Kenya Entry Requirements

Overview of Kenya’s Current Entry Requirements

As of January 2024, Kenya has significantly reformed its entry regulations. The previous visa requirement has been abolished and replaced with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is now mandatory for almost all international travelers. While this new system simplifies entry, there are still essential travel document requirements and specific regulations for certain travelers.

Types of Visas for Kenya

With the introduction of the eTA, traditional tourist and business visas are no longer required. Here are the key facts about the eTA:

• Mandatory for all travelers (except citizens of the East African Community)
• Online application required at least 72 hours before departure
• Cost: Approximately $30, including service fees
• Validity: 90 days from the date of issue
• Children under 18 must also have their own eTA

In addition to the eTA, travelers can also apply for the East African Visa, which allows multiple entries to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with a single permit.

Special Rules and Requirements for Certain Nationalities

Entry requirements vary depending on nationality and travel purpose:

• Citizens of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland need an eTA for both tourism and business trips.
• Most other nationalities also require an eTA, though there are some country-specific exemptions.

Additionally, minors must apply for their own eTA. Travelers arriving from yellow fever-endemic regions must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry.

It’s important to note that the final decision on entry rests with immigration officers upon arrival. Since regulations can change at short notice, travelers should always check with official authorities for the latest updates before their trip.

Kenya eVisa: Step-by-Step Guide

On January 5, 2024, Kenya modernized its entry system, replacing the electronic visa (eVisa) with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). While travelers from around the world no longer need a visa, they must still apply for an eTA. This new system is designed to streamline the entry process, but it requires timely online registration before departure.

What is an eVisa?

The previous eVisa was a digital travel authorization that had to be applied for online before traveling. Since 2024, the eVisa system has been replaced by the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is mandatory for almost all international travelers, including children and infants.

The only exception applies to citizens of the East African Community (EAC), who do not need an eTA to enter Kenya.

• Validity: The eTA is valid for 90 days after approval.
• Maximum stay: Travelers can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days.
• Important note: An approved eTA does not guarantee entry—the final decision is made by Kenyan border officers upon arrival.

How to Apply for an eTA

The eTA application is fully online and must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure via the official website: www.etakenya.go.ke.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the Official Website
2. • Go to www.etakenya.go.ke and click "Apply Now".
3. Complete the Application Form
4. • Enter personal and travel details, including:
   • • Full name and date of birth
     • Passport information
     • Travel dates and itinerary
5. Upload the Required Documents
6. • A valid passport (must be valid at least six months beyond entry date)
   • A recent passport-sized photo or selfie
   • Flight booking confirmation or travel itinerary
   • Hotel reservation or invitation letter if staying with a host
   • Kenyan contact details
7. Pay the Application Fee
8. • The eTA costs between $30 and $35 USD.
   • Payments can be made via credit card or other online payment methods.
9. Submit the Application and Receive Confirmation
10. • After submitting the application, travelers receive a confirmation email.
    • The application status can be tracked online.
11. Print and Carry the Approved eTA
12. • Once approved, travelers should print the eTA and carry it with their passport for presentation at immigration upon arrival.

Important eTA Guidelines

• Apply early—ideally 1 to 3 months before travel to allow for any unforeseen delays.
• Approval does not guarantee entry—final authorization is at the discretion of immigration officers.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country.
• Previously issued eVisas remain valid until they expire. After expiration, travelers must apply for an eTA.

The eTA system makes traveling to Kenya faster and easier, but advance preparation is essential to avoid delays or entry issues.

Travel Documents and Requirements

To enter Kenya, travelers must meet specific documentation requirements. In addition to a valid passport, all visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Arriving without the correct documents can lead to delays or even denial of entry.

Passport Requirements

All travelers must present a valid passport that meets the following criteria:

• The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
• It must contain at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Temporary passports are not accepted.
• Children require their own passport – machine-readable child passports are accepted.

Along with a valid passport, the eTA is mandatory for almost all international travelers. This replaces the previous visa system and must be applied for online at least 72 hours before departure.

Alternative Travel Documents and Special Cases

Kenya has strict regulations regarding alternative travel documents:

• National ID cards are not accepted – a valid passport is required.
• Child passports are accepted as long as they are machine-readable.
• Citizens of the East African Community (EAC) can enter using their national ID cards.
• Minors traveling with only one parent or a third party may need additional documentation, such as a notarized parental consent letter.

Travelers should always check for last-minute regulation changes and ensure that all required documents are secured well in advance.

Registering with the Crisis Preparedness List

Traveling abroad always involves some level of risk, whether due to political unrest, natural disasters, or unexpected emergencies. To assist German nationals in such situations, the German Federal Foreign Office offers ELEFAND (Electronic Registration of Germans Abroad), a free crisis preparedness list. Registration is highly recommended for all travelers, regardless of destination or duration of stay.

Why Register?

Enrolling in ELEFAND enables German embassies and consulates to contact travelers quickly in case of an emergency. This can be particularly beneficial in situations such as:

• Crises or natural disasters: In the event of an earthquake, flood, or political instability, registered travelers can be contacted directly and, if necessary, considered for evacuation.
• Important security updates: Registered individuals receive real-time safety alerts and recommendations regarding potential risks in their destination country.
• Connectivity issues in unstable regions: In areas with poor internet or phone service, prior registration ensures that authorities have alternative means of communication.
• Support for accompanying family members: Non-German family members can also be included in the registration and receive assistance if needed.
• Essential consular updates: Travelers receive information on topics like election notifications or changes in entry regulations.

