Kenya eTA Guide: How to Apply, Cost and Processing Time
GetTripGo Travel Desk · 4 min read
Kenya replaced its old visa-on-arrival and eVisa system with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in January 2024. Nearly every visitor now needs one before boarding a flight, and getting it wrong — using an unofficial site, applying too late, or providing tentative accommodation details — is one of the most common reasons travelers get delayed at check-in.
Quick Answer
- Where: apply only at the official portal, etakenya.go.ke.
- Cost: $30-32.50 USD — third-party sites often charge more.
- Timing: apply at least 3 days ahead, ideally 2-3 weeks before travel.
How to Apply
The application is entirely online through the official Kenyan government portal. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and confirmed — not tentative — accommodation information for your stay. Applying earlier than the minimum gives you room to fix any errors before your flight, which matters most during the busy July-October season when processing can slow down.
Be careful of third-party websites that mimic the official portal and charge a significant markup. The only legitimate source for a Kenya eTA is the government's own site — bookmark it directly rather than searching for it each time.
What You Need to Know
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Almost all nationalities, including infants — check the official list for exceptions |
| Cost | $30-32.50 USD, applied only through the official portal |
| Validity | Single entry, valid up to 90 days |
| Processing time | Often within 2-3 business days; apply earlier in peak season |
| Required documents | Passport, travel dates, confirmed accommodation details |
East African Community Exception
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states can enter Kenya using a national ID card and don't need to apply for an eTA. If you're unsure whether this applies to you, check your specific country's status before assuming either way.
Practical Tips
- Print your approved eTA and carry a physical copy alongside the digital one.
- Double-check your accommodation details match your actual booking before submitting.
- Apply well before peak season travel dates, when processing queues can lengthen.
- Overstaying your eTA can result in fines or complications on future entries — track your departure date.