How to Apply for a Visa to Kenya in 2026 (Complete eVisa Guide)

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Quick Summary

Kenya moved to a fully online visa system in 2023, replacing the old sticker visa issued at the airport. All foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Kenya must apply through the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) portal at etakenya.go.ke before travelling.

The Kenya eVisa (ETA) costs USD 30 for most nationalities, is processed within 72 hours in most cases, and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a single entry stay of up to 30 days.

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements entirely. This guide covers who needs a visa, who is exempt, exact requirements, the step-by-step application process, fees, and what to do if your application is delayed or rejected.

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Does Kenya Require a Visa? Who Needs to Apply?

Not every traveller to Kenya needs a visa. Kenya has three categories of entry:

Category 1 — Visa-Free Countries (No Visa Required)

Citizens of certain countries can enter Kenya without any visa or ETA. As of 2026, visa-free access has been extended significantly following Kenya’s open-door tourism policy. Countries in this category include members of the East African Community (EAC) — Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — as well as several others.

Always confirm your country’s current status on the official ETA portal or the Kenya Department of Immigration website at immigration.go.ke, as visa agreements are updated periodically. Do not rely solely on airline websites or third-party travel blogs for this information.

Category 2 — eVisa / ETA Required

Citizens of most countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, China, and most European nations — must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in Kenya. This is what most people refer to as the Kenya eVisa.

Category 3 — Visa on Arrival (Limited Cases)

Kenya largely phased out visa on arrival in favour of the ETA system. In limited exceptional circumstances, immigration officers at the port of entry may issue a visa, but this is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon. Always apply for your ETA online before travelling.

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Types of Kenya Visas (ETA Categories) in 2026

The Kenya ETA portal covers several entry purposes:

ETA Type	Purpose	Stay Allowed
Single Entry Tourist Visa	Tourism, safari, leisure travel	Up to 30 days per entry
Transit Visa	Passing through Kenya to another country	Up to 72 hours
Business Visa	Business meetings, conferences, trade	Up to 30 days per entry
East Africa Tourist Visa	Combined travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda	Up to 90 days across all three countries

The East Africa Tourist Visa is particularly popular among travellers planning to combine a Kenya safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. It costs USD 100 and is a single fee covering all three countries.

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Kenya Visa Requirements in 2026

Before starting your online application, have the following ready. Incomplete applications are a leading cause of delays.

Documents Required for All Applicants

• Valid passport — must have at least 6 months’ validity from your intended date of arrival in Kenya, and at least two blank pages for stamps
• Passport-size photo — recent (taken within the last 6 months), colour, plain white background, full face visible, no glasses. Must be in JPEG format, between 10KB and 500KB
• Scanned copy of the biographical data page of your passport (the page with your photo, name, and passport number) — PDF or JPEG, under 1MB
• Travel itinerary — confirmed flight bookings (or at minimum, a booking reference) showing your entry and exit from Kenya
• Proof of accommodation — hotel booking confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or an invitation letter from your Kenyan host with their address and ID copy
• Proof of sufficient funds — a recent bank statement (last 3 months) showing you can support yourself during your stay. There is no stated minimum amount, but USD 50–100 per day is a reasonable benchmark
• Return or onward ticket — proof that you have a confirmed departure from Kenya (or onward travel to another country)
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from travellers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries (including many African, South American, and Central American nations). Even if you are not from an endemic country, carrying your yellow fever certificate is strongly recommended as officers may request it

Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types

For Business Visas

• Invitation letter from a Kenyan company on official letterhead, signed by an authorised representative, stating the purpose of the visit, duration, and that the company will be responsible for your stay
• Your company’s registration documents or a letter from your employer confirming your position and the purpose of travel

For the East Africa Tourist Visa

• Your planned itinerary across Kenya, Uganda, and/or Rwanda
• Proof of entry arrangements for each country you plan to visit

For Minors Travelling Alone or With One Parent

• Birth certificate of the minor
• Consent letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, notarised or certified
• Copy of the consenting parent’s passport or ID

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Kenya eVisa Fees in 2026

Visa Type	Fee
Single Entry ETA (Tourist or Business)	USD 30
Transit Visa	USD 20
East Africa Tourist Visa	USD 100
Children under 16	Free (in most cases — confirm on the portal)

Fees are paid in US Dollars by credit or debit card (Visa and Mastercard accepted) or via other payment methods shown on the portal. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or you cancel your trip.

Note: Some third-party websites charge significantly more than USD 30 by adding a “service fee.” Only apply through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke. Any other website is unofficial.

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How to Apply for a Kenya eVisa — Step-by-Step

Set aside 20 to 30 minutes for the application. Have all your documents scanned and saved on your device before you begin. The portal may time out if you step away mid-application.

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Step 1: Go to the Official Kenya ETA Portal

Open your browser and go to etakenya.go.ke. This is the only official government portal for Kenya eVisa applications.

Do not use any other website. Dozens of unofficial third-party sites mimic the official portal’s design and charge inflated fees. The official site is operated by the Kenya Department of Immigration and has a .go.ke domain.

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Step 2: Create an Account

Click “Apply Now” or “Get Started” on the homepage.

