastercard.
Diplomatic, official and service passport holders must still apply for the Kenya eTA but are exempt from the standard USD 30 fee. They may opt to pay USD 100 for expedited processing. UN Laissez-Passer holders on official business receive the same exemption. Corporate or business cards are accepted if they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo.
For in-person assistance, the Kenya High Commission London is located at 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS. The Passport and ID Section operates Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 13:00, by appointment only.
FAQ: Kenya eVisa Payment Methods
What payment methods are accepted for the Kenya eTA?
The Kenya eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke accepts Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay, PayPal, bank transfers and M-Pesa for non-residents are not accepted. The eCitizen wallet may appear as an alternate option on the payment page.
Can I use a UK debit card to pay for the Kenya eTA?
Yes, UK-issued Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit cards are accepted. Enable international payments and 3D Secure first. If declined, try a credit card as a fallback, as debit cards have higher rejection rates.
Why is my credit card being declined for the Kenya eTA?
Reasons: incomplete 3D Secure authentication, your UK bank automatically blocking the foreign transaction, or incorrect card details. Log into your bank app to set a foreign transaction allowance, then retry the payment.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost from the UK?
The standard fee is USD 30, with a total charge of approximately USD 32.50 inclusive of the processing surcharge. Expedited processing costs an additional USD 100. Your UK bank may add a 2 to 3% foreign transaction fee on top of the USD amount.
Is the Kenya eVisa the same as the Kenya eTA?
Yes. The Kenya eTA replaced the former eVisa system in January 2024. Both terms refer to the same online travel authorisation processed through the external portal at etakenya.go.ke.
Can I pay for the Kenya eTA via PayPal?
No. PayPal is not accepted on the Kenya eTA portal. The only supported payment methods are Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. If you do not have a suitable card, a third party such as a family member can pay using their card.
What is the refund policy if my Kenya eTA application is rejected?
If your payment was processed but the application was denied, there is no automatic refund. If you were charged but the application was never submitted due to a technical failure, you may be eligible for a chargeback under UK consumer protection.
Who do I contact for Kenya eTA payment support?
Contact the eTA support team via WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064, phone at +254 717 436 070, or email at [email protected]. Include your transaction reference number, the date and amount charged, and your application reference.
