Before you can board your flight to Kenya, there's a new, required step for U.S. citizens: obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). To apply for Kenya eTA Online, first make yourself familiar with the Kenya eTA Fee validity, stay duration, entry type, application process, etc. 

How Can U.S. Citizens Apply for a Kenya eTA Online?

The process of an eTA application is very simple and straightforward. The applicant can complete the process within 5-10 minutes from anywhere in the world. The application steps are as follows: 

Step 1

Complete the Application Form

Go through the Kenya eTA application website and complete the online form. You will be required to provide personal information, passport details and travel plan

Step 2

Upload the Requested Documents

Upload the requested documents and submit the form

Step 3

Pay the eTA Fee

Pay the eTA fees using a debit or credit card

Step 4

Receive Approved eTA

It is essential to take several printed copies of the approved ETA and save its digital copy on the handheld device to show border control officials upon your arrival in Kenya.

What are Kenya eTA Requirements for U.S. Citizens?

All U.S. passport holders should fulfil certain eligibility criteria before applying for a Kenya eTA. 

• A valid U.S. passport with a minimum of 6 months validity left in its expiry, starting from the date of arrival in Kenya and 1 blank page
• A recent, coloured, passport-sized digital photograph taken against a white background. The picture must present the applicant’s current appearance and should not be more than 3 months old
• An onward flight ticket (in case of transit from Kenya) or a return ticket to the home country
• Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter from the Kenyan hosts
• A valid and active email address is required to receive the eTA
• A valid debit/credit card to pay the eTA fees.

Different eTA purposes may necessitate the applicant to submit additional documents. Please refer to the list of Kenya ETA Requirements for U.S. Citizens for complete information.

Kenya eTA Validity

Kenya offers two types of electronic travel authorisations (eTA) for US citizens, each designed to meet different travel needs: the Single-Entry eTA and the Multiple-Entry eTA.

Front Cover of USA Passport

Kenya eTA Eligibility

• United States citizens can apply for a Kenya eTA
• United States citizens can enjoy fast entry using the Kenya eTA program
• Here is information about Kenyan Embassy in Washington

Online eTA Types

• Kenya Single Entry eTA
• Kenya Transit eTA
• East African Tourist eTA

Kenya eTA Application Processing Time

The Kenya eTA application processing does not take too long. If there aren’t any issues identified in their eTA application, they can expect to receive an approved ETA within 3-5 Days. If you need the eTA urgently, expedite your application and receive approval within 1 - 2 Days (additional fee may apply) 

Do American Citizens Need Any Vaccinations for Kenya?

There aren’t any mandatory vaccinations for U.S. citizens to visit Kenya. However, if the traveller has recently visited a yellow fever high-risk region, they must present proof of vaccination. They can present the Yellow Fever Certificate when they arrive in Kenya.

As a general rule, all U.S. citizens must possess a travellers Health Insurance Form before arriving in Kenya. Moreover, they should get in touch with their physician at least 6 to 10 weeks before their intended date of travel to Kenya to discuss necessary vaccinations depending on their medical history and current situation.

Can U.S. Citizens Obtain an ETA on Arrival?

The Kenyan government discontinued the eTA on arrival facility from January 1, 2021. Now all foreigners must apply for an eTA before arriving in Kenya.

Kenya eTA: Our Advantage

Embassy Registration for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens travelling to Kenya can register with the STEP (Smart Traveller Enrollment Program) system using their eTA application and receive important updates and information from an American consulate or embassy closest to their residence in Kenya.

Kenya Embassy and Consulate in the United States of America