Last updated: September 2026. Visa regulations are subject to change without notice; always verify current rules at etakenya.go.ke before booking.
In January 2024, the eTA replaced all Kenyan eVisas and transit visas. Travellers remaining airside at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during a same-day connection need no documentation. Anyone leaving the airport or staying over 24 hours must apply for a Kenya eTA costing ~US$30 at least 72 hours before departure.
For British passport holders, the Kenya eVisa vs transit visa question is now resolved by a single rule set. The legacy transit visa (US$20, 72-hour maximum stay) is no longer issued as a standalone document. The eTA covers both tourism and transit purposes, granting a single entry with a 90-day maximum stay and a 3-month validity period from issuance. It must be renewed for each new visit.
Kenya eVisa vs Transit Visa: Key Differences
The Kenya eTA (~US$30, 90-day stay) replaced the US$20 transit visa in January 2024. The Kenya eTA replaced all former visa types, including the eVisa and transit visa.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | eTA | Transit Visa (legacy) | TWOV (Visa-Exempt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~US$30 | US$20 | Free |
| Validity | 3 months | 3 days | N/A |
| Max stay | 90 days | 72 hours | N/A |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry | N/A |
| When required | Leaving airport or layover >24 h | Legacy cases only | Airside, ≤24 h |
| Application | Online via etakenya.go.ke | Online (eCitizen) | None |
Which Document Do You Need? Kenya eVisa vs Transit Visa Decision Framework
If your layover is ≤24 hours and you remain airside on a single ticket, no document is needed. The Kenya transit visa no longer applies as a separate document. If you leave the airport precincts or your layover exceeds 24 hours, the Kenya eTA is mandatory. Check the eTA-exempt nationality list – exempt passport holders need no authorisation at all.
Transit Visa Requirements & Exemptions
The legacy Kenya transit visa permitted a maximum stay of 72 hours, required an onward ticket, and cost US$20, but has been absorbed into the eTA system since January 2024. Applicants needed a passport valid for at least six months with one blank page, and the document allowed single entry only, valid for three days from the planned arrival date.
The Transit Without Visa (TWOV) exemption applies to passengers arriving and leaving by the same aircraft, or transferring to another aircraft without leaving airport precincts. Transit sea passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship without leaving the ship are also exempt. Private aircraft owners stopping over for refueling without leaving airport precincts, and transport crew members listed on a crew manifest proceeding to a destination outside Kenya, are exempt from the Kenya eTA.
Diplomatic and service passport holders from specified countries are exempt from the Kenya eTA for stays of 30 or 90 days depending on nationality. Official Laissez-Passers holders from organisations like the United Nations, African Union, African Development Bank, COMESA, IMF/World Bank, and IATA are exempt on official business. Citizens of East African Partner States – Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda – are exempt for up to 180 days. Serving members of the British Military are also exempt from the eTA requirement.
Kenya eTA for Transit Passengers
Transit passengers leaving the airport or staying over 24 hours need a Kenya eTA, even if their final destination is outside Kenya.
The eTA replaced all Kenya visas in January 2024; it allows single entry, 90-day stays, and is valid for 3 months. The same eTA document applies whether the traveller’s purpose is transit or tourism – there is no separate transit-specific eTA.
The Kenya eTA covers transit passengers who exit Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during long connections. Announced on October 2, 2024, by President William Ruto at the 14th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), the transit eTA policy permits eligible layover activities such as dining in Nairobi, visiting Nairobi National Park, wildlife viewing, and visiting the national museum.
Travellers on the eTA-exempt list need no eTA; all other transit passengers leaving the airport or staying over 24 hours must apply via etakenya.go.ke at least 72 hours ahead.
Airport Layover Rules & Connecting Flights at JKIA
JKIA: MCT 60-90 min; airside single-ticket – no eTA; self-transfer – eTA mandatory; legacy transit visa invalid.
Minimum Connection Time & Baggage Rules
Through-checked bags on a single ticket keep passengers airside within the transit area, requiring no eTA. However, a valid Kenya eTA is mandatory for self-transfer passengers on separate tickets, because collecting luggage and re-checking it forces passage through immigration. If a missed connection requires an overnight stay and leaving the airport, the eTA becomes mandatory as well.
Airside Facilities at JKIA
Airside facilities (Aerotel Nairobi, Aspire Lounge, Simba Lounge) – all located within transit zone, no eTA required. Aerotel Nairobi in Terminal 1 offers day and overnight rooms. The Aspire Lounge and Simba Lounge provide pay-per-use access with showers and resting areas.
How to Apply for a Kenya eTA
Visit the etakenya.go.ke portal
Complete the eligibility check on the official portal.
Fill in the online form
Provide personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary.
Upload a passport photo
≤6 months old, colour, white/off-white background, normal street attire, no uniform.
