Yes, holders of a 1951 Convention Travel Document can apply for an eTA Kenya refugee travel document online at etakenya.go.ke by selecting “Other travel document.” A standard Kenya eTA costs USD 30, while expedited processing costs USD 100. Non-standard document holders should allow at least two weeks before departure due to enhanced verification. Applications can be submitted up to 3 months prior to travel; submissions via third-party websites are automatically denied.
Last updated: September 2026. Written by our travel regulations team, verified by an immigration consultant specialising in African visas. This is an independent informational portal, not affiliated with the Kenya Immigration Service or the Government of Kenya. Always verify current requirements at etakenya.go.ke before applying. For UK government travel advice, see the FCDO Kenya entry requirements page.
Introduced in January 2024, the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) replaced the traditional visa system and is mandatory for all visitors, including infants and children. Holders of non-standard documents, such as emergency travel documents and diplomatic passports, must also obtain authorisation before travel. The eTA does not determine admissibility: immigration officers decide at arrival.
Kenya eTA Basics, Fees and Exemptions for 2026
The Kenya eTA (USD 30, mandatory since January 2024) requires non-standard document holders to apply. All fees are non-refundable and exclude payment processing charges. Applications can be submitted up to 3 months prior to travel.
| eTA Type | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 30 | Single/multiple entry into EAC states |
| Transit | 20 | Max 3 days |
| Expedited | 100 | Immediate approval |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | 300 | No purpose restrictions |
| East African Tourist eTA | 100 | Temporarily unavailable |
| Diplomatic / Gratis | 0 | Must still apply |
| Category | Exemption duration | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| EAC citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo, South Sudan) | Up to 180 days | National of member state |
| Valid Kenya work permit holders | Exempt | Valid permit required |
| Air transit passengers | Exempt | Same aircraft, not leaving airport |
| Sea transit passengers | Exempt | Same ship, not leaving ship |
| Carrier crew members | Exempt | Listed in crew manifest |
| Private aircraft owners | Exempt | Refuelling only, not leaving airport |
| British military serving members | Exempt | Active service |
| Zimbabwe nationals | Up to 90 days | |
| Tunisia nationals | Up to 60 days |
Staff of 20+ international organisations (UN, AU, ADB, COMESA, IMF, World Bank, EU, and others) holding a laissez-passer are exempt only during official business travel. Personal or holiday travel requires a national passport and a standard Kenya eTA application. Applications submitted via third-party websites will be automatically denied.
Applying for a Kenya eTA with a Refugee Travel Document
UK-issued 1951 Convention Travel Document holders can apply for a Kenya eTA by selecting “Other travel document” and uploading a biographical-page scan plus a UK BRP or eVisa share code. The UK Home Office blue CTD (1951 Refugee Convention) is accepted via the “Other travel document” category.
Go to etakenya.go.ke
Visit the official eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke.
Select “Other travel document”
Choose “Other travel document” and enter the UK as country of issue.
Upload a biographical-page scan
Ensure the MRZ (Machine-Readable Zone) is visible on the scan.
Upload a digital passport-style photo
Provide a recent digital photo meeting passport-style photo requirements.
Provide proof of legal UK residence
Upload a UK BRP card scan or eVisa share code as proof of legal UK residence.
The Kenya eTA for refugee travel document holders is limited to standard single-entry at USD 30. The CTD must be valid at least 6 months after arrival with 2 blank pages (FCDO guidance). The eTA must be used within 90 days of issuance. eTA approval does not guarantee entry: immigration officers at the Kenyan border make the final admissibility decision.
Non-Machine-Readable Booklets
If your CTD lacks a Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ), the portal scan may fail. Email [email protected], [email protected], or WhatsApp +254 110 922 064. Renewing to an ICAO-compliant version is recommended.
Stateless Persons
Kenya eTA acceptance of the UK red Certificate of Travel is unconfirmed. Contact the Kenya High Commission, 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS (appointment only, Mon-Fri, 09:30-13:00) before booking travel.
