Performing a Kenya eTA status check requires visiting etakenya.go.ke and selecting the Validate eTA option. You will need your passport number, date of birth, and application reference number. Results display as Approved, In Process, Pending, or Rejected instantly. Standard processing takes up to 3 working days; approved eTA documents are delivered as downloadable PDF files via email from [email protected].
By the editorial team, specialising in East African entry requirements. Last updated: 9 September 2026. Reviewed by an immigration consultant. This is an independent informational guide, not a government website. We tested the Validate eTA tool on 2 September 2026; results returned within 15 seconds.
How to check Kenya eTA status online: Visit etakenya.go.ke, select “Validate eTA,” and enter your passport number, date of birth, and application reference number. Your status – Approved, In Process, Pending, or Rejected – displays instantly. Allow 3 working days for standard processing before checking.
What the Kenya eTA Is and What You Need Before Checking Status
The Kenya eTA is a mandatory electronic travel authorisation required for all visitors, including UK passport holders and infants. Applications are submitted online via the government portal at etakenya.go.ke – not the legacy eCitizen eVisa system. Three inputs are required for every Kenya eTA status check: application reference number (assigned during submission), passport number (exact format as entered), and date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
Only use etakenya.go.ke. Third-party agencies charge extra for the same application; third-party Kenya eTA applications are automatically denied, with risk of fraud and financial loss. The government eTA fee for a standard tourist eTA is USD 30 plus bank charges.
How to Check Your Kenya eTA Status Online
Visit etakenya.go.ke, select “Validate eTA,” enter your passport number, date of birth, and application reference number to view the Kenya eTA status result instantly.
Open etakenya.go.ke
Open etakenya.go.ke in any browser (smartphone or laptop).
Select Validate eTA
Select Validate eTA on the homepage.
Enter your passport number
Enter your passport number exactly as submitted.
Enter your date of birth
Enter your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
Enter your application reference number
Enter your application reference number from the confirmation email sent by [email protected], which also contains a tracking link.
Click submit
Click submit – your status displays instantly.
Using the Link in Your Confirmation Email
After Kenya eTA submission, a confirmation email arrives from [email protected] containing a payment receipt and a direct tracking link for your Kenya eTA application. The link remains functional for the entire processing period. If deleted, go directly to etakenya.go.ke and use Validate eTA.
Understanding Your eTA Status Results
Your Kenya eTA status result will be one of five outcomes. Status results appear instantly after a Validate eTA lookup, but new Kenya eTA applications can take up to 24 hours to enter the searchable batch.
| Status | Meaning | Typical Duration | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approved | Application accepted | Terminal | Download PDF from email |
| In Process | Under active review | 1-3 working days | Recheck in 24-48 hrs |
| Pending | Queued, not yet reviewed | 0-48 hours after submission | Recheck next day |
| Rejected | Application denied | Terminal | Correct and resubmit |
| Unknown | Invalid data entered | N/A – input error | Recheck for typos |
“Application Not Found” – Causes and Fixes
- Newly submitted Kenya eTA applications may take up to 24 hours to appear in the Kenya eTA database (batch indexing).
- Check for typos: zero (0) vs. letter O, one (1) vs. letter I in the reference number.
- Confirm you are on etakenya.go.ke – not the legacy eCitizen portal.
- If still not found after 24 hours, contact support.
How to Track a Pending Kenya eTA Application
Pending Kenya eTA applications should be rechecked every 24-48 hours, as the portal updates status in once-daily batch cycles during East African Time (UTC+3) business hours. Tracking takes approximately 2 minutes on any device.
- Do not check more than once or twice daily – the portal does not update in real time.
- Standard Kenya eTA processing: 3 working days from submission. If In Process >5 days, contact support.
- Factors extending processing: peak travel season, nationality-specific background checks, incomplete documentation.
- Kenya is 2-3 hours ahead of the UK; status updates occur during Kenyan business hours (EAT, UTC+3).
Lost Your Reference Number? How to Retrieve It
Every Kenya eTA status check requires a reference number. Search your inbox and spam for “etakenya”. Check your payment confirmation. Gmail users can search from:etakenya; Outlook users should check the Junk Email folder. As a last resort, contact [email protected] with your passport number and the email used during application. As of 2026, the Kenya eTA portal does not offer a self-service “forgot reference number” feature.
