Faqs and Answers on Kenya eTA

Discover comprehensive information about the Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) through our frequently asked questions, providing clear answers to guide you through the application process and address key inquiries.

Is Kenya's new Electronic Travel Authorization system (eTA) now in effect, and since when?

Yes, Kenya's new Electronic Travel Authorization system (eTA) is now in effect as of January 1st, 2024. It replaced the previous eVisa system for all visitors (excluding certain exceptions) coming to Kenya.

Who is exempt from the eTA among Kenya citizens?

Actually, all Kenyan citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement, regardless of their purpose of travel or duration of stay. This exemption applies to anyone holding a valid Kenyan passport or a one-way Emergency Certificate issued by a Kenyan mission abroad.

Here are some other groups who are also exempt from the eTA requirement:

• Holders of valid Kenya Permanent Residence permits, work permits, or passes.

• Holders of valid United Nations Conventional Travel Documents issued by the government.

• Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations accredited to Kenya.

• Citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (soon to be included), Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. These countries have a visa-free agreement with Kenya for stays up to six months.

• Passengers in transit through Kenya: This applies to those arriving and departing on the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft without leaving the airport.

• Passengers arriving and departing on the same ship without leaving the ship.

• Crew members of ships, aircraft, trains, or vehicles: This applies to individuals whose names are included in the crew manifest and who are proceeding to a destination outside Kenya.

• Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya: This applies only if they do not leave the airport premises.

What is the passport validity requirement for eTA applicants, and how long should it be valid after the planned arrival date?

The passport validity requirement for eTA applicants to Kenya is the same as the general passport validity requirement for most countries: your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Kenya.

This means that if you're applying for an eTA and plan to be in Kenya for three weeks (21 days), your passport must be valid for at least seven months (21 days + 6 months) from the date you intend to arrive in Kenya.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

• Some airlines may have their own passport validity requirements that are stricter than the government's requirement. 

• If your passport is due to expire within six months of your planned arrival date in Kenya, you need to renew it before you apply for an eTA.

How long is the standard processing time for Kenya eTA applications?

The standard service is completed within three working days, guaranteeing meticulous attention to detail and quality assurance. For clients with urgent needs, we offer expedited processing at an additional fee. 

This prioritised service ensures efficient results within a timeframe that aligns with your urgent requirements, maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Can you provide a visual representation of the official Kenya eTA?

The official Kenya eTA is visually represented as follows:

What are the accepted payment methods for eTA fees, including options like credit card, debit card, and Apple Pay?

The accepted payment methods for Kenya eTA fees are diverse and convenient, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs. Here's a breakdown:

Credit Cards:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• UnionPay

Debit Cards:

• Visa Debit
• MasterCard Debit

Mobile Money:

• M-Pesa

Who is responsible for filling in the eTA application for children under the age of 18?

When it comes to filling out an eTA application for children under 18 in Kenya, the responsibility falls on the legal guardian, parent, or accompanying adult. This means:

• Parents: If both parents are travelling with the child, either parent can fill out the application.

• Legal Guardian: If someone other than the child's parents has legal guardianship (e.g., grandparents, foster parents), they would be responsible for filling out the application.

• Accompanying Adult: If an adult, other than the child's parent or legal guardian, is accompanying the child on the trip (e.g., teacher, coach), they can fill out the application with the parent/guardian's permission.

Is it recommended for families to apply for the eTA as a group?

Whether or not families should apply for Kenya's eTA as a group depends on a few factors and personal preferences. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros of applying as a group:

• Convenience: One application form covers the entire family, saving time and potentially streamlining the process.

• Cost-effectiveness: You only pay one processing fee for the entire application, instead of individual fees for each family member.

• Organisation: Keeping track of one application and payment is easier than managing multiple individual ones.

Cons of applying as a group:

• Delays: If any family member's application has issues or requires additional verification, the entire group's processing time could be delayed.

• Individual errors: A mistake on one person's application could affect the whole group's eTA approval.

• Limited flexibility: Changes or updates to individual travel plans might require separate applications later.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Family size: For large families, the cost savings and convenience of a single application might be more appealing.

• Children's ages: Young children might not have individual travel documents yet, making a group application simpler.

• Travel plans: If your travel plans vary for different family members, individual applications might be more suitable.

How many trips is the eTA valid for, and what must travellers do for each new visit to Kenya?

The Kenya eTA has a limited validity, and depending on your future travel plans, you might need to apply for a new one for each visit. Here's a breakdown:

• Single Entry: The eTA is valid for only one entry into Kenya. Once you exit the country, it expires and you need to apply for a new one for any subsequent visits.

• Multiple Entries (Not yet available): Currently, Kenya doesn't offer a multiple-entry eTA option. However, there are plans to introduce this option in the future, potentially with different validity periods (e.g., 6 months or 1 year).