Tourist visa Information in Kenya

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA) FOR KENYA

From 01st January 2024, travelers to Kenya will not require a Visa and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya and is currently in effect.

Visit www.etakenya.go.ke to experience this seamless new system, effective from 4th January 2024. This applies to all international travelers, including children .Kenyan citizens and East African Community (EAC) partner states residents are exempted.

Travelers may submit their applications as early as 3 months prior to travel. It is recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have reserved their flight tickets and accommodations / tour packages in Kenya.

Your ETA Application Checklist:

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date in Kenya and has one blank page.
• Photographic Identification: A recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie.
• Contact Essentials: Your email address and phone number.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your arrival, departure, and where you’ll be staying in Kenya.
• Payment Method: A credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay ready to cover the $34.09 per person fee.

 Additional Requirements for Certain Travelers:

• Yellow Fever Certificate: Necessary if you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever-endemic country.
• Additional Vaccinations: Based on your travel history or country of residence.

Application Timeline: You can apply for your ETA up to 3 months before your planned arrival in Kenya.

What Happens After You Apply? Once you’ve submitted your application, look out for an email notification. Upon approval, you’ll receive an ETA receipt with a reference number, which you can use to check your application status on the ETA website.

Processing Time: It typically takes 3 working days to process your ETA.

 Application Steps for Your Convenience:

1. Upload the information page of your passport.
2. Capture a selfie using your webcam.
3. Fill in your contact details.
4. Provide your arrival, departure, and accommodation details in Kenya.
5. Complete the general information section.
6. Make a customs declaration.
7. Complete the health declaration.
8. Provide your travel insurance information.
9. Upload your accommodation booking confirmation and flight ticket/confirmation.
10. Add any additional documents if required.
11. Agree to the terms and conditions.

Total Cost: The standard processing fee is $32.50, plus a bank fee of $1.59, Total = $34.09.

Benefits of Kenya eTA system:
Kenya eTA enables travellers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their home locations before starting their trip. Travellers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.
Travellers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or at arrival anymore. Kenya eTA also benefits airlines by simplifying the check-in process. Transport carriers can easily verify that travellers have been authorised to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and are in possession of an approved eTA. Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections. Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitise its government processes.

What to do i do if  my eTA is denied: If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details

Do Children or Infants also require the Kenya eTA ? Yes, all foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. We highly recommend that families apply as a group.

What Information is Required for an eTA Application
Valid Passport
Recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during application process
Contact details (home address, telephone, email).
Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights).
Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted).
Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries (please check the WHO website for the updated list of countries).
Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable

Does an eTA Guarantee Permission to Travel ?No. An eTA is permission from the Kenyan Government to travel to the Republic of Kenya and it is mandatory to present a valid eTA during the check-in and boarding process. However, travelers may still be denied boarding by the carrier if other required documents such as passports and/or boarding pass are not presented. In addition travellersrs may be subjected to questioning at the point of departure or arrival. This might result in you being denied access to the means of transport.

What to do if my Means of Payment has been declined / refused For all visitors, the system will require a valid Credit or Debit card to make payment and complete the transaction. Cheques and cash are not accepted by the system. If the payment does not work, please wait a few minutes and try again, or check to make sure you have sufficient funds on your means of payment.

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