Confused about what paperwork you need to enter Kenya? You are not alone — Kenya replaced its old sticker visa with an electronic system, and the rules have changed more than once in recent years. This guide covers every entry question tourists ask, answered clearly and up to date for 2026.
The Kenya eTA: What It Is and How to Get It
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
As of January 2024, Kenya replaced the traditional sticker visa with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Nearly all international visitors — regardless of nationality — must obtain an eTA before arrival. There is no visa on arrival. If you land at JKIA or Moi International Airport without an eTA, you will be denied boarding at your origin airport or refused entry on arrival.
How do I apply for the Kenya eTA?
The application is completed entirely online through Kenya's official eCitizen portal. The steps are:
- Create a free account at ecitizen.go.ke
- Select “Immigration Department” and then “eTA Application”
- Fill in your personal details, travel dates and passport information
- Upload a clear passport photo and a scan of your passport bio-data page
- Pay the eTA fee online by card
- Await approval — typically 24–72 hours, though it can take up to 5 working days
- Download and print (or save) your approved eTA document to present on arrival
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?
The standard eTA fee is USD $30 for most nationalities. Payment is made online at the time of application by Visa or Mastercard. The fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected, so ensure all information is accurate before submitting.
How far in advance should I apply for the Kenya eTA?
Apply at least two weeks before your travel date, ideally a month ahead. While most applications are processed within 72 hours, delays do occur — especially during peak season (July–August and December). Do not rely on same-day or next-day approval.
How long is the Kenya eTA valid?
The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and is single-entry. This means you must enter Kenya within 90 days of the eTA being approved, and once you leave Kenya the eTA cannot be used to re-enter (you would need a new one). Once inside Kenya, you may stay for up to 90 days from your date of entry.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Kenya?
No. Kenya abolished visa on arrival when the eTA system launched. The eTA must be obtained before you travel — your airline will check for it at check-in and deny boarding if you do not have one.
Passport & Documentation Requirements
How long must my passport be valid for Kenya?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Kenya. If your passport expires within six months of your exit date, you will be denied boarding. Renew your passport well before travel.
Do I need to carry my passport at all times in Kenya?
Kenyan law requires foreign nationals to carry identification at all times. As a tourist, this means your passport — or at minimum, a certified copy. Police at roadblocks and security checkpoints regularly ask for ID. Keep the original in a secure place at your hotel and carry a clear, certified photocopy when exploring cities or driving through parks.
What documents do I need at the airport on arrival?
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Approved eTA printout or digital copy
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or safari itinerary)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)
Visa-Free & Special Access
Which countries get visa-free access to Kenya?
All African Union member states are visa-free — Kenyan immigration does not charge African passport holders the eTA fee. East African Community (EAC) nationals from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan may enter with a national ID card rather than a passport.
Outside Africa, a small number of countries have bilateral agreements. However, even visa-exempt nationals must complete the eTA formality online — the difference is the fee is waived or automatically approved. Check the current Kenya Immigration website for the definitive exemption list, as it is updated periodically.
Can transit passengers explore Kenya without an eTA?
Kenya introduced an Airport Transit Visa waiver allowing connecting passengers to explore Nairobi for up to 12 hours without a full eTA, subject to holding a valid onward ticket. This is useful if you have a long layover at JKIA. You must clear immigration, collect your bags, and re-check in. Confirm this waiver applies to your nationality before relying on it.
New Entry Rules in 2026
What changed with Kenya entry rules in 2025–2026?
The major shift was the 2024 move from sticker visas to the eTA system. In 2025–2026, Kenya further streamlined the eCitizen portal to speed up processing times and added multi-entry eTA options for frequent visitors (business travelers and diaspora returnees). Tourists on a standard single visit are still on the single-entry eTA.
Kenya also resumed normal health entry requirements — yellow fever certificates are checked for arrivals from endemic countries, and general health declaration forms that were required during COVID-19 have been discontinued.
Are there any countries whose citizens cannot enter Kenya?
Kenya does not maintain a traditional blacklist of nationalities, but entry may be refused on security or diplomatic grounds. Citizens of all major tourism origin countries — US, UK, EU nations, Canada, Australia, India, GCC states — are eligible for the eTA without restriction.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
What is the best currency to bring to Kenya?
Kenya's currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, lodges and safari camps, but only notes printed after 2006 are accepted (older series are routinely rejected). Euros and UK pounds can be exchanged at Nairobi banks and forex bureaux. M-Pesa is the dominant payment platform for locals — as a tourist you will primarily use card or cash.
Do I need travel insurance for Kenya?
Kenya does not make travel insurance mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from a remote safari camp can cost upwards of USD $50,000 without insurance. Ensure your policy covers: emergency medical, medical evacuation, safari trip cancellation, and personal liability. Some policies exclude Africa or have sub-limits — read carefully.
Do I need any vaccinations to enter Kenya?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (including many African and South American countries). Beyond that, no other vaccinations are compulsory for entry — but malaria prophylaxis, hepatitis A, typhoid and routine vaccinations are strongly recommended. See our full Kenya health and vaccinations guide.
Once your eTA is sorted, the next step is getting around Kenya. Explore our hire fleet — we have vehicles for every journey, from Nairobi city transfers to full safari 4x4s. We can also arrange airport pickup so your car is waiting when you land.