Published: 9 September 2026 | Author: Travel Regulations Desk, verified against etakenya.go.ke and gov.uk.
Kenya permanently cancelled visa on arrival in January 2024 and replaced it with the mandatory electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). All UK travellers must apply online via etakenya.go.ke before departure. Without an approved eTA, airlines will deny boarding at UK airports.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Kenyan government. Always verify current requirements on etakenya.go.ke before booking.
Is Visa on Arrival Still Available in Kenya?
Kenya abolished visa on arrival on 1 January 2024 under a presidential visa-free regime directive. No visas or electronic Travel Authorisations are issued at any airport in Kenya, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. Every non-exempt traveller, including all UK passport holders, must obtain an approved Kenya eTA before departure.
Kenya eVisa vs eTA: What Changed in January 2024?
The old Kenya eVisa launched in September 2015 and charged US$51 for a single-entry visa. The current Kenya eTA, introduced on 1 January 2024, costs US$32.50 (approximately £26) and is the only valid entry mechanism in 2026. Many third-party travel sites still use “Kenya eVisa” interchangeably with the current eTA system, but the two are distinct: the eVisa was a visa, while the eTA is a travel authorisation under a visa-free regime.
Kenya eTA Requirements and Application Process for UK Citizens
Every traveller, including infants, needs an individual Kenya eTA. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have 2 blank pages.
The Kenya eTA application is a 3-step online process on etakenya.go.ke:
Complete the online form
Provide personal details, passport information, travel dates, and accommodation.
Upload required documents
Include passport bio-data page scan, selfie or passport-type photo, and travel itinerary.
Pay the fee and receive eTA
Get the approved Kenya eTA by email as a PDF.
Required documents include: passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, accommodation booking confirmation, email address, and phone number. Conditional items may include a bank letter or business invitation letter depending on your purpose of visit.
British citizens are not exempt from the Kenya eTA requirement. EAC citizens (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) are exempt for stays up to 180 days. Existing Kenya visas issued before January 2024 remain valid until expiry.
How Much Does a Kenya eTA Cost?
The standard single-entry Kenya eTA costs US$32.50 (approximately £26, exchange rate variable). Payment is made online via Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card; check etakenya.go.ke for current Apple Pay or Google Pay support. The fee is non-refundable if the application is rejected or travel is cancelled. Additional processing fees may apply.
How Long Does the Kenya eTA Take to Process?
Standard processing takes 3 working days. The minimum lead time is 72 hours before travel. The UK Foreign Office recommends applying at least 2 weeks before departure to allow for delays.
UK Passport Holders: What You Need to Know
For UK-specific entry advice, consult the Kenya High Commission London: 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. The Passport and ID Section operates 09:30 to 13:00 by appointment only. You can also refer to gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya for current UK Foreign Office guidance.
Who Is Exempt from eTA?
Exempt groups include Kenya permanent residence holders, valid work permit and re-entry pass holders, EAC citizens (180 days), 90-day exempt nationals (37 countries including Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Jamaica), and 60-day exempt African nationals (27 countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco). Transit air passengers remaining airside without leaving the airport precincts are also exempt. British military serving members are exempt. Diplomatic and service passport holders must apply but are exempted from paying the Kenya eTA fee.
What Exactly Happens at the Airport Without Prior eTA Approval?
Without an approved eTA, airlines deny boarding at UK departure. Arriving at JKIA risks penalty, detention, or deportation.
At UK check-in
Airline staff verify your Kenya eTA against your booking. No approved eTA means denied boarding; you will not be permitted on the flight.
At the boarding gate
Gate agents conduct a secondary document check. Without a Kenya eTA, you are turned away.
At JKIA immigration
If you reach Nairobi without an approved Kenya eTA, immigration officers impose a penalty fee on arrival, conduct questioning, and may detain or deport you. No eTA is issued at the airport.
Do Airlines Check Your eTA Before Boarding?
Airlines verify eTA at check-in and boarding gate; it must be linked to your passport in the airline system. The portal at etakenya.go.ke warns that failure to comply may lead to denied boarding or penalty fee on arrival. Carry both a printed copy and a digital backup on your phone.
Kenya eTA vs Other Visa Types: Transit and East Africa Tourist Visa
Kenya offers three eTA categories: standard (tourism/business), transit (72h connections), and East Africa Tourist Visa (90 days, 3 countries).
| Feature | Standard eTA | Transit eTA | East Africa Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, business, family visit | Connecting through Kenya | Tourism across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry | Multiple entry (3 countries) |
| Maximum stay | 90 days | 72 hours | 90 days |
| Fee | US$32.50 (approximately £26) | US$20 | US$101 |
Transit eTA for Short Connections
Transit eTA allows a 72-hour stay and airport exit. Airside connections without leaving the airport are exempt.
East Africa Tourist Visa vs Standard eTA
The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$101, 90 days) covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. UK citizens get a single-entry Kenya eTA by default; the 5-year multiple-entry eTA is available only to US citizens. Re-entry from Uganda is allowed within the 90-day validity period, provided no other country was visited.
Extending Your Stay and Reapplying for a Kenya eTA
How to Extend Your Stay Beyond 90 Days
Apply at the Directorate of Immigration Services headquarters: Nyayo House, Ground Floor, Nairobi, P.O Box 00100. Phone: +254 202 222 022. Email: [email protected]. Maximum additional stay: 90 days (total maximum 180 days). Begin the extension process well before your current stay expires.
What Happens If My eTA Is Rejected?
You can reapply immediately with no waiting period. The Kenya eTA fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Support contacts: WhatsApp +254 110 922 064, phone +254 717 436 070, email [email protected]. Alternatively, contact the Kenya High Commission London at 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS.
Do I Need a Paper Printout or Can I Show the eTA on My Phone?
The Kenya eTA is delivered as a PDF by email. The portal has a “Validate eTA” feature for checking status. Best practice: carry both a printed copy and a digital backup on your phone. Immigration officers at JKIA accept both, but a paper copy serves as backup if phone battery dies or connectivity fails.
Kenya eTA vs Visa on Arrival FAQ
Does Kenya still offer visa on arrival in 2026?
No. Visa on arrival was discontinued in January 2024 and replaced by the electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). No eTAs are issued at the airport.
How much does a Kenya eTA cost for UK citizens?
US$32.50 (approximately £26), non-refundable, paid online via Visa or Mastercard on etakenya.go.ke.
Can you be denied entry to Kenya for not having an eTA?
Yes. Airlines deny boarding at UK departure; arriving at JKIA risks penalty, detention, or deportation.
What payment methods are accepted on the Kenya eTA portal?
Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards. Check etakenya.go.ke for current Apple Pay, Google Pay, or 3D Secure debit card support.
How long does Kenya eTA processing take?
Standard processing: 3 working days. UK Foreign Office recommends applying at least 2 weeks before departure. Minimum lead time: 72 hours.
Do children need a separate eTA for Kenya?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, requires an individual eTA with a separate passport scan and photo.
Can I bring a drone to Kenya?
Drones are illegal without prior KCAA approval. Unapproved drones face confiscation and fines.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa and do I need it instead of a standard eTA?
US$101 for 90-day multi-country travel across Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Most UK tourists visiting only Kenya need the standard eTA at US$32.50.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Kenya?
Only if arriving from a transmission-risk country. Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before travel. Check TravelHealthPro for the current risk list.
Can I use a valid Kenya visa issued before 2024 instead of applying for an eTA?
Yes. Valid Kenya visa stickers issued before January 2024 remain usable until expiry. Present the visa at immigration upon arrival.