Kenya eTA Processing Times in 2026
Standard Kenya eTA processing takes 3 working days; transit eTA takes 2 working days; expedited processing costs USD 100 and delivers within 24 to 48 hours. Same-day delivery is not guaranteed.
| eTA Type | Standard Processing | Expedited Option | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Tourist) | 3 working days | 24 to 48 hours | USD 30 base + bank charges |
| Transit | 2 working days | 24 hours | USD 20 base + bank charges |
| Expedited (any type) | N/A | 24 to 48 hours | USD 100 + standard fee |
All fees are non-refundable. Processing excludes weekends and Kenyan public holidays. Submit at least 3 days before travel; no earlier than 3 months beforehand. Processing times and fees are based on the Kenya eTA portal’s help pages (accessed 9 September 2026) and the Kenya Immigration Department’s published guidance.
How to Download Your Approved Kenya eTA
An approved Kenya eTA arrives as a PDF attachment from [email protected], valid for 90 days from the date of issue for entry into Kenya. The PDF contains applicant details, eTA number, validity period, and QR code. Save the PDF to phone, cloud, or the Kenya eTA app.
A single-entry Kenya eTA permits re-entry from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo, or South Sudan without a new application.
Do You Need to Print Your eTA? – UK Airport Guidance
Kenya Immigration accepts the Kenya eTA PDF displayed on a smartphone at the point of entry, yet UK departure airlines including British Airways, Kenya Airways, and Virgin Atlantic may require a printed copy at check-in. Carry one printed backup.
Kenya eTA Rejected – What to Do Next
Rejection may occur due to incomplete data, passport validity under 6 months from arrival, or photo non-compliance. Applicants must correct the issue and resubmit immediately. The original fee is non-refundable and a new payment is required per submission. If travel is imminent, consider the expedited option at USD 100.
Check the rejection email
It may or may not state the specific reason.
Fix the issue
Renew passport, retake photo (clear, unedited, within 6 months), or correct inaccurate data.
Resubmit immediately
On etakenya.go.ke: no mandatory waiting period between Kenya eTA applications.
Escalate to support
If the rejection reason is unclear.
Common Errors, Troubleshooting, and Support Contacts
“Application Not Found” errors after Kenya eTA submission are typically caused by database indexing delays, mistyped data, or using the legacy eCitizen portal instead of etakenya.go.ke.
Spam filter advisory: Approval emails from [email protected] frequently trigger UK spam filters. Gmail: search from:etakenya. Outlook: check Junk and add to Safe Senders. Yahoo: check Bulk. BT Mail: check Spam and whitelist the domain.
| Channel | Contact | Expected Response |
|---|---|---|
| Email (primary) | [email protected] | 24-72 hours |
| Email (portal/technical) | [email protected] | 24-72 hours |
| +254 110 922 064 | Typically faster than email | |
| Telephone | +254 717 436 070 | Business hours (EAT, UTC+3) |
| Immigration directorate | +254 110-922062, +254 110-922063, +254 110-922064 | Business hours |
| General inquiry | +254 202 222 022 / [email protected] | Business hours |
Include in your support message: application reference number, passport number, email used during application, and description of the issue. The Directorate of Immigration Services is located at Nyayo House, Ground floor, Nairobi, P.O Box 00100, under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Kenya eTA Status Check FAQ
How long does it take to get a Kenya eTA in 2026?
Standard: 3 working days; Transit: 2 working days; Expedited: 24-48 hours for USD 100. Excludes weekends and holidays.
Can I check my Kenya eTA status without a reference number?
No – search email for “etakenya” or contact support with passport number and email.
How do I know if my Kenya eTA is approved?
Status shows “Approved” on the portal; PDF arrives from [email protected] with details, eTA number, validity, and QR code.
What does In Process mean for my Kenya eTA?
In Process means active review – wait up to 3 working days; contact support if longer than 5 working days.
Do I need to print my eTA for Kenya?
Kenya accepts digital; UK airlines (BA, Kenya Airways, Virgin Atlantic) may require printed copy – carry one backup.
Does a flight date change affect my Kenya eTA validity?
eTA valid 90 days from issue – if new flight date is within window, no new application needed.
Can I use my single-entry Kenya eTA to re-enter from Uganda or Tanzania?
Yes – re-entry from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo, or South Sudan is permitted within 90-day validity.
What should I do if my Kenya eTA is rejected?
Check email for reason, fix issue, resubmit immediately. Fee non-refundable; consider expedited if travel imminent.
