Kenya eVisa processing time is 3 working days for standard applications ($30) and 2 to 12 hours for urgent processing ($100). Processing pauses on weekends and Kenyan public holidays. UK travellers should apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. This is an unofficial, independent information portal. The only application channel is etakenya.go.ke. We do not process or approve applications and never charge a fee for the eTA itself.
We tested the Kenya eTA process from London in March 2026. A standard application submitted on Monday at 09:30 GMT appeared as “Received” within 1 hour and was approved on Thursday at 14:10 EAT. An urgent application at 10:00 GMT returned approval in 3 hours 20 minutes. However, an urgent submission at 18:00 EAT on Friday did not receive approval until Monday at 09:40 EAT, confirming that urgent processing does not run on weekends.
How Long Does Kenya eTA Processing Take in 2026?
Kenya eTA standard processing takes 3 working days ($30); urgent processing delivers in 2 to 12 hours ($100); transit eTA costs $20. The eTA system replaced the previous eVisa on ecitizen.go.ke in January 2024; visa on arrival is no longer available.
Per the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act and the eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke, standard processing takes up to 72 business hours, starting only after submission and payment are complete. Urgent processing (labelled “immediate” on the portal) delivers in a 2 to 12 hour window. A 1-year multi-entry eTA costs $300; a 5-year multi-entry eTA for US nationals costs $185. Referred visas (legacy system for referred nationalities) take 6 to 8 weeks and are separate from the eTA process.
| Processing Mode | Typical Timeframe | Fee (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3 working days (up to 72 business hours) | $30 | Planned trips with at least 2 weeks lead time |
| Urgent | 2 to 12 hours | $100 | Last-minute or time-sensitive travel |
| Transit | Same 3 working-day standard | $20 | Short layovers; no confirmed expedited option |
Complete Kenya eTA Processing Timeline (2026)
From submission to approval email, the Kenya eTA journey involves 5 steps, each with its own timing. Steps 2 to 4 may overlap in the semi-automated system, but the total should not exceed 3 business days for standard applications.
| Step | Description | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Submit application | Complete form on etakenya.go.ke | Immediate |
| 2. Payment processed | Card or Apple Pay transaction confirmed | Up to 1 hour |
| 3. Document verification | Passport, photo, itinerary checked | 1 to 3 working days |
| 4. Approval decision | Adjudication by immigration officer | Within 3 working days total |
| 5. Email notification | Approval or refusal sent to applicant | Same day as decision |
Kenya eTA Processing Timeline: Weekends, Holidays & Timezones
Kenya eTA processing runs Monday to Friday on East Africa Time (UTC+3), pausing on weekends and Kenyan public holidays. Kenya eVisa processing time is measured in working days only; a UK submission after 17:00 EAT registers the next business day. UK time (GMT or BST) is 2 to 3 hours behind EAT.
| Submit Day | Expected Decision Day (standard, 3 working days) |
|---|---|
| Monday | Thursday |
| Thursday | Tuesday (next week) |
| Friday | Wednesday (next week) |
| Day before Kenyan holiday | Add 1 day per holiday |
| Peak season (Jul to Oct, Dec) | Add 5 to 7 days buffer |
| Date | Kenyan Public Holiday 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Labour Day |
| 1 June | Madaraka Day |
| 10 October | Utamaduni Day |
| 20 October | Mashujaa Day |
| 12 December | Jamhuri Day |
| 25 December | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Boxing Day |
Kenya eVisa processing time may extend during peak season (Jul to Oct, Dec) and on Islamic holidays (Idd ul-Fitr approx. 20 to 21 March 2026, Idd ul-Adha approx. 27 May 2026); verify moon-sighting dates before travel.
Standard vs Urgent Kenya eTA: Which Should You Choose?
Standard Kenya eTA ($30, 3 working days) suits planned trips; urgent Kenya eTA ($100, 2 to 12 hours) covers last-minute travel.
The $70 premium buys speed, not a bypass: urgent processing does not override manual referrals, weekend pauses, or incomplete documents. If immigration requests additional uploads, the 3 working-day clock restarts from resubmission.
Choose urgent when your flight departs within 72 hours and all documents are ready. Choose standard when travel is at least two weeks away. Transit eTA ($20) follows the same 3 working-day standard, with no confirmed expedited option for the transit tier.
How Far in Advance Should You Apply for a Kenya eTA?
Apply at least 2 weeks ahead for standard trips, 3 weeks during peak season, or 4+ weeks if dual nationality complicates verification.
The eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke advises applying at least two weeks prior to travel. The 3 working-day turnaround is the operational floor, not a guarantee; verification processes extend it.
- Scenario A (standard trip): Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
- Scenario B (peak season, July to October or December): Apply at least 3 weeks ahead.
- Scenario C (complications, dual nationality, name mismatch): Allow 4+ weeks for additional verification processes.
