TRA Tourist Vehicle Sticker 2026: Fees and Steps

Updated 1 November 2026

The TRA tourist vehicle sticker (officially the Tourist Service Vehicle Sticker) must be displayed on every vehicle or vessel used to carry tourists in Kenya. Under Legal Notice No. 200 of 2025, a locally registered vehicle or vessel pays KSh 1,000 a year and the sticker expires on 31 December. A foreign-registered vehicle from outside the EAC pays US$500 for a sticker valid six months. You need a TRA licence, ownership documents, insurance and a tour guide licence copy to apply. Here are the rules, the documents and the penalties.

Updated 1 November 2026 from regulation 25 and the First Schedule of the Tourism (Tourism Enterprises) Regulations, 2025.

TRA sticker fees

Source: Legal Notice No. 200 of 2025, regulation 25 and First Schedule (c).

Who needs a TRA sticker?

Regulation 25(1) says any person operating a tourist service vehicle or vessel must obtain and conspicuously display a sticker issued by TRA. That covers safari vans and land cruisers of tour operators, tourist vehicle hire firms, boats used for excursions and water sports, and vehicles that cross into Kenya with foreign tour groups.

Documents needed (regulation 25(5))

1. A copy of your TRA licence (or, for foreign vehicles, a tourism licence from the country of origin)
2. The fee
3. Ownership details of the vehicle or vessel, in the business or proprietor’s name
4. Motor vehicle or vessel insurance
5. For a vessel, a certificate of sea worthiness
6. A copy of a tour guide licence issued under the Tourism Act (see our tour guide licence guide)
7. Compliance with the vehicle or vessel specifications in TRA’s national minimum standards

Foreign vehicles must also produce ownership documents, a valid driver’s or coxswain’s licence and an entry permit where applicable.

How to apply for a TRA sticker

1. Hold a valid TRA licence (tour operator, vehicle hire, boat excursion or similar). Our tour operator licence guide covers this.
2. Prepare the logbook, insurance and guide licence copies for each vehicle.
3. Apply through TRA’s TRIMS portal in the form TRA specifies.
4. Pay KSh 1,000 per vehicle (or US$500 for an eligible foreign vehicle).
5. Collect and fix the sticker where it can be clearly seen.

When a sticker can be withdrawn

• If your TRA licence is suspended, revoked or cancelled, every sticker under it falls with it automatically.
• TRA may withdraw a sticker at any time if the owner, driver or coxswain breaches the Act or the regulations.
• TRA may attach conditions when it issues a sticker.

Penalties

Failing to obtain and display the sticker is an offence under regulation 25(9), punishable under section 112(2) of the Tourism Act. Section 112 sets a fine of up to KSh 100,000, imprisonment of up to 18 months, or both. Tourist vehicles also face NTSA inspection and PSV-type requirements; see PSV licence requirements in Kenya.

Budget example for a safari fleet

Renew all stickers with your licence before 31 December so vehicles are not stopped in January, the peak season.

TRA tourist vehicle sticker vs NTSA requirements

The TRA tourist vehicle sticker proves the vehicle is attached to a licensed tourism enterprise and meets TRA’s vehicle standards. It does not replace NTSA rules. Tour vans still need a valid inspection certificate, insurance for passengers and drivers with the right licence class. Many operators keep both documents in the vehicle so that police, KWS rangers at park gates and TRA officers can check them in one stop.

Common reasons a TRA tourist vehicle sticker application is delayed

• The logbook is in a director’s personal name but the licence is in the company’s name, without proof of the link.
• Insurance has lapsed or does not cover commercial passenger use.
• No tour guide licence copy is attached.
• The vehicle does not meet TRA’s minimum standards (for example seating, pop-up roof or safety equipment for safari vehicles).

Fix these before applying, then renew stickers together with your licence each December. For the wider licensing picture, read our guide to TRA licensing for short-stay hosts, the latest on tourist arrivals, plus how to get a county business permit.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a TRA sticker?

KSh 1,000 a year per locally registered tourist vehicle or vessel. Foreign-registered vehicles outside the EAC pay US$500 for six months.

When does the TRA sticker expire?

Local and EAC stickers expire on 31 December; other foreign stickers last six months.

What happens if my TRA licence is revoked?

All stickers issued under it are automatically suspended, revoked or cancelled.

Do boats need a TRA sticker?

Yes. The rule covers tourist service vehicles and vessels, and vessels need a sea worthiness certificate.