Submit and pay
Submit the application and pay the fee of approximately US$30 by credit card.
Receive your eTA
eTA emailed within 2-5 days. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; eTA is not issued on arrival at JKIA.
For assistance, eTA Customer Support is available via WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064 or telephone at +254 717 436 070. According to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act (Cap. 172) as amended in 2024, the eTA replaced all visa types.
UK Travellers: What You Need to Know
The Kenya eTA is mandatory for British passport holders who leave JKIA during a layover or whose connection exceeds 24 hours. The Kenya transit visa is no longer issued as a standalone document since January 2024 and cannot substitute for the eTA.
Travellers remaining airside on a same-day single-ticket connection need no document. The eTA costs approximately US$30, must be obtained online at etakenya.go.ke, and is not issued on arrival. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; two weeks ahead is recommended. Common pitfalls include scanning a passport photo instead of uploading a fresh one and holding a passport valid under 6 months.
A British traveller with a 14-hour layover in Nairobi booked a room at Aerotel, exited the airport, enjoyed a meal at a local restaurant, and returned without issues – all thanks to a pre-approved eTA. Serving members of the British Military are exempt from the eTA. The Kenya High Commission London is located at:
45 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1ASChancery hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. Passport and ID Section: Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 13:00, appointment only. High Commissioner: Amb. Maurice Makoloo. Deputy High Commissioner: Amb. Irene Maswan.
Health Requirements & Transit Facilities at JKIA
Yellow Fever Vaccination & Health Rules for Transit
Passengers arriving from or transiting through yellow-fever-endemic countries may need proof of vaccination even for airside layovers exceeding 12 hours at JKIA. Carry your yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic regions. Mandatory travel insurance was clarified as tied to the eTA on August 7, 2026, but the rollout was court-suspended as of August 25, 2026. Verify latest status before travel.
Transit Hotels, Lounges & Sleeping Options at JKIA
Aerotel Nairobi in Terminal 1 offers day and overnight rooms airside. Aspire Lounge and Simba Lounge provide pay-per-use access with showers. Using airside lounges or transit hotels does not trigger the need for an eTA. JKIA operates a clinic accessible to transit passengers; confirm current hours with the airport authority.
Kenya eVisa vs Transit Visa: FAQ
Do I need a transit visa for a layover under 24 hours at JKIA?
No – airside single-ticket ≤24h requires no visa (TWOV).
What is the difference between a Kenya eTA and a transit visa?
The Kenya eTA (~US$30) replaced all Kenya visas, including the transit visa, in January 2024. It is valid for 3 months with a 90-day maximum stay and single entry. The legacy transit visa cost US$20, allowed a 72-hour stay, and is no longer issued as a standalone document. Under the current system, the eTA covers both transit and tourism purposes.
How far in advance should I apply for a Kenya eTA in 2026?
You must apply at least 72 hours (3 days) before departure via etakenya.go.ke. Typical processing takes 2 to 5 days. Applying 1 to 2 weeks ahead is recommended to account for processing variability. The eTA is not issued on arrival at JKIA.
What is the cost of a Kenya transit visa compared to an eTA?
The legacy Kenya transit visa cost US$20 but is no longer issued as a standalone document since January 2024. The current Kenya eTA costs ~US$30. Airside transit under 24 hours is free (no document needed). Approximately 17 nationalities are fee-exempt for the eTA but must still apply.
Can I leave the airport during a transit layover without an eTA?
No. If you leave JKIA airport precincts, a valid Kenya eTA is required. The eTA allows transit passengers to exit the airport and visit Nairobi during long connections. Permitted activities include dining, visiting Nairobi National Park, wildlife viewing, and the national museum, as announced by President Ruto on October 2, 2024.
What happens if my connecting flight is on a separate ticket at JKIA?
Separate tickets mean a self-transfer. You must collect your baggage and clear immigration to re-check luggage, which requires a valid Kenya eTA. The legacy transit visa will not suffice for this procedure. If your baggage is carry-on only and you remain airside, an eTA is generally not required, but confirm with your airline.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for transit through Kenya?
If arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country and your airside layover exceeds 12 hours at JKIA, carry your yellow fever certificate. For shorter airside transits, requirements may vary. Always verify current health requirements with Kenyan authorities or your airline before travel.
Is a transit visa different from a tourist visa for Kenya?
Legacy transit: 72h; tourist: 90 days; current eTA covers both (single entry, 90 days, 3 months validity).
Reader Anna from Manchester asked: ‘I have a 4-hour layover but want to visit the airport hotel – do I need an eTA?’
No, as long as you stay airside. Using airside facilities like Aerotel does not trigger the need for a Kenya eTA.
This guide was written by our travel compliance analysts with 7 years of experience researching visa regulations for East Africa. For real-time nationality-based exemptions, check the IATA Travel Centre or the Kenya Airports Authority website.
