Updated 7 November 2026
The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is the online permit most foreign visitors need before travelling to Kenya. It replaced traditional visas for most travellers. If you are inviting relatives with foreign passports, business partners or conference guests, this guide sets out what the official eTA website says about documents, cost, processing time and the travel health insurance that must now be bought alongside it.
Checked on 7 November 2026 against the official Kenya eTA FAQs and eTA insurance notice, the eCitizen inbound travel insurance portal and the UK government’s Kenya entry requirements page. Fees and rules can change; confirm on etakenya.go.ke before you pay.
On this page
Kenya eTA: key facts
| Item | What the official site says |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Only on etakenya.go.ke or the official “Kenya Travel Authorisation” mobile app |
| Standard fee | From US$30; processing may take up to 72 hours |
| Expedited option | An additional US$100 for immediate processing |
| Processing time | Generally three business days (72 hours), sometimes longer |
| Groups | One eTA per traveller; choose “Apply as a Group” |
| Insurance | Mandatory inbound travel health insurance bought during the application, from 5 October 2026 |
Kenya eTA documents you need
The eTA FAQ says requirements vary slightly by category but usually include:
- a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and at least one blank page;
- a selfie or passport-type photo;
- an email address and phone number;
- your travel itinerary with arrival and departure dates;
- an accommodation booking confirmation;
- a payment method such as a credit or debit card.
The UK government’s entry page tells British travellers their passport needs at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. If sources differ, use the stricter rule so you are not turned away by an airline.
How to apply for a Kenya eTA, step by step
- Go to etakenya.go.ke and click “Apply Now”. Use only the official website or app.
- Enter your details carefully. For several travellers, choose “Apply as a Group”; each person still gets their own eTA.
- Buy the inbound travel health insurance when prompted (see below).
- Submit and pay. You will get an email confirming receipt of the application and, where applicable, the payment.
- Wait for the immigration officer’s decision by email. If approved, print the PDF or save it on your phone or in the app. You must show it at departure and arrival.
- Track progress with “Check Status” and the reference number in your email.
Someone else can apply for you, such as a relative in Kenya, as long as they enter the traveller’s correct information and state that they are applying on the traveller’s behalf. You may travel only after the Government of Kenya has approved the application.
Kenya eTA cost and processing time
The FAQ says fees vary by application type. Standard processing, which may take up to 72 hours, starts at US$30. Expedited processing, decided immediately, costs an additional US$100. Diplomats accredited to Kenya must still complete an eTA but do not pay for the standard one. Apply early: the FAQ says verification can take longer than three days. The eTA site also posts planned maintenance windows, for example overnight on 7 to 8 November 2026, when you may not be able to apply.
Travel health insurance with your Kenya eTA
Under Gazette Notice No. 11492 of 30 July 2026, most visitors need Kenyan government-mandated inbound travel health insurance from 5 October 2026. Travellers who need an eTA are prompted to buy it during the application. The eCitizen portal lists a premium of up to US$44 per person, valid for 90 days, with total benefits up to US$50,000. Foreign travel insurance does not replace it. Kenyan citizens, residents and EAC citizens are among those exempt. Our guide to Kenya travel health insurance covers limits, refunds and exemptions in detail.
Common Kenya eTA mistakes to avoid
- Using unofficial websites. The FAQ says applications must be made only on the official website or app.
- Applying too late. Allow at least three business days, or pay for expedited processing.
- One application for a family. Every traveller needs their own eTA and their own insurance policy.
- Typos. Check passport details before submitting.
- Ignoring travel advice. Visitors heading to northern Kenya should read our report on the UK’s Moyale travel advisory.
If your application is refused, the FAQ says you will not be able to travel for the moment and should contact the eTA support email to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Kenya eTA?
The official FAQ says standard processing starts at US$30, with expedited processing at an additional US$100.
How long does a Kenya eTA take?
Generally three business days (72 hours), though it can take longer.
Can I apply for a Kenya eTA for my parents abroad?
Yes. Someone can apply on another person’s behalf if they give the traveller’s details and say so in the application.
Do I need insurance with a Kenya eTA?
Yes, unless you are exempt. Since 5 October 2026, travellers needing an eTA buy the mandatory inbound travel health insurance during the application.
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