Last reviewed: September 2026. All details verified against the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services portal (etakenya.go.ke) and UK Foreign Office travel advice for Kenya.
The Kenya eVisa for UK citizens is now the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), replacing the eVisa in January 2024. Fee: approximately $30 to $35 USD (around £25 to £29 GBP). Processing: 24 to 72 hours. A valid British passport with 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages is required. The eTA permits a single entry for up to 90 consecutive days for tourism or business. Applications are submitted via the etakenya.go.ke portal; apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The visa on arrival system is discontinued for British citizens, including children under 18.
What Is the Kenya eTA and Why Do UK Citizens Need One?
The Kenya eTA for British citizens is a mandatory online entry authorization that replaced the former eVisa system in January 2024. Holders of a full British citizen passport must obtain this electronic travel authorization before travelling to Kenya for tourism, short business visits, or family visits.
Exempt categories include serving members of the British Military, Kenya Permanent Residence holders, valid Kenya Work Permit and Pass holders, and passports endorsed with valid Kenya re-entry passes. Air transit passengers remaining within airport precincts and ship transit passengers staying on board are also exempt.
| Feature | Former eVisa (pre-2024) | Current eTA (2024 onwards) |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online portal | Online via etakenya.go.ke |
| Visa on arrival | Available (now discontinued) | Not issued on arrival |
Who Can Apply? Kenya eTA Eligibility for British Citizens
Holders of a full British citizen passport can apply for a Kenya eTA for tourism, short business visits, and family visits. The eTA is also available for conference, transit, visitor, medical treatment, student, and work purposes.
Eligible:
- Full British citizen passport holders
- Travelling for tourism, business, family visits, conferences, medical treatment, study, or work
Not eligible or exempt:
- Serving British Military members (exempt)
- Kenya Permanent Residence holders (exempt)
- Valid Kenya Work Permit and Pass holders (exempt)
- Non-British passport holders residing in the UK (must verify eligibility on etakenya.go.ke)
Passport Requirements: Validity, Blank Pages, and Rules for UK Citizens
A UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival in Kenya and contain at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. Using a passport reported lost or stolen will result in entry denial, according to the UK Foreign Office. British dual nationals must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when returning to the UK.
Example: If you arrive in Kenya on 1 November 2026, your passport must be valid until at least 1 May 2027.
Documents You Need Before You Start Your Kenya eTA Application
Applicants need a passport scan, digital photo, accommodation booking confirmation, and return/onward flight details before starting the online form. Required documents for the Kenya eTA for British citizens:
- Passport bio page scan of a valid, signed British passport
- Digital passport-type photograph in JPEG or PNG format, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Proof of accommodation such as a hotel reservation in the applicant’s name, or an invitation letter if staying with a host
- Return or onward ticket with the traveller’s name clearly stated
- Copy of ID card
- If staying with friends or family: front and back copy of the host’s Kenyan ID card
Foreign nationals residing in Kenya are exempt from the return ticket requirement. Applications are submitted through the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services portal at etakenya.go.ke.
How to Prepare Your Digital Passport Photo
The digital photo must meet specific technical requirements to avoid rejection. The Kenya eTA for British citizens application rejects non-compliant photos automatically.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG or PNG |
| Background | Plain white |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Face coverage | Head occupying 70 to 80% of the frame |
| Glasses | Remove to avoid glare rejection |
How to Apply for a Kenya eTA from the UK
The Kenya eTA for British citizens is obtained entirely online through the etakenya.go.ke portal in 9 steps.
Create an account
Register on the portal with a valid email address. Use the same email for all family applications to track status easily.
Fill the application form
Enter personal details matching your passport exactly.
Upload a passport bio page scan
Provide a scan of a valid, signed British passport.
Upload a digital passport-type photograph
Must be taken within the last 6 months.
Add travel and accommodation details
Include return flight tickets and hotel reservations.
Review all information
Check everything carefully before proceeding to payment.
Pay the eTA fee
Approximately $30 to $35 USD (around £25 to £29 GBP) via card.
Submit
You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Note this number for tracking or future contact with the helpdesk at +254 110-922062.
Receive the approved Kenya eTA
Delivered via email, typically within 72 hours (3 working days). Many applications are processed in under 24 hours.