You will be prompted to create an account:

1. Enter your email address
2. Create a password
3. Confirm your password
4. Click “Register”

Check your email for a verification link and click it to activate your account. If it does not arrive within 5 minutes, check your spam folder.

Once your account is verified, log in using your email and password.

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Step 3: Start a New Application

From your dashboard, click “New Application.” Select the type of ETA you are applying for:

• Single Entry (for tourism or business)
• Transit
• East Africa Tourist Visa

Select your nationality from the dropdown. The system will confirm whether your country requires an ETA or is visa-free.

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Step 4: Fill In Your Personal Details

Complete the personal information section:

• Full name — exactly as it appears on your passport (including middle names if on the passport)
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Passport issue date and expiry date
• Country of birth
• Gender
• Marital status
• Occupation / profession
• Employer name and address (or “Self-Employed” / “Student” as applicable)

Critical: Every detail must match your passport exactly. A discrepancy between your ETA and your passport — even a single letter in your name — can result in you being denied boarding by the airline or stopped at the Kenyan port of entry.

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Step 5: Enter Your Travel Details

Provide your Kenya travel information:

• Intended date of arrival in Kenya
• Intended date of departure from Kenya
• Port of entry — the airport or border crossing you plan to use (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – Nairobi, Moi International Airport – Mombasa, Kisumu Airport, Namanga Border – Tanzania, Busia Border – Uganda)
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit)
• Accommodation details — hotel name and address, or your host’s address in Kenya
• Contact person in Kenya — a hotel, local host, or tour operator name and phone number

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Step 6: Answer the Background Questions

The application includes a short set of background / security screening questions, similar to those on US or Schengen visa applications. These include questions such as:

• Have you ever been deported from Kenya or any other country?
• Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?
• Do you have any communicable diseases?

Answer all questions honestly. Providing false answers is grounds for immediate visa rejection and possible ban from future applications.

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Step 7: Upload Your Documents

Upload the following documents in the formats accepted by the portal (JPEG or PDF, each file under 1MB):

• Passport bio-data page scan
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or host invitation letter)
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Yellow fever certificate (if required for your country — check the portal’s country-specific requirements)
• Bank statement (some applicants are asked for this; upload it even if not explicitly required to strengthen your application)
• Invitation letter (for business visa applicants)

Make sure each document is clear and fully legible. Partially cut-off passport pages or blurry photos are a common reason for rejection.

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Step 8: Review Your Application

The portal will display a full summary of your application before you proceed to payment. Read through every field carefully:

• Confirm your name spelling matches your passport exactly
• Confirm your passport number is correct
• Confirm your arrival and departure dates are correct
• Confirm uploaded documents are the right files (sometimes applicants accidentally upload the wrong file)

Once you are satisfied everything is correct, click “Proceed to Payment.”

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Step 9: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable fee:

• Single Entry ETA: USD 30
• Transit: USD 20
• East Africa Tourist Visa: USD 100

Accepted payment methods on the portal include Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards. Enter your card details on the secure payment page. You will receive an email receipt immediately after successful payment.

The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application, so double-check everything before paying.

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Step 10: Submit and Await Approval

After payment, click “Submit Application.” You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number. Save this number — you will use it to track your application status.

Log in to your ETA portal account at any time to check your application status under “My Applications.”

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Step 11: Download and Print Your Kenya eVisa

Once approved, you will receive an email notification. Log in to the portal and download your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) approval letter as a PDF.

Print this document and carry it with you when you travel. While some immigration officers accept a digital copy on your phone, many Kenyan ports of entry — especially land borders — still prefer a physical printout. Carry both.

Your ETA will show:

• Your name and passport number
• The type of ETA granted
• The validity period (typically 90 days from issue date)
• The permitted duration of stay per entry (typically 30 days)

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Kenya eVisa Processing Time

Application Type	Typical Processing Time
Standard ETA (most nationalities)	24 – 72 hours
Complex cases (additional screening required)	5 – 10 working days
Transit Visa	24 – 48 hours

Processing times can be longer during peak holiday seasons (December–January, July–August) and around Kenyan public holidays. Apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date to give yourself enough buffer, and at least 4 weeks in advance during peak season.

If your application has been pending for more than 5 working days with no update, contact the Kenya Department of Immigration:

• Email: immigration@immigration.go.ke
• Phone: +254 20 222 2022
• eCitizen support: ecitizen.go.ke → Help Centre

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Extending Your Stay in Kenya

Your Kenya ETA typically allows a 30-day stay per entry. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your current authorised stay expires.

How to Apply for a Visa Extension in Kenya

1. Visit the Department of Immigration offices at Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi (or the immigration offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, or Nakuru)
2. Bring your passport, your ETA approval letter, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds
3. Apply for a Class G Pass (visitor’s pass extension) — this costs approximately KES 5,000 per month of extension
4. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration officer and are not guaranteed

You cannot extend your visa online as of 2026. The extension must be done in person at an immigration office.

