How to Apply for a Kenya Visa Online: Step-by-Step for Visitors

Kenya switched from traditional visas to an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system in January 2024. Now, most visitors apply online through a single portal, pay one flat fee in US dollars, and receive approval within three working days. The process is faster than it used to be, but the portal occasionally slows during peak season—applying early morning or midweek tends to work better than late afternoon.

Which Portal to Use

Apply at etakenya.go.ke, Kenya's official eTA portal. You can log in using your eCitizen account if you have one, or create a new account with just your email. Some third-party websites claim to handle Kenya visas; they don't. Only use the official government site—scammers prey on travelers using fake portals.

What the eTA Costs and How Long It Takes

The standard eTA costs about USD 30 plus a small processing fee and takes up to 72 hours; an expedited option costs more. Confirm the exact fee on etakenya.go.ke before paying, since third-party sites add markups. Payment is online only, in US dollars, using a card or M-Pesa. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Processing usually finishes within 48 hours if your documents are clear and complete. Don't apply the day before you travel. Processing time is three working days but in some cases it may take longer, and the system counts only weekdays.

Documents You Need Before Starting

Gather everything first. You'll need:

• A valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your travel date
• A passport-sized photo (take it yourself with your phone—the system resizes it automatically)
• Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
• Accommodation booking confirmation
• Bank statements showing you can support yourself
• If you're visiting family, an invitation letter from your host in Kenya

The portal won't let you submit without each required file. Blurry photos and incomplete applications get rejected immediately. Scans should be clear PDFs or JPEGs; if a file is too large, compress it before uploading.

How to Apply Step by Step

Go to etakenya.go.ke. Click "Get Started." Create an account with your email address and a strong password. Verify your email—check your spam folder if the link doesn't arrive within a few minutes.

Log in and select your visa type. Most visitors choose the standