Only apply at the official government portal
etakenya.go.ke is the only official site. Do not use look-alike agency websites or sponsored search ads — they charge far more for the same application.
1. Real fees, processing times & validity
- Standard single-entry eTA: $30 USD (plus standard card processing fees).
- Other products and fees: confirm current availability and eligibility on the official portal; do not assume a transit or regional product suits your itinerary.
- Processing: about 3 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before you fly.
- Validity: approved for travel within 90 days of issue; the officer at the border stamps your actual permitted stay.
- Travel health insurance: From 5 Oct 2026, non-exempt visitors need inbound travel health insurance from an approved Kenyan insurer. eCitizen lists a premium of up to USD 44 per person; the KCAA circular specifies 90-day validity. A foreign policy does not replace this requirement. Read exemptions, purchase instructions and unresolved cases.
Standard fee source: KCAA AIC 14/25 (23 October 2025). Check current charges at payment.
2. Have these ready before you apply
- Valid passport — at least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date, with a blank visa page.
- Passport-style photo or a clear selfie on a plain background.
- Confirmed arrival and departure flight details.
- Accommodation booking confirmation (or an invitation letter from your host).
- A card or other accepted electronic payment for the fee.
- Yellow fever certificate, only if arriving from or transiting through a risk country.
3. Who needs an eTA & who is exempt
- Every non-exempt visitor needs their own eTA, including children and infants. Check your exemption before applying.
- East African Community citizens (Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC) — up to 180 days.
- Other nationality and bilateral exemptions: check the current official portal rather than relying on a copied country list.
- Direct airside transit passengers who stay inside the airport.
- Kenyan citizens, permanent residents and valid work permit holders.
Check the official eligibility and exemptions page. eTA exemptions and insurance exemptions are separate.
4. Save everything offline before you board
- If required, download the approved eTA and insurance certificate; keep offline copies and a paper backup in your carry-on.
- Save your return flight confirmation and your accommodation address on your phone.
- Don't rely on airport Wi-Fi.
- Save RiftlyKE's offline kit while connected. Your Pocket Pass stores accommodation and emergency contacts on your device; it does not store your eTA or insurance certificate.
5. Border control & customs gotchas
- At the desk, show your physical passport and eTA approval if required. Keep required insurance proof ready too.
- Follow Port Health instructions on arrival. Temperature checks or a health declaration may be requested; do not assume every traveler must complete the same screening. Ministry of Health guidance (checked 18 Oct 2026; not a live outbreak alert).
- Plastic carrier bags are banned — empty duty-free bags into your luggage and bin them before customs.
- Drones need a KCAA permit; undeclared drones may be held by customs.
- Declare cash over USD 10,000 (or equivalent).
Next steps after immigration
- Need a local SIM? Read the Nairobi airport SIM guide.
- Taxi or rideshare? Check the JKIA taxi & Uber fare guide.
- First hours in the city? See staying safe in Nairobi.
Entry and insurance sources checked 18 Oct 2026. Confirm changeable requirements before travel.