Overstaying your visa without an extension is a serious offence in Kenya — it attracts fines of KES 10,000 per day of overstay, potential detention, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Kenya.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Kenya eVisa

1. Applying through unofficial third-party websites This is the most dangerous mistake. Dozens of websites copy the look of the official Kenya ETA portal and charge USD 80–150 for what should be a USD 30 application. Always apply only at etakenya.go.ke. Check the URL carefully — the official site ends in .go.ke.

2. Uploading a passport photo that does not meet specifications The system is strict about photo requirements. Dark photos, photos with shadows across the face, photos taken against a coloured background, and photos where the face is not centred are frequently rejected. Use a white background and take the photo in natural daylight or with a ring light.

3. Not checking passport validity before applying Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. If your passport expires in 4 months and you are travelling in 2 months, your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first.

4. Booking non-refundable flights before receiving your ETA approval Some travellers book fully non-refundable flights expecting same-day ETA approval. While most ETAs are processed within 72 hours, some take longer. Book flexible or semi-flexible tickets, or apply for your ETA well before committing to non-refundable bookings.

5. Entering travel dates that do not match your flight bookings The dates you enter on your ETA must be consistent with your actual flight bookings. If your confirmed flight arrives on 15 June but you entered 10 June on the ETA, this creates a discrepancy that immigration may question.

6. Forgetting the yellow fever certificate Travellers from yellow fever endemic countries who arrive without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate can be denied entry into Kenya or quarantined at their own cost. If you have had the yellow fever vaccine, carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow booklet) in your carry-on luggage.

7. Not printing the ETA approval letter Do not assume your phone will have internet access at the port of entry to show a digital copy. Print your ETA approval letter before you leave home.

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Tips to Get Your Kenya eVisa Approved Quickly

• Apply early — aim for 2–4 weeks before your travel date, not 2–3 days before
• Use a consistent name across all documents — your passport, hotel booking, flight ticket, and bank statement should all show the same name variation
• Upload high-resolution, clear documents — low-quality scans are the leading cause of processing delays requiring resubmission
• Provide a complete accommodation address — vague entries like “Nairobi hotel” slow down processing. Include the full name, physical address, and booking reference of your accommodation
• Double-check your email address during registration — all correspondence, including your approval, comes to this email. A typo means you never receive it
• Apply using a desktop or laptop browser — the portal is functional on mobile but works more smoothly on a desktop

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long is a Kenya eVisa valid and how long can I stay? The Kenya ETA is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Within that 90-day window, you are allowed to stay in Kenya for up to 30 days per entry on a single entry visa. If you leave Kenya and return within the 90-day validity on a single entry ETA, you need a new ETA for the second entry. Multi-entry options may be available — check the portal at the time of application.

2. Can I get a visa on arrival in Kenya? Kenya largely phased out visa on arrival. All travellers who require a visa are expected to apply online via the ETA portal before travelling. Do not rely on getting a visa at the airport — this is not guaranteed and can result in you being denied entry.

3. Is Kenya visa-free for Africans? Kenya has extended visa-free access to several African countries, particularly EAC member states. However, it is not visa-free for all Africans. Citizens of countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, and South Africa should check the current status on the official ETA portal or immigration.go.ke before travelling, as policies are updated regularly.

4. What happens if my Kenya eVisa application is rejected? You will receive an email notification explaining the rejection reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, passport validity issues, or concerns raised during security screening. You can submit a new application after addressing the reason for rejection. The USD 30 fee from the rejected application is not refunded, but you pay again for the new application.

5. Do children need a Kenya eVisa? Children are generally included under their parent’s application or apply separately depending on their age and passport status. Children travelling on their own passport typically need their own ETA. Children travelling on a parent’s passport (in countries that still allow this) follow that parent’s visa status. Check the portal for the specific requirements applicable to your child’s nationality. In most cases, children under 16 travel free.

6. Can I work in Kenya on a tourist ETA? No. The tourist ETA is strictly for tourism, leisure, and short visits. Working in Kenya — including remote work for a foreign employer from a Kenyan location — on a tourist visa is technically in violation of Kenyan immigration law. If you intend to work in Kenya, you need a Work Permit, applied for through the Department of Immigration at immigration.go.ke.

7. What is the East Africa Tourist Visa and is it worth it? The East Africa Tourist Visa costs USD 100 and covers travel across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa valid for 90 days. If you are planning to visit all three countries, it is significantly cheaper than applying for three separate visas. It is applied for through the same Kenya ETA portal. Note that Tanzania is not included in the East Africa Tourist Visa and requires a separate application.

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Conclusion

Applying for a Kenya visa in 2026 is a straightforward online process that takes under 30 minutes when you are properly prepared. The Kenya ETA portal has replaced the old airport sticker visa entirely, making the system faster and more predictable for travellers. The critical steps are: apply only through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke, have all your documents scanned and ready before you start, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, and apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.

Kenya is open for tourism, business, and investment — and the visa process reflects that. Prepare well, apply early, and you will have your ETA approval in your inbox well before your flight.

Visit etakenya.go.ke to begin your application today.

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Read also:

• How to Apply for a Birth Certificate in Kenya
• How to Register a Company in Kenya
• How to Apply for a Good Conduct Certificate in Kenya
• How to Apply for a HELB Loan in Kenya