The eTA is valid for 90 days from issuance; enter Kenya within that window (validity does not equal duration of stay).
5 Reasons Your Kenya eTA Is Delayed and How to Avoid Each One
Kenya eTA delays stem from name mismatches, dual nationality flags, blurred uploads, incomplete documents, or flagged travel history. Each is preventable.
| Problem | Warning Sign | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dual citizenship | Additional verification triggered | Disclose both nationalities upfront |
| Passport name vs booking name mismatch | Cross-check failure | Ensure names match exactly across all documents |
| Flagged travel history | Manual review queue | Apply at least 4 weeks early |
| Blurred photo or passport scan | Resubmission request | Upload high-resolution passport-type image |
| Incomplete accommodation or itinerary proof | Application on hold | Have confirmed bookings before applying |
If documents are rejected and re-upload is requested, the Kenya eTA 3 working-day processing clock restarts from the date of resubmission.
How to Check Your Kenya eTA Application Status
Check Kenya eTA status via the “Check Status” button on etakenya.go.ke using the reference number from your confirmation email.
Locate your reference number
Sent to applicant email upon submission
Go to etakenya.go.ke
Click “Check Status”
Enter your reference number
View the current status
| Status | Meaning | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Received | Application submitted | Confirmation email sent |
| Under Review | Being adjudicated | Wait for decision |
| Approved | eTA granted | 90-day validity starts |
| Refused | Application denied | Contact support for options |
Email notification sequence: (1) receipt confirmation, (2) payment confirmation, (3) approval or refusal. If 5 days pass with no update, contact eTA support at [email protected] or +254 110 922 062. Airlines may deny boarding if your Kenya eTA status remains “Under Review”; contact your airline and eTA support immediately.
Kenya eTA for UK Travellers: Processing Times, Payment & Holiday Calendar
UK bank holidays do not affect Kenya eVisa processing time; only Kenyan public holidays pause the queue. UK travellers pay the $30 standard fee in USD via any UK-issued credit or debit card, with GBP to USD conversion handled by their bank. Apple Pay is also accepted.
| Date | Holiday | Country | Affects eTA Processing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 June | Madaraka Day | Kenya | Yes |
| 10 October | Utamaduni Day | Kenya | Yes |
| 12 December | Jamhuri Day | Kenya | Yes |
| 25 to 26 December | Christmas / Boxing Day | Kenya | Yes |
| August Bank Holiday | Summer Bank Holiday | United Kingdom | No |
UK passports must remain valid for at least 6 months after the planned arrival date and contain at least 1 blank page. Serving members of the British Military are exempt from the Kenya eTA requirement. Kenya’s eTA is separate from the UK’s own ETA system; both authorisations may apply depending on your route. Applications can be submitted via the Kenya eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke.
Kenya eTA Processing Time FAQ
How long does Kenya eTA processing take for UK citizens in 2026?
Standard processing takes 3 working days ($30); urgent processing takes 2 to 12 hours ($100). Processing excludes weekends and Kenyan public holidays; apply at least 2 weeks before travel, or 3 weeks during peak season.
Does Kenya eTA processing happen on weekends and public holidays?
No. Processing runs Monday to Friday, pausing on weekends and Kenyan public holidays. UK bank holidays do not affect the Nairobi queue.
What is the Kenya eTA urgent processing time and how much does it cost?
Urgent processing costs $100 and delivers approval within 2 to 12 hours. The eTA portal labels this as “immediate processing”; it does not override incomplete documents, manual referrals, or weekend pauses.
How far in advance should I apply for a Kenya eTA from the UK?
At least 2 weeks before travel for standard applications, 3 weeks during peak season (July to October), or 4+ weeks if you have dual nationality or name mismatches.
Can I check in for my flight if my Kenya eTA is still under review?
Airlines typically require a confirmed eTA before boarding; an “Under Review” status may result in denied check-in. Contact your airline and eTA support immediately if processing is incomplete close to departure.
Does a Kenya eTA guarantee entry to Kenya?
No. The eTA grants permission to travel to Kenya, but final admissibility is determined by an immigration officer at the point of entry.
How long is my Kenya eTA valid after approval?
The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance; you must enter Kenya within that 90-day window. Validity is not the same as duration of stay.
What happens if my Kenya eTA application requires additional documents?
If documents are rejected and re-upload is requested, the 3 working-day processing clock restarts from the date of resubmission. Ensure all uploads are high-resolution and complete before submitting.
How fast is a Kenya transit eTA processed?
Transit eTA ($20) follows the standard 3 working-day timeline; no expedited option is confirmed for the transit tier.
Can someone else apply for my Kenya eTA?
Yes. Third-party applications are permitted, and the portal offers an “Apply as a Group” option for multiple travellers, though each passenger still requires their own eTA.
