Do I Need a Visa for Kenya?
In most cases, yes — but not the old paper visa. Kenya now uses an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization). Almost every foreign visitor must have an approved eTA before boarding, and it is applied for entirely online. Kenya replaced its traditional visa and visa-on-arrival system with the eTA in January 2024.
A small number of nationalities are exempt. The fastest way to know for sure is to check your nationality with our eligibility checker.
Visa on arrival
Discontinued. You can no longer pay for a visa at a Kenyan airport.
Fully visa-free
Only for a limited list of exempt nationalities. Most travelers still need an eTA.
Kenya eTA
The current requirement for most visitors. Applied for online, approved before you fly.
What you need to apply
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date
- A recent passport-style photo
- Your travel itinerary or return ticket
- Accommodation or host details in Kenya
- A valid email address for delivery of your eTA
- A debit or credit card for the all-inclusive fee
Processing time
Usually approved within 72 hours. Expedited options are available for urgent travel.
All-inclusive fee
Our price already includes the Kenyan government fee. See exact pricing on the eligibility & fees page.
Kenya visa & eTA: common questions
Is Kenya visa-free?
For most travelers, no. Kenya requires an approved eTA before you arrive. It is applied for online, so there is no embassy visit, but it is not the same as travelling visa-free. A small number of nationalities are exempt.
Does Kenya still have visa on arrival?
No. Kenya phased out visa-on-arrival when it introduced the eTA in January 2024. You now apply and get approved online before you travel, rather than paying at the airport.
Is a Kenya eTA the same as a visa?
The eTA is the travel authorization that replaced the traditional visa for most visitors to Kenya. It serves the same purpose — permission to travel — but the whole process is online.
Does Kenya require a visa?
Yes. Almost all visitors need an approved Kenya eTA before travel; visa-on-arrival ended in January 2024. A small number of nationalities are exempt.
Do you need a visa to visit Kenya as a tourist?
Yes — tourists need a Kenya eTA (electronic Travel Authorization), applied for online before departure. It covers tourism, family visits, and business trips.
How long does the Kenya eTA take to process?
Most applications are approved within 72 hours. Expedited processing is available for urgent travel. Apply at least three days before departure to be safe.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?
The price is all-inclusive and already covers the Kenyan government fee. The exact amount depends on the eTA type you choose; see the eligibility and fees page for current pricing.
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