Kenya eTA Requirements

For a successful journey, meeting the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirements is essential. To avoid delays, travelers are encouraged to apply for Kenya eTA in advance. This guide explains every detail you must prepare to ensure your application is approved quickly and without complications.

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Check Required Documents for Your Kenya eTA

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Required Documents

Passport Bio Page
Applicant Photo
Airline/Cruise/other Booking Confirmation

Essentials for Every Kenya eTA Application

These four items form the backbone of every application.

Valid Passport

A passport with less than six months of validity is treated as expired in practice. At least one blank page must also be available for official stamps. Renew your passport first if it does not meet these rules.

Recent Photograph

Submit a colour photo taken within the last six months. It must be front-facing, against a plain white or off-white background. No hats, no dark glasses, no scans of old photos.

Travel Itinerary

Include your arrival and departure dates with flight numbers. Authorities use this to verify the duration and purpose of your stay.

Accommodation Details

Upload your hotel booking confirmation or proof of other stay arrangements. Without this, your application appears incomplete.

Additional Documents by Purpose of Visit

Each purpose of travel demands its own supporting evidence.

Transit

1. Confirmed onward ticket or round-trip ticket.

Tourist

1. Hotel booking confirmation.

Business

1. Kenya ETA Invitation letter from the Kenyan company. The invitation must clearly state your visit dates, the host’s details, and the reason for your trip.

2. Copy of the company’s registration.

3. Staff ID of the person signing the letter.

4. Kenyan ID of the same person.

Family Visits

1. Invitation letter from your host family.

Invitation Letters from Host family in Kenya

2. Copy of the host’s ID, passport, alien card, or entry permit.

Work

1. Invitation letter from your host.

2. Employment contract.

Medical

1. Referral letter from your doctor or hospital at home.

2. Appointment letter from the receiving hospital or doctor in Kenya.

Meetings, Workshops, Seminars, Training, or Retreats

1. Invitation letter from the host.

2. Company registration certificate of the host.

3. Staff ID of the person signing.

4. Kenyan ID of the same person.

Kenya eTA Audio Guide on Long-Term Stay Options and Visa Types

Photograph Standards You Must Follow

Incorrect photos are one of the top reasons for rejection. Follow these rules without exception:

Taken within the last six months.
Full face in colour, against a white or off-white background.
No uniforms. Daily religious attire is permitted.
Headgear must not hide your hairline.
Wigs, prescription glasses, and hearing aids are allowed if normally worn.
Dark or tinted glasses are not accepted unless backed by a medical certificate.
Do not scan or photograph an old picture. Only upload a clear, original photo.

How to Present Your Documents Correctly

Upload clean, legible scans with no glare or shadows.
Ensure documents are in English or have certified translations.
Letters must be on official letterhead, signed, and dated.
Cross-check that names, passport numbers, and dates match everywhere.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Do not rush the final click. Ask yourself:

Is my passport valid for six more months? If not, stop and renew it first.
Is my photo compliant with the rules? If not, retake it now.
Are my contact details (email & phone no.) correct? If not, update them, approvals come by email.
Do I have proof of my itinerary and accommodation? If not, complete those bookings.
Have I uploaded the extra documents for my purpose of travel?If not, your application will fail.
Is my payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay etc.) ready?If not, the process will halt at the last step.

List of Eligible Countries for Kenya eTA:

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Keep both a printed copy and a digital version on your phone.

No. At least one booking confirmation is required.

Renew it first. Applications are only accepted with six months of validity.

Yes. Every traveller, including children, must provide the required documents. Parents or guardians should assist with the process.

The system often flags non-compliant photos automatically. Save time by retaking one that meets the standards before uploading.

Content Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is accurate as of 2026. Requirements may change at short notice. Travellers are advised to verify details with the relevant Kenyan authorities, embassies, or airlines before making final travel arrangements.