Kenya eVisa Single vs Multiple Entry: Which eTA Should You Choose in 2026?

A single-entry Kenya eTA costs $30, is valid for 90 days, and allows one entry. A one-year multiple-entry eTA costs $300, is valid for 12 months with unlimited entries, and suits frequent travellers. Both are applied for online through the eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke.

The Kenya eTA system replaced the eVisa in January 2024 and is mandatory for all foreign nationals, including UK citizens. Visa on arrival is not available; no eTAs are issued at the border. Applications must be submitted in USD at etakenya.go.ke before departure. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of Kenya. Always verify fees and rules directly on the official portal. Published: 9 September 2026.

Kenya eVisa Single vs Multiple Entry: Types Compared

The Kenya eVisa single vs multiple entry comparison for 2026 covers four authorisation types (see table below). The breakdown sets out cost, validity, permitted entries, processing time, and best-fit use cases side by side so UK travellers can evaluate each option against their itinerary.

According to the Kenya eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) as of 2026, the One-Year Multi-Entry eTA has no published per-visit stay cap; the default 90-day Visitor’s Pass applies on each entry, extendable up to 180 days total at the nearest Immigration Office in Kenya. The Five-Year Multi-Entry eTA is tied to the passport: if the passport expires before the 5-year window, the traveller must reapply. Applications must be submitted at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to travel. The eTA does not guarantee admissibility: immigration officers at the port of entry make the final determination. Applications submitted through unofficial third-party sites are automatically denied.

Which Kenya eTA Is Right for You? Kenya eVisa Single vs Multiple Entry Decision Guide

Choose the Standard Single-Entry eTA for one-off trips, or upgrade to the One-Year Multi-Entry if you plan two or more Kenya visits within 12 months.

How many times will you enter Kenya? A single entry points to the Standard eTA at $30. Multiple entries raise the next question: how long between visits? Trips spaced within 12 months favour the One-Year Multi-Entry at $300. Are you a US national? If yes, the Five-Year Multi-Entry at $185 offers better long-term value; UK passport holders cannot apply for this option.

Choose Standard Single-Entry if: one-off holiday, single safari, single business meeting, conference, medical visit, or family visit.

Choose One-Year Multi-Entry if: frequent travellers, multiple business trips per year, digital nomads, regional hub travellers, or medical follow-ups.

Choose Five-Year Multi-Entry if: US nationals with long-term, frequent Kenya travel plans (UK citizens ineligible).

What You’ll Actually Pay for a Kenya eTA in 2026

The Standard eTA carries a base fee of $30, plus approximately $1.59 in card processing and $1 to $3 in FX charges for UK bank cards, totalling roughly $33 to $35 (approximately £26 at current exchange rates). The portal charges exclusively in USD with no native GBP option, meaning UK cards incur a 2 to 3% foreign transaction fee. Third-party agency fees range from $70 to $420. No refund is issued if an application is denied on the portal. Payment is by valid debit or credit card only; cash is not accepted. Citizens of certain countries (including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, and others listed on the portal) are fee-exempt but must still apply.

How to Apply for a Kenya eTA: Steps and Documents

Both eTA types require identical documents and follow the same process via the eTA portal. Kenya eTA application guide

Required Documents

• Passport with 6 months validity from entry date and 2 blank pages (scan of bio-data page required).
• Passport photo (JPEG, max 293KB; clear image against plain background; upload or webcam capture accepted).
• Return flight itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter).
• Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country.
• Business travellers: copy of company registration. Family visit: host identity card, passport, alien card, or entry permit.

Kenya eTA documents checklist

Processing Times

Standard eTA processing takes approximately 3 working days; multi-entry variants may take 3-10 working days depending on nationality and application volume. No expedited or express processing option is listed on the official portal as of 2026. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to account for processing variability.

Kenya eTA for UK Travellers: What You Need to Know

UK passport holders require a Kenya eTA, as the traditional visa system was abolished in January 2024. UK citizens can apply for the Standard and One-Year Multi-Entry options but are not eligible for the Five-Year Multi-Entry eTA (US nationals only). Serving members of the British Military are exempt from the eTA requirement. The Kenya High Commission is at

, open Monday-Friday 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00; passport services 09:30-13:00 by appointment only. High Commissioner: Amb Maurice Makoloo; Deputy High Commissioner: Amb. Irene Maswan.

Re-entering Kenya from East Africa: The EAC Rule

If you leave Kenya for a short trip to an EAC Partner State, your single-entry eTA remains valid for re-entry. The EAC Partner States are Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Re-entry from any other country requires a new eTA.

What You Can’t Do on a Visitor eTA

A visitor eTA, single or multiple entry, does not authorise remunerated employment. Business eTAs cover meetings, conferences, and negotiations, but paid work requires a separate Kenyan work permit. For multi-country itineraries, the East Africa Tourist eTA ($101 USD, 90 days, Kenya + Uganda, multiple entry) is listed as “coming soon” on the eTA portal as of 2026.

Kenya eTA FAQ