Applying for a Family or Group
Each traveler requires a separate application and individual fee payment. A parent or legal guardian must submit the application on behalf of children under 18. Ensure you have all required documents, including the child’s passport scan and digital photo.
How Much Does the Kenya eTA Cost for UK Citizens?
The Kenya eTA for UK citizens costs approximately $30 to $35 USD (around £25 to £29 GBP) via the government portal at etakenya.go.ke. The base fee is approximately $30.50 USD, with a processing surcharge bringing the total to around $33 to $35 USD. The exact amount is revealed during the application flow.
Official Fee vs. Third-Party Agent Fees
Third-party agents charge more than double the government fee for submitting the identical application on the traveller’s behalf.
| Provider | Total Cost | Extra Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Government portal (etakenya.go.ke) | ~$33 to $35 USD (~£25 to £29 GBP) | Processing surcharge included |
| VisaHQ | ~$80+ USD | Service markup of ~$45 to $50 USD |
| Sherpa | $80.09 USD | Service markup of ~$45 USD |
Payment Methods for UK Debit and Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted on the portal, and a 3D Secure verification step may be required. UK-issued cards from banks such as Barclays, HSBC, and Monzo may incur 0 to 3% foreign transaction fees. The eTA is priced in US dollars, so British travellers should notify their bank before payment to prevent the transaction from being flagged as suspicious.
Processing Times: How Long Does the Kenya eTA Take?
Processing takes 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to allow a buffer beyond the absolute minimum of 72 hours. The Kenya eTA for British citizens is not issued on arrival; all travellers, including children, must have an approved eTA prior to arriving at any port of entry.
eTA Validity, Length of Stay, and Entry Rules for UK Travellers
The Kenya eTA for British citizens is valid for 90 days from issuance for a single entry, granting up to 90 consecutive days of stay at the border officer’s discretion. The standard eTA is single-entry only; re-entry requires a new application unless the traveller visits Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda directly from Kenya and the eTA remains valid upon return.
Validity Window vs. Permitted Length of Stay
The 90-day validity window and the 90-day stay period are separate concepts:
- Must enter: Within 90 days of eTA issue date.
- May stay: Up to 90 consecutive days, granted by the border officer upon arrival.
What Happens If You Renew Your Passport After eTA Approval?
The Kenya eTA for British citizens is tied to the passport number entered during the application. Renewing a UK passport after eTA approval invalidates the existing authorisation. The traveller must submit a new application and pay the fee again before departure. Keep your old passport alongside the new one at the border if needed.
Applying from the UK with a Non-British Passport
Non-British passport holders residing in the UK must verify their nationality’s eligibility on the etakenya.go.ke portal before starting an application. The eTA process is the same, but eligibility depends on the passport nationality, not UK residency. Some nationalities may require a referral visa instead.
Health and Vaccination Requirements for Entering Kenya from the UK
UK citizens arriving directly from the UK do not need a yellow fever certificate. The Kenya eTA for British citizens does not require any COVID-19 documentation as of 2026. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory only when arriving from a country listed as transmission-risk; the UK is not classified as such.
Travellers who have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda within the past 21 days must complete an Electronic Travellers Surveillance Form online before departure and present the resulting QR code on arrival.
Travel health insurance is recommended for all travellers, with some sources suggesting a minimum of $50,000 cumulative benefit.
Other Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies for safari-goers. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised. The UK Foreign Office directs travellers to TravelHealthPro‘s Kenya guide for current NHS-specific advice.
Transit Passengers and Cruise Ship Travellers
The Kenya eTA for British citizens is not required for airside transit passengers who remain within the airport transit zone at ports such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), nor for cruise ship travellers who arrive and depart on the same vessel without disembarking. All other travellers, including those passing through Kenyan immigration for a connecting flight, must hold a valid eTA before departure.
Ports of Entry That Accept the Kenya eTA
The Kenya eTA for British citizens is accepted at the following ports of entry:
- Airports: JKIA (Nairobi), Moi International Airport (Mombasa), Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Ukunda Airstrip (Diani).
- Land borders: Namanga, Taveta, Isebania, Malaba, Busia, and Lunga Lunga.