Emergency Travel Documents and Diplomatic Passports
Kenya eTA accepts Emergency Travel Document (ETD) holders through the online portal only when the document contains a Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ). If your ETD lacks an MRZ, do not attempt the online application. Contact [email protected] or WhatsApp +254 110 922 064, or visit the Kenya High Commission, 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS (appointment only, Mon-Fri, 09:30-13:00) for consular clearance. ETD holders should apply at least two weeks before departure; the ETD must remain valid for 6+ months after arrival.
Diplomatic, official, and service passport holders must apply for a Kenya eTA. The eTA is free of charge (USD 0) for accredited diplomats. A Note Verbale from the sending mission, signed by an ambassador or senior consular officer, must be uploaded; if issued in another language, a certified English translation is required. The Note Verbale must include: full name of traveller, passport number, purpose of travel, dates of visit, and diplomatic status confirmation. Expedited processing (USD 100) is available if faster review is needed.
| Country | Passport types | Max stay without eTA |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | Diplomatic, Service | 30 days |
| Turkey | Diplomatic, Official, Special, Service (+ family) | 90 days |
| Brazil | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 90 days |
| India | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 90 days |
| China | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 30 days |
Diplomats from countries not listed above must obtain a Kenya eTA regardless of trip duration.
Application Process, Processing Times and Denials
Apply for your Kenya eTA at etakenya.go.ke or via the “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app. Select your document type (for refugee or emergency documents, choose “Other travel document”; for diplomatic, choose “Diplomatic Traveller”), enter personal and travel details, upload a biographical page scan and supporting documents, then pay the USD 30 standard fee or USD 100 expedited fee via credit or debit card. Diplomats skip payment for gratis eTA. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours; expedited grants immediate approval. Non-standard document holders should allow at least two weeks.
If your Kenya eTA is denied, escalate via email at [email protected] or [email protected], WhatsApp +254 110 922 064, or phone +254 717 436 070. You can also visit the Kenya High Commission, 45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AS (appointment only, Mon-Fri, 09:30-13:00). The Directorate of Immigration Services can be reached at +254 20 222 2022 or [email protected]. Denied applicants cannot travel to Kenya until the issue is resolved.
Kenya eTA for Non-Standard Passports: FAQ
Can I travel to Kenya with a refugee travel document instead of a passport?
Yes. Holders of a 1951 Convention Travel Document can apply for an eTA Kenya refugee travel document online by selecting “Other travel document” at etakenya.go.ke.
Does Kenya accept a UK-issued Convention Travel Document for the eTA?
Yes. The UK Home Office blue Convention Travel Document is accepted. Upload a biographical page scan and provide your UK BRP or eVisa share code.
How do I select the right document type on the Kenya eTA form with a refugee travel document?
Select “Other travel document” rather than “Ordinary Passport.” Enter the issuing country (e.g. United Kingdom) and your document number as shown on the biographical page.
What supporting documents do I need for a Kenya eTA with a refugee travel document?
Biographical page scan, digital photo, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and UK BRP or eVisa share code. Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country.
Can I use an Emergency Travel Document to apply for the Kenya eTA online?
Only if the ETD has a Machine-Readable Zone. Without MRZ, contact [email protected] or the Kenya High Commission London for consular clearance.
How long does Kenya eTA processing take for refugee and emergency document holders?
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours, but non-standard documents may trigger enhanced verification. Allow at least two weeks before departure.
Is there a difference between a refugee travel document and an emergency travel document for Kenya eTA?
Yes. A refugee travel document (Convention Travel Document) is for recognised refugees; an emergency travel document is a one-time credential for lost-passport situations.
Do diplomatic passport holders need to apply for a Kenya eTA?
Yes, the eTA is not automatic for diplomats but is free of charge (gratis). Apply at etakenya.go.ke and upload a Note Verbale from your sending mission.
