The Kenya eVisa (officially called the Kenya ETA — Electronic Travel Authorization) is available in four types: Transit ($20), Standard single-entry ($30), One Year Multi-Entry ($300), and Five Year Multi-Entry for US nationals ($185). Apply online at etakenya.go.ke — approval takes 3 working days. Kenya replaced the visa on arrival with the mandatory eVisa/ETA system in 2023.

What Is the Kenya eVisa (ETA)?

The Kenya eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows international travelers to visit Kenya for tourism, business, or transit — applied for entirely online before departure. It is issued by the Kenya Department of Immigration Services and delivered as a PDF to your email address. Since January 2024, Kenya officially rebranded the system as the Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), but the underlying process and portal remain the same. Whether you see it called “Kenya eVisa” or “Kenya ETA,” you are applying for the same document through the same official platform. Key facts:
  • Issuing authority: Kenya Department of Immigration Services
  • Official portal: etakenya.go.ke / ecitizen.go.ke
  • System introduced: 2023 (replaced visa on arrival)
  • Delivery: PDF by email
  • Processing: Fully online — no embassy visit required

Kenya eVisa vs Kenya ETA — Are They the Same?

Yes. Kenya eVisa and Kenya ETA are the same document. The government of Kenya uses both terms interchangeably. The official portal at etakenya.go.ke refers to it as the “Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA),” while most travel websites and search engines still use the term “eVisa.” If you are searching for “Kenya ETA” or “Kenya eVisa,” you are looking for the same thing. Apply through the same portal, pay the same fee, and receive the same PDF document.
⚠️ Important: The Kenya eVisa/ETA is not a visa on arrival. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Kenya no longer offers visa on arrival to most nationalities.

Who Is Eligible for the Kenya eVisa?

Most nationalities can apply for the Kenya eVisa online. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries — Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan — enter Kenya visa-free and do not need an eVisa. Countries whose citizens commonly apply for the Kenya eVisa:
Region Countries
North America United States, Canada
Europe United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and all EU member states
Asia-Pacific Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan
Africa Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia
Middle East UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Latin America Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
For the complete and up-to-date list of eligible nationalities, check the official portal at etakenya.go.ke before applying.

Who Does NOT Need a Kenya eVisa?

Citizens of the following countries enter Kenya visa-free and do not need to apply for an eVisa:
  • East African Community: Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan
  • Other visa-free countries: Check the official Kenya Immigration website for the current list

Who Cannot Use the Kenya eVisa?

A small number of nationalities cannot use the online eVisa system and must apply through a Kenyan embassy or consulate. If your nationality is not listed on the official portal, contact the nearest Kenyan diplomatic mission.

Kenya eVisa Types

Kenya offers four types of ETA for international travelers, each designed for a different travel purpose and duration.

Transit ETA

The Transit ETA is for travelers passing through Kenya (typically through JKIA Nairobi) on their way to another destination.
  • Fee: $20 USD
  • For: Travelers on a transit flight through Kenya
  • When required: If you leave the airport transit area or your layover requires passing through immigration

Standard ETA

The Standard ETA is the most common type for visitors traveling to Kenya for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, conferences, or other short-term purposes.
  • Fee: $30 USD
  • Entry: Single entry
  • For: Tourism, business, family visits, conferences, medical travel, and more
  • Processing time: 3 working days
This is the right choice for most international travelers visiting Kenya for the first time or making a single trip.

One-Year Multi-Entry ETA

The One-Year Multi-Entry ETA allows travelers to enter Kenya multiple times within a one-year period — ideal for frequent visitors, business travelers, or those who regularly cross between Kenya and neighboring countries.
  • Fee: $300 USD
  • Entry: Multiple entries
  • Validity: 1 year from issue date
  • For: Frequent travelers, business visitors, regional travelers

Five-Year Multi-Entry ETA (US Nationals Only)

The Five-Year Multi-Entry ETA is exclusively available to American nationals and allows multiple entries into Kenya over a five-year period.
  • Fee: $185 USD
  • Entry: Multiple entries
  • Validity: 5 years from issue date
  • Eligibility: American (US) nationals only
💡 US travelers tip: The Five-Year Multi-Entry ETA at $185 is an exceptional value compared to the One-Year Multi-Entry at $300. If you are an American planning to visit Kenya more than once, the 5-year option is the most cost-effective choice.

Kenya eVisa Requirements

Before starting your application, gather all required documents. Having everything ready reduces errors and speeds up the process.

Required Documents (All Travelers)

Every Kenya ETA applicant must provide:
Document Details
Valid passport Minimum 6 months validity; at least 1 blank page
Selfie or passport-type photo Recent, clear, facing forward
Contact details Email address and phone number
Travel itinerary Arrival and departure dates
Accommodation booking Confirmed hotel reservation or host’s address
Payment method Credit/debit card or Mpesa

Additional Documents by Travel Purpose

Depending on your reason for visiting Kenya, you may need to provide extra documentation:
Travel Purpose Additional Documents Required
Medical Referral letter from hospital
Conference / Event Invitation or participation letter
Employment Contract document
Resettlement Supporting documents
Health-related Vaccination or test results certificates
For Business Travelers:
  • Invitation letter from the Kenyan company
  • Company registration copy
For Family Visits:
  • Invitation letter from the host
  • Host’s ID / Passport / Alien Card / Entry permit
For Diplomatic Travel:
  • Diplomatic, Official, or Service passport
  • Official letter from the country of origin or organization

Passport Requirements

  • Minimum validity: 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Kenya
  • Blank pages: At least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps
  • Condition: Passport must not be damaged or altered

Photo Requirements

Your selfie or passport-type photo must be:
  • Clear and recent — taken within the last 6 months
  • Facing forward — full face visible, eyes open
  • Good lighting — no shadows on face or background
  • No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
  • Format: JPEG, maximum 2MB
⚠️ Photo issues are the #1 reason for Kenya ETA rejection. Use a professional passport photo service or a compliant photo app before uploading.

Yellow Fever Certificate — When Is It Required?

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving in Kenya from a yellow fever endemic country (as defined by the WHO).
  • Certificate validity: Lifelong (since 2016, the WHO no longer requires 10-year renewal)
  • Timing: The certificate must be issued at least 10 days before arrival in Kenya
  • Where to get it in Nairobi: Wilson Airport Clinic (for travelers already in Kenya needing the certificate)
Countries from which a yellow fever certificate is required include: Angola, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and others. Check the current WHO list before traveling. If you are traveling from a non-endemic country (e.g., the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, or India), you do not need a yellow fever certificate to enter Kenya.

How to Apply for the Kenya eVisa (Step-by-Step)

The Kenya eVisa application is completed entirely online at etakenya.go.ke or ecitizen.go.ke. The process takes approximately 15–20 minutes if you have all documents ready.

Step 1 — Create an Account on the eCitizen Portal

  1. Go to etakenya.go.ke or ecitizen.go.ke.
  2. Click “Get Started” or “Apply for ETA”.
  3. Create a new account with your email address, a password, and your phone number.
  4. Verify your email address via the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
💡 Tip: Use an email address you check regularly — your eVisa approval will be sent there. Check your spam/junk folder if you don’t receive the confirmation email within a few minutes.

Step 2 — Fill in the Application Form

Complete the online application form with:
  • Personal details: Full name (exactly as in passport), date of birth, nationality, gender
  • Passport details: Passport number, issue date, expiry date, issuing country
  • Travel details: Intended arrival date, departure date, purpose of visit
  • Accommodation: Hotel name and address, or host’s name and address in Kenya
  • Emergency contact: Name and phone number of someone not traveling with you
⚠️ Double-check your passport number and name. Errors in these fields are a common cause of rejection and require a new application (with a new fee).

Step 3 — Upload Documents and Photo

Upload the following files:
  • Passport scan — the biographical data page (photo page)
  • Passport photo — meeting the specifications above
  • Return/onward ticket — PDF or screenshot of your booking confirmation
  • Hotel booking — confirmation email or reservation document
  • Travel insurance — policy document showing coverage dates and Kenya
  • Additional documents — depending on your purpose of travel
All files should be in PDF or JPEG format, maximum 2MB per file.

Step 4 — Pay the Fee (Card or Mpesa)

Kenya eVisa accepts the following payment methods:
Payment Method Details
Visa / Mastercard Standard international credit or debit card
American Express Accepted on the official portal
Mpesa Kenya’s mobile money system — unique to Kenya’s eVisa portal
Mpesa payment is available for travelers with a Kenyan or East African mobile number. This is a unique feature of Kenya’s eVisa system — no other major eVisa portal in the region accepts Mpesa. If your card payment fails, try a different card, clear your browser cache, or use Mpesa if you have access. Payment failures are common with some international cards — this is a known issue with the eCitizen portal. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Step 5 — Receive Your eVisa by Email and Print It

After submitting your application:
  1. You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.
  2. Processing takes 3 working days (may take longer in some cases).
  3. Once approved, you receive a PDF eVisa by email.
  4. Print the eVisa or save it on your phone.
  5. Present it at the port of entry together with your passport.
⚠️ You must carry your eVisa (printed or digital) when entering Kenya. Border officials will check it alongside your passport.

Kenya eVisa Cost

Fee Table by ETA Type

ETA Type Entry Fee (USD) Eligibility
Transit ETA Single $20 All eligible nationalities
Standard ETA Single $30 All eligible nationalities
One Year Multi-Entry ETA Multiple (1 year) $300 All eligible nationalities
Five Year Multi-Entry ETA Multiple (5 years) $185 US nationals only
All fees are in US Dollars (USD) and are non-refundable. 💡 Best value for US travelers: The Five-Year Multi-Entry ETA at $185 is cheaper than the One-Year Multi-Entry at $300 — and covers 5 years instead of 1. If you are an American planning to visit Kenya more than once, the 5-year option is the clear choice.

Payment Methods Accepted

  • Visa (credit and debit)
  • Mastercard (credit and debit)
  • American Express
  • Mpesa (mobile money — for travelers with East African mobile numbers)
💡 Mpesa tip: If you are a Kenyan resident or have a Safaricom line, Mpesa is the most reliable payment method on the eCitizen portal. Many international travelers report card payment failures — Mpesa eliminates this issue.

Kenya eVisa Processing Time

The Kenya ETA is typically approved within 3 working days. In some cases, processing may take longer depending on application volume and completeness of your documents.
Scenario Expected Processing Time
Standard (complete application) 3 working days
Peak season (Dec–Jan, Jul–Aug) May take longer
Incomplete application Longer — may require additional documents
Weekends and public holidays Not processed — add extra days
Recommendations:
  • Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow time for reapplication if rejected
  • There is no express processing option — the only way to get faster approval is to apply early with a complete, error-free application
  • If you haven’t received your ETA after 5 working days, contact eCitizen support through the portal

Entry Ports & Extension

Where Can You Enter Kenya with an eVisa?

The Kenya eVisa is accepted at the following ports of entry. Airports:
  • Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) — Nairobi (main international hub)
  • Moi International Airport — Mombasa
  • Wilson Airport — Nairobi (small aircraft and charter flights)
  • Eldoret International Airport — Eldoret
Land Border Crossings:
Border Post Country Notes
Namanga Tanzania Most popular overland crossing; Nairobi–Arusha route
Isebania Tanzania Serengeti/Mwanza route
Busia Uganda Main Kenya–Uganda crossing
Malaba Uganda Alternative Kenya–Uganda crossing
Lunga Lunga Tanzania Coastal route (Mombasa–Dar es Salaam)
💡 Overland travelers: If you are doing a Kenya–Tanzania safari (Maasai Mara + Serengeti), you will cross at Namanga. The border is open daily — check current hours before traveling as they can change.

How to Extend Your Kenya eVisa

If you need to stay in Kenya beyond your initial 30-day stay, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi. Extension details:
  • Location: Department of Immigration Services, Upper Hill, Nairobi
  • Apply: At least 2 weeks before your current stay expires
  • Documents required: Passport, current eVisa, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds
  • Cost: Approximately $50 USD
  • Maximum extension: Usually 30 additional days
Some travelers do a “border run” — exit Kenya briefly into Tanzania or Uganda and re-enter on a new 30-day stay. This is legal, but check the current immigration policy before attempting.

After Applying — Status Check & What to Do If Rejected

How to Check Your Kenya eVisa Status

  1. Go to etakenya.go.ke
  2. Click “Check Application Status”
  3. Enter your application reference number (from your confirmation email) and your email address
  4. Your status will show as one of: Pending / Under Review / Approved / Rejected
💡 Check your spam folder if you haven’t received your confirmation email. The eCitizen portal sometimes sends emails that are filtered as spam by Gmail and Outlook. If your status shows “Approved” but you haven’t received the PDF, log into your eCitizen account and download it directly from the portal.

Why Kenya eVisas Get Rejected — and How to Reapply

Kenya eVisa rejections are relatively uncommon, but they do happen. The most common reasons are:
  • Photo does not meet requirements — wrong background color, face too small, glasses, or poor image quality (most common reason)
  • Passport data error — name or passport number entered incorrectly
  • Incomplete documents — missing return ticket, hotel booking, or travel insurance
  • Insufficient funds — bank statement shows insufficient balance for the intended stay
  • Previous immigration violations — overstaying a previous Kenya visa or being deported
What to do if rejected:
  1. Read the rejection reason carefully (provided in the rejection email).
  2. Correct the specific issue (new photo, corrected passport data, additional documents).
  3. Submit a new application — you cannot appeal a rejection.
  4. Pay the fee again — the original fee is non-refundable.
If rejected due to a photo issue, use a professional passport photo service or a compliant photo app (such as Passport Photo Online or PhotoAiD) to ensure your photo meets all requirements before reapplying.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to print my Kenya ETA? Yes. You must carry your Kenya ETA — either printed on paper or saved on your phone — when entering Kenya. Border officials will check it alongside your passport.
  • Can I get a Kenya visa on arrival? Kenya eliminated visa on arrival for most nationalities in 2023. You must apply for the ETA online before traveling.
  • Is the Kenya ETA the same as the Kenya eVisa? Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and Kenya eVisa are the same document. The government rebranded the system, but the application process and portal are identical.
  • How much does the Kenya ETA cost? There are four types: Transit ETA ($20), Standard single-entry ETA ($30), One Year Multi-Entry ETA ($300), and Five Year Multi-Entry ETA ($185 — for US nationals only).
  • Is there a special Kenya ETA for American citizens? Yes. US nationals can apply for the Five-Year Multi-Entry ETA for $185, which is cheaper than the One-Year Multi-Entry ETA ($300) and is valid for 5 years.
  • What documents do I need for the Kenya ETA? All travelers need: valid passport (6+ months validity, at least 1 blank page), selfie or passport-type photo, contact details, travel itinerary, and accommodation booking. Additional documents may be required depending on your travel purpose (business, medical, family visit, etc.).
  • What is the eCitizen portal? The eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke) is the official Kenyan government platform for applying for the Kenya ETA, among other government services. It is the same system as etakenya.go.ke.
  • Can I pay for the Kenya ETA with Mpesa? Yes. The Kenya ETA portal accepts Mpesa payments — a unique feature not available on most other country’s eVisa systems. This is particularly useful for travelers with Kenyan or East African mobile numbers.
  • How long does Kenya ETA processing take? Processing typically takes 3 working days. It may take longer in some cases. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
  • What happens if my Kenya ETA expires while I’m in Kenya? You must either apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi or leave Kenya before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying is a serious immigration violation and can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Kenya.