For peace of mind and enhanced security, registering with ELEFAND is a valuable step in travel planning.

How to Register for the Crisis Preparedness List

Registering for the ELEFAND Crisis Preparedness List is quick and straightforward. Travelers can sign up via the official website https://krisenvorsorgeliste.diplo.de or through the ELEFAND app. The registration process involves the following steps:

1. Visit the website and start registration
2. • Choose between long-term or short-term travel registration.
3. Enter personal information
4. • Full name, date of birth, passport or ID number.
   • Email address and phone number for notifications.
   • Travel details and emergency contacts abroad.
5. Select the appropriate German embassy or consulate
6. • The system automatically assigns the relevant diplomatic mission based on your travel destination.
7. Confirm security code and accept the privacy policy
8. Activate registration via email
9. • After confirming the registration link, travelers can manage and update their details at any time.

While registration is voluntary, it serves as an essential safety net for German travelers. In case of an emergency, it can make a critical difference in receiving timely assistance and relevant updates.

Travel Authorization for Minors

Kenya has specific entry requirements for underage travelers. Since January 2024, all travelers under 18 years old must carry specific documents to ensure a smooth entry process. While children under 16 are exempt from the eTA requirement, travelers aged 16 and older must apply for their own eTA.

Requirements for Underage Travelers

• Children under 16 do not need an eTA but must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the entry date.
• Travelers aged 16 and older must apply for an eTA, just like adult travelers.
• A return or onward ticket is required.

Required Documents for Minors

In addition to a valid passport, minors may need additional documentation, depending on their travel situation:

• International birth certificate in English.
• Notarized parental consent letter in English if the child is traveling with only one parent or a third party.
• Certified copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport and their contact details.
• Return or onward travel ticket to confirm the planned stay.

Important Notes for Traveling with Minors

• The eTA application for travelers under 18 must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
• Children can no longer be listed on a parent’s passport—each child must have their own passport.
• It is recommended to carry copies of all important documents for backup.
• Previously issued eVisas remain valid until their expiration date.

By applying early and preparing all necessary documents in advance, parents and guardians can ensure a hassle-free entry for minor travelers.

Common Mistakes When Applying for the eTA – And How to Avoid Them

Applying for Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a simple process, but small errors can lead to delays or even rejections. However, with careful preparation, travelers can easily avoid common pitfalls.

Frequent Mistakes When Applying for the eTA

Some of the most common issues include:

• Incorrect or incomplete information on the application form (e.g., misspelled names, wrong passport number).
• Uploading improperly formatted or low-quality documents (e.g., incorrect file format or blurry images).
• Applying too late—less than 72 hours before departure, which may result in rejection or delayed approval.
• Lack of proof of financial means, if required.
• Using unofficial websites that charge excessive fees or are fraudulent.

Tips to Avoid Application Errors

To ensure a smooth approval process, travelers should follow these steps:

1. Apply Early

• Ideally 2–3 weeks before departure to allow time for corrections if needed.

2. Use the Official Website

• The only legitimate application portal is: www.etakenya.go.ke.

3. Fill Out the Form Carefully

• All details must exactly match the information on the passport—avoid typos or inconsistencies.

4. Prepare the Necessary Documents

• Passport photo or selfie with a white background (correct size and format: JPEG).
• Scanned copy of the passport, flight booking, and accommodation details.

5. Avoid Payment Issues

• Notify your bank in advance about an international payment to prevent transactions from being blocked.
• Have a backup credit card with 3D Secure authentication available.

6. Do Not Submit Multiple Applications

• If you experience technical issues (e.g., "email already exists" error), do not submit a second application. Instead, use the "forgot password" option or contact customer support.

7. Special Considerations for Children

• Infants and children must have their own eTA—they cannot be included in a parent's application.
• If a child is traveling with only one parent, additional documentation may be required.

By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure a seamless eTA application process—avoiding last-minute issues and ensuring a smooth entry into Kenya.

Relevant Authorities for Travel to Kenya

Several authorities handle Kenya’s eTA processing and travel regulations. Since the eTA is only available online, it is crucial to use official channels to avoid scams.

Kenyan Authorities

Kenya Immigration Department

• Responsible for eTA processing and approval.
• Applications must be submitted via the official website: www.etakenya.go.ke.
• Contact Information:
• • Email: etakenya@immigration.go.ke
  • Phone: +254 110-922062 / +254 110-922063 / +254 110-922064

Kenyan Embassies and Consulates

• Can assist with special cases or visa-related inquiries.
• Cannot process eTA applications—these must be done online.

German Authorities

German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt)

• Provides up-to-date travel and security advisories for Kenya.
• Website: www.auswaertiges-amt.de

Local Passport Offices in Germany

• Handle passport issuance and renewals, which are required for entry into Kenya.

By using official resources and planning ahead, travelers can ensure a stress-free entry into Kenya while avoiding potential issues related to documentation or visa applications.