The Kenyan Government announced that from 1st January 2024, travellers to Kenya will not require a Visa and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The Electronic Travel Authorization system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya.
You can visit their official website, eTA KENYA, to see the process for signing up for the program. The processing fee is $30, payable online during the application. All non-Kenyan citizens visiting Kenya, including infants and children, are required to have an approved Electronic Travel Authorization before boarding their flight.
To implement this new policy, Kenya has launched an online digital platform to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified and undergo the required clearance before travelling. Electronic Travel Authorization ensures Kenya maintains basic safety and security when allowing visitors into the country. Visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization via the website and pay the $30 processing fee. It’s recommended that travellers apply for TEA at least 3 days before their travel to Kenya to ensure adequate time for receiving authorization. Travellers can submit their applications as early as 3 months before travel. It is recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have reserved their flight tickets and accommodation/tour package in Kenya.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON KENYA’S ETA SYSTEM
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration. The State Department for Immigration and the citizens have developed and are operating Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization system. The system is automated and determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. It offers permission to travel and is authorised by Kenya government. However, it doesn’t determine whether the traveller is admissible to enter the country or not. Immigration officers are the ones in charge of that upon travellers’ arrival at the airport. Kenyan citizens are exempt from eTA, which also includes members from EAC Partner States.
The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller. The eTA application for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation. Travellers can submit their application up to 3 months before travel. It’s highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.
If you expect to travel to Kenya regularly or have multiple trips planned, we highly recommend the ‘Kenya Travel Authorisation’ mobile app that is currently available. You will be able to secure your documents and profile on your phone, which can be reused for future travel. Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It’s mandatory to use the government’s official website to submit your documents. Applications submitted via third-party websites will be automatically denied. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling out the application.
Benefits of the Kenya eTA system
Kenya eTA enables travellers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their homes before starting their trip. Travellers don’t 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 Kenyan government and have an approved eTA. eTA will help improve arrival processes in Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections. Kenya eTA supports the efforts of Kenya’s digitized government processes.
What to do if the ETA process is declined
If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel. At that moment, try to 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. Most families apply as a group.
What information is required for an eTA application?
- Valid Passport
- Recent passport picture or selfie picture taken during the 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 you’re staying with a friend, you need the invitation letter).
- 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 eTA guarantee permission to travel?
The eTA doesn’t grant permission from the Kenyan government to travel in Kenya; it’s mandatory to present a valid eTA at check-in and boarding. However, travellers may still be denied boarding by the carrier if other required documents, such as a passport and/or boarding pass, aren’t presented. In addition, travellers may be subjected to questionnaires 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 requires a valid credit/debit card to complete the transaction. Cheques and cash aren’t accepted by the system. If payment doesn’t work, please wait a few minutes and try again. Also, check to make sure you have sufficient funds on the means of payment that you used.
