Kenya

Has the Kenya Visa Been Abolished? The 2024 eTA Era Has Begun

As of January 2024, Kenya has eliminated the traditional visa requirement for citizens of most foreign countries. In its place, a new system called the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) has been introduced for all travelers wishing to enter the country. This change affects almost all foreign nationals, including those traveling for tourism, business, or family visits. It is now mandatory to apply for a 'Kenya eTA' instead of a 'Kenya visa'.

What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and Who Must Apply?

The Kenya eTA is not a visa; it is a digital travel authorization that provides pre-approval for entry into the country. Applications are made entirely online through the official Government of Kenya web portal. All foreign nationals, except for citizens of the East African Community (EAC) member states, are required to have an approved eTA before traveling to Kenya, regardless of age (including infants and children).

Kenya eTA Application Process and Required Documents

The Kenya eTA application should be submitted at least 3-7 days before travel. Although the processing time is typically 72 hours, it is important to apply early to account for any potential delays. The application process is entirely digital and involves the following steps.

Standard Documents for an eTA Application

• Passport: A scanned copy of a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry into Kenya and at least one blank page.
• Digital Photograph: A recent digital passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months, with a white background, adhering to biometric standards.
• Flight Ticket: A round-trip flight ticket reservation.
• Accommodation Details: Documents such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from the place of accommodation.
• Purpose of Travel: Supporting documents may be requested, such as a general itinerary for tourism or an invitation letter for business travel.

Kenya eTA Fee and Validity Period

The Kenya eTA application fee is approximately $34 USD per person, excluding service fees. This fee is paid online during the application using a credit or debit card. An approved eTA grants a single entry and is generally valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The maximum permitted stay in the country is also 90 days.

Travel to Kenya and the Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement

One of the most critical health requirements for travelers to Kenya is concerning yellow fever. Kenya is considered a region at risk for yellow fever. Therefore, all travelers over one year of age arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission (many African and South American countries) or who have transited for more than 12 hours in such countries must present an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. Although many countries are not on the risk list, it is strongly recommended to check the latest information from the Kenyan Ministry of Health or the nearest Travel Health Center before your trip, as requirements can change based on outbreaks and airline policies.

Kenya eTA for Safaris and Tourist Trips

Kenya is home to world-renowned safari destinations. Tourists wishing to visit national parks like Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo also simply need to complete the standard Kenya eTA application. There is no separate category called a 'Kenya safari visa.' Including your safari tour reservations among your accommodation and itinerary documents during the application will support your submission.

The Kenya eTA Process with Hermes Vize

If you seek professional support to manage the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) application process for your trip to Kenya, the experienced team at Hermes Vize is here to assist. You can contact our experts to complete your application accurately, quickly, and in accordance with current procedures, thereby securing your travel plans.