Traveling to Kenya, with its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, is an exhilarating experience. For a smooth journey, most travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before setting off. This guide simplifies the Kenya eTA application process, helping you prepare for your adventure, whether it involves exploring vast savannahs, lounging on beautiful beaches, or urban exploration. Here are the key steps, required documents, and notable exemptions for obtaining your eTA:

Exemptions from eTA Requirements:

• Kenya passport holders or Emergency Certificate holders from Kenya Missions abroad.
• Individuals with Kenya Permanent Residence, Work Permits, and Passes.
• Holders of a United Nations Conventional Travel Document issued by Kenya.
• Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations accredited to Kenya.
• Citizens from East African Partner States (valid for six months).
• Transit passengers on the same aircraft or connecting flights who don’t leave the airport.
• Passengers on the same ship without disembarking.
• Crew members listed in the manifest traveling to destinations outside Kenya.
• Private aircraft owners refueling in Kenya without leaving the airport.

eTA Requirement:

All other travelers, including infants and children, must obtain an eTA.

Preparation for Application:

• Valid passport (with at least six months' validity and one blank page).
• Passport-type photo (selfies accepted).
• Contact information (email and phone number).
• Travel itinerary.
• Accommodation booking.
• Payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, etc.).

Additional Requirements (varying based on residence, citizenship, and travel history):

• Financial proof or bank letters.
• Return travel booking.
• Yellow fever certificate and other health documents.

Purpose-specific Requirements:

• Medical visits: Doctor/hospital referral letter.
• Conferences: Invitation or participation letter.
• Employment: Contract and documents.
• Business visits: Company invitation and registration.
• Family visits: Invitation letter and host's ID/passport/alien card/entry permit.

Processing Time:

• Standard: Approximately three working days.
• Premium service for faster processing or assistance.

Declaration of Consent:

The Kenya eTA, a semi-automated system, assesses visitor eligibility for travel to Kenya. Managed by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration – Directorate of Immigration Services, it complies with Kenya's Data Protection laws to safeguard applicant information. Your data, used for eligibility determination and necessary communication related to your travel, is protected and accessible only to authorized personnel.

By applying for an eTA, you consent to the Directorate of Immigration Services and its authorized agents using your personal data to:

• Clarify application details.
• Update you on your application status and related documents.
• Provide relevant information to Kenya Revenue Authority's Customs and Ministry of Health's Port Health.
• Advise on quarantine, isolation, testing, or other public health measures.
• Recommend accommodations certified by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
• Gather feedback on your eTA experience.

If using the eTA website for donations or third-party services, you permit the transmission of your information to facilitate these transactions.

Applying on behalf of someone else, including a child, requires their consent or your parental authorization, ensuring they are informed about the use of their data.

By clicking “Proceed,” you agree to these terms. Disagreement means opting not to submit an eTA application or engage in third-party services.

By proceeding, you acknowledge:

• Your information determines travel eligibility.
• An approved eTA doesn't guarantee entry into Kenya, which is decided upon arrival.
• False or incomplete information can lead to application rejection.
• Applications via third-party agents or systems are automatically denied.
• Adherence to Kenyan laws is mandatory upon entry.

If you disagree with these terms, you may choose not to proceed with the application.

Start Processing your eTA application form

Beginning your journey to Kenya involves a critical step: applying for your Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) This process is integral to your travel plans and encompasses several stages: completing the application form, uploading necessary documents, and making a payment. Each step is streamlined for user-friendliness, ensuring an efficient and accurate application experience.

Country of Residence:

• Select your country of residence (where you live and pay taxes).
• For resident diplomats of Kenya, select Kenya.

Passport Information:

• Upload a photo or scan of the biographic data page of your passport (the page with your photo and name).

Selfie or Photo:

• Review and upload a photo with your face clearly visible, similar to a passport-style photo.

Contact Information:

• Provide your contact details for application processing and communication.

Trip Information:

• Main purpose of your visit.
• Arrival details: Expected date, flight information, and starting country of your trip.
• Departure details: Expected departure date and final destination (excluding transit points).
• Address(es) in Kenya: Hotel/guesthouse name or residential address.

General Information:

• Answer questions to complete your enrollment with necessary general information.

Customs Declaration:

• Respond to questions related to biosecurity, customs, and law enforcement.

Health Declaration:

• Provide information about your current health status.

Insurance Information:

• Answer queries regarding your travel insurance.

Required Documents:

• Upload any additional required documents.

Confirm and Proceed:

This document requires your confirmation and agreement. Please ensure all provided information is complete, current, and accurate. You may review and modify any section before proceeding. By moving forward, you:

1. a) Affirm that the information you've supplied is truthful and comprehensive, acknowledging that knowingly providing false or incomplete information is an offense.
2. b) Acknowledge that obtaining an approved eTA does not guarantee entry into Kenya. Admissibility will be determined by immigration officers upon arrival.
3. c) Understand that submitting false or incomplete information may lead to the rejection of your travel authorization.
4. d) Recognize that applications submitted through a third-party website's agent or automated system may be automatically denied without a refund.
5. e) Agree, in the event of being granted entry into Kenya, to abide by the national laws of the Republic of Kenya.

Please select one of the following to proceed:

• I am the applicant. I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this declaration. I consent to digitally sign this request, acknowledging its finality and irrevocability.
• I am completing this form on behalf of someone else. I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this declaration on their behalf. I consent to digitally sign this request, acknowledging its finality and irrevocability.

Application Processing Period:

• Select the appropriate processing time based on your travel date.

Standard Processing:

• Application processed within 72 hours.
• Basic support provided.
• Incomplete applications may be denied.

Payment:

• Complete your application with a safe and secure payment method. All fees and donations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Third-party providers' terms and conditions, and refund policies apply.

Conclusion

Securing your Kenyan eTA is a crucial part of your travel preparation. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can look forward to a hassle-free start to your Kenyan adventure. Remember, adherence to local laws and regulations begins with your eTA application - it's your first step in respecting and enjoying the rich culture and beauty of Kenya.