Kenya Entry Requirements 2026

Kenya replaced traditional visas with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in early 2024. All international visitors including infants and children must have eTA approval before boarding.

Where to apply: only through the official government portal at etakenya.go.ke.

Processing time: standard 3 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.

The eTA links digitally to your passport number. There is no physical sticker.

• EAC citizens (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) are exempt for stays up to 180 days.
• Most African Union member states are exempt as of May 2025. Libya and Somalia still require an eTA.
• Some Caribbean and Pacific island nations get 90-day visa-free access (Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica, Fiji, Papua New Guinea). Check your country on the Kenya Immigration portal.

If your country is not on the exempt list, apply for the eTA. Do not assume exemption without checking the official list.

1. 1Go to the official portal. etakenya.go.ke is the only place to apply. Ignore third-party services. They charge extra for the same form.
2. 2Create an account. You need a valid email address.
3. 3Fill in your details. Passport number, travel dates and accommodation in Kenya.
4. 4Upload documents. Passport bio page as a clear scan, a passport photo on a white background and your return flight booking or onward itinerary.
5. 5Pay the fee. Currently USD 30 per person including children. Pay by card on the portal.
6. 6Wait for approval. Usually within 3 business days. You receive it by email.
7. 7Print or save the PDF. Immigration officers may ask to see it alongside your passport.

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
• At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.
• The immigration officer stamps your passport and sets your permitted stay period. Keep the stamp visible. Lodges and park wardens often ask to see it.

Most international flights land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi.

• Follow the Immigration signs immediately after disembarking.
• Complete the digital Traveller's Health Surveillance form on the Jitenge platform if you have flu-like symptoms.
• Have your passport, printed or saved eTA and any required health documents ready.
• Answer the immigration officer clearly and state your purpose, whether tourism or business.
• Baggage claim is behind the immigration hall.
• Early-morning flights can queue 30 to 60 minutes so have documents ready before you step up.

Other entry points: Moi International Airport (MBA) Mombasa, Namanga border with Tanzania and Malaba border with Uganda.

Travelling to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda in one trip? Consider the East Africa Tourist Visa. It is a single USD 100 visa valid for multiple entries across all three countries within 90 days.

Apply through the Kenya Immigration Department.

Note: if you travel outside these three countries mid-trip, for example into Tanzania or Ethiopia, the visa becomes invalid. Check your full itinerary before applying.