✈️ Planning a trip to Kenya? You’ll need a Kenya ETA before you go.
This quick guide breaks down everything we covered in the video above, including how to apply and what to expect.
What is the Kenya ETA?
The Kenya ETA is a digital travel document required for short visits to Kenya. It replaced the Kenya eVisa in early 2024.
You’ll need it for:
- Tourism
- Business
- Visiting family or friends
- Transit
🧾 Once approved, it’s emailed to you. Just show it on arrival.
How long is it valid for?
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🗓 Valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued
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🔁 Single entry only
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👶 Required for all travelers, including minors
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🧳 Not extendable, if it expires, you’ll need to apply again from outside Kenya
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Who needs to apply?
All international travelers need to apply, unless you’re a citizen of one of these East African Community (EAC) countries:
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🇧🇮 Burundi
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🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
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🇷🇼 Rwanda
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🇸🇸 South Sudan
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🇹🇿 Tanzania
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🇺🇬 Uganda
👨👩👧 Minors must also apply. A parent or guardian can complete the application on their behalf.
What documents are required?
To apply, you’ll need:
- 📘 A passport valid for at least 6 months
- 🖼 A recent passport-style photo (no glasses)
- 📧 An email address
- 🏨 Proof of accommodation
- 🛫 Your travel itinerary
💼 Depending on your reason for travel, you might also need:
- A letter of invitation (for business or family visits)
Note: Immigration officers make the final decision at the border, so make sure your documents match your application.
How to apply
You have two options:
- Through the 🇰🇪 Kenyan government website
- Through iVisa, for a faster, easier experience
Why travelers choose iVisa:
✅ AI + human error checking
✅ 24/7 customer support
✅ Group applications for families
✅ Multiple payment options
How long does it take?
🕐 Filling out the form takes a few minutes, but approval can take a few hours to 4 days.
🎯 Our tip: Apply at least 3 to 4 days before your trip, or cross it off your to-do list even earlier and apply up to 3 months in advance.
What if you already have an East Africa Tourist Visa?
If you already have a valid East Africa Tourist Visa (from Uganda or Rwanda), you can use it to enter Kenya – but only if you enter through the country that issued it first.
Example:
- ✅ Uganda issued your visa → enter Uganda first, then travel to Kenya
- ❌ You cannot enter Kenya first with a visa issued by Uganda or Rwanda
If Kenya is your first stop, apply for the Kenya ETA instead.
Ready to go?
The Kenya ETA is simple to get when you apply with iVisa.
No tech issues. No guesswork. Just an easy path to your trip.