If you plan to visit Kenya for a short period of 1 to 3 months, you will need an electronic travel authorisation or eTA.. This fee to obtain a Kenyan eTA is nominal, as Kenya is one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world. Still, it is essential to understand the fee variations and payment-related rules and guidelines imposed by the Kenyan government. On this page, you will get all the details about Kenya's eTA cost, including payment methods and processing charges.
What is the Cost of a Kenya eTA?
Kenya eTA cost is the same for travellers from different regions. But additional government fees might be added depending on how quickly you wish to obtain your eTA.
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Please note that on this website, it is comparatively easy to apply for the eTA and pay the fees. We offer different processing options to accommodate travellers' diverse needs. Here is the breakdown of our offered fee packages:
- Normal Processing: eTA service cost is USD 39 and the eTA is issued in 6 - 7 working days
- Rush Processing: eTA service cost is USD 59 and the eTA is issued in 3 - 6 Working Days
- Super Rush Processing: eTA service cost is USD 79 and the eTA is issued in 1 - 3 Working Days
Please Note: The total eTA fee will be calculated as a government fee (eTA Cost) + processing fee (+ standard processing/premium processing).
Points to Note:
- Remember that the eTA cost applies to everyone irrespective of the reasons for visiting Kenya.
- Applying for an eTA is also pretty straightforward. You will complete the online eTA form, provide scans of your passport-size photograph, passport, and proof of accommodation, and pay the application fees. It is a simple, three-step process completed within 15 minutes.
- The approved eTA is dispatched directly to your email account in PDF format.
- The traveller must keep a soft copy of the approved Kenyan eTA and take it along when entering and departing Kenya, along with the same passport they used to apply for the eTA.
Do Children Need an eTA?
As per the latest Kenyan government guidelines, infants, minors, and children will also require an eTA. The passport should be valid for at least six months after entering Kenya.
Kenya eTA Processing Time
The Kenya electronic travel authorisation is usually dispatched within days after approval. The duration involved is calculated after all the documents have been received and meet the validity criteria set forth by the government. Please note that this is just an average processing period. Usually, it doesn't take more than 3 days for a standard eTA processing. There is also a premium service available to those who wish to receive their eTAs quickly. This relies on the accuracy of the data provided in the application form, the applicant's eligibility, and the travel documents' validity.
Urgent eTA Cost and Processing
If you cannot wait long to obtain the eTA and need to travel to Kenya urgently, you can apply for an urgent eTA. To avail of this feature, you must check out the premium eTA services feature. Please note that you will be charged an additional fee for the premium services. That is because urgent eTAs are processed on a priority basis and take much less time than standard eTAs.
How to Pay the Kenyan eTA Fee?
You can use MasterCard, American Express, Visa, and PayPal for payment towards obtaining the Kenyan eTA. The payment process is completed online entirely. You cannot make cash payments; therefore, it is necessary to have a payment card to apply for the Kenya eTA. You can use a debit or credit card to process the eTA fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
President William Ruto announced that Kenya would become a "visa-free country" for all travellers, irrespective of their nationality. This new policy, effective in January, means that visitors to Kenya no longer need a traditional visa but will apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) instead.
Under the new system, travellers must apply online for an ETA and pay a $49 processing fee. The ETA serves as a simplified entry system, replacing the traditional visa requirements. It's designed to make the process more efficient and encourage more tourists to visit Kenya.
The visa-free entry to Kenya applies to all international travellers, regardless of their country of origin. There are no specified exceptions noted in the announcement. However, travellers should check for any updates or specific entry requirements that may apply to their particular situation.
The visa-free policy is expected to significantly boost tourism in Kenya. The ease of entry is likely to attract more visitors, as evidenced by the increase in tourist arrivals. In 2022, Kenya saw 1.54 million tourist arrivals, and with the new policy, this number is expected to surpass the pre-pandemic level of 1.9 million.
As of the latest update, the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority mentioned that the ETA system was still in the process of development and implementation. This indicates potential initial teething problems or delays in the system. Travellers should stay informed about the latest developments and ensure they complete their ETA application well in advance of their travel date.
The international response to Kenya's visa-free policy has been positive, especially among the tourism and travel communities. It is seen as a progressive step towards facilitating easier global travel and boosting economic growth through tourism.
No, while Kenya has waived the traditional visa requirements, travellers are still required to obtain an ETA before arriving in the country. The ETA is mandatory for entry and serves as an authorization for travel to Kenya under the new visa-free regime.
If you encounter problems during your ETA application, it's advisable to contact the Kenyan immigration services for assistance. Ensure that you provide all required information accurately and check for any specific guidelines or requirements that may apply to your application.
The visa-free policy is expected to have a positive impact on business travel as well. The simplified entry process through the ETA system should make it easier for business travellers to visit Kenya, potentially leading to increased business and investment opportunities.
While the visa-free policy aims to simplify legal travel, the Kenyan government is likely to have measures in place to prevent illegal immigration. Travellers still need to obtain an ETA, which involves a vetting process, thus providing a level of control and security.