- Seaport: Port of Mombasa (Kilindini Harbour).
East African Tourist Visa for Multi-Country Trips
The East African Tourist Visa costs approximately $100 USD and covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with multiple entries over a 90-day period. British citizens planning multi-country trips can compare this against the single-entry Kenya eTA for British citizens, which does not permit re-entry from neighbouring countries unless the eTA remains valid upon return.
Common Mistakes That Get UK Applications Rejected
Top reasons for rejection: photo issues, data mismatches, and passport validity. There is no formal appeal mechanism; applicants must reapply with corrected data, and the fee is non-refundable.
| Common Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Photo in wrong format or with non-compliant background | Application rejected; fee forfeited | Use JPEG or PNG with white background, taken within the last 6 months |
| Passport data mismatch (name, number, date of birth) | System flags inconsistency; eTA denied | Copy details exactly from the passport bio page |
| Passport validity under 6 months beyond arrival date | Automatic rejection | Verify validity before starting the application |
| Missing documents (accommodation proof, return ticket) | Incomplete application; processing halted | Prepare all required documents before submission |
What If Your eTA Application Is Denied?
If denied: no appeal. Reapply with corrected data (fee non-refundable). For application issues, contact the eTA helpdesk at +254 110-922062, +254 110-922063, or +254 110-922064, or email [email protected]. WhatsApp support is available at +254 110 922 064.
Customs Rules and Practical Travel Tips for UK Travellers to Kenya
Cash amounts exceeding $10,000 USD equivalent must be declared on entry and exit. Importing drones without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is illegal; contact the KCAA well in advance of travel. Any items subject to tax or duty must also be declared.
| Category | Rule |
|---|---|
| Cash declaration | Amounts over $10,000 USD equivalent must be declared on entry and exit |
| Drones | Illegal without prior KCAA approval |
| Duty-free goods | Items subject to tax or duty must be declared |
Kenya High Commission and Immigration Contacts
For in-person assistance in the UK, the Kenya High Commission is located at 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS. Chancery opening hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. The Passport and ID Section operates Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 13:00, by appointment only.
The Directorate of Immigration Services is located at Nyayo House, Ground floor, Nairobi (P.O Box 00100). General inquiries: +254 202222022 or [email protected]. Additional eTA support telephone: +254 717 436 070.
FAQ: Kenya eVisa for UK citizens
Do UK citizens need a visa or eTA to visit Kenya in 2026?
Yes. The eTA is mandatory; the visa on arrival system is discontinued. All travellers, including children, require an approved eTA before travel.
How long is the Kenya eTA valid for British citizens?
Valid for 90 days from issuance. You must enter Kenya within this window. The border officer then grants up to 90 consecutive days of stay. Standard eTA is single-entry only.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost in GBP?
Approximately £25 to £29 GBP via the government portal (etakenya.go.ke). Third-party agents charge $80+ USD for the same application.
How long does it take to get a Kenya eTA from the UK?
Standard processing: 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to avoid delays.
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA with a passport expiring in less than 6 months?
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and contain 2 blank pages. Applications with insufficient validity are rejected.
My passport was renewed after my eTA was approved, what now?
The eTA is tied to your passport number. A renewed passport invalidates the approved eTA. Submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA for my child who holds a British passport?
Yes. A parent or guardian must submit the application on behalf of children under 18. Each traveler needs a separate application and fee.
What if my Kenya eTA application is refused?
No formal appeal. Reapply with corrected data (fee non-refundable). Contact the helpdesk at +254 110-922062 or [email protected].
Do I need a yellow fever certificate travelling from the UK to Kenya?
No, not if travelling directly from the UK. Required only when arriving from a transmission-risk country.
Can I enter Kenya more than once with the same eTA?
No. The standard eTA is single-entry only. For multi-country trips, consider the East African Tourist Visa at approximately $100 USD.
What documents do I need to show at the airport when I arrive in Kenya?
Valid British passport and approved eTA (printed or digital). Also have your return ticket and hotel booking confirmation available.
Can I use a third-party service to apply for the Kenya eTA from the UK?
Yes, but unnecessary. Agents like VisaHQ and Sherpa charge $80+ USD, more than double the government fee, for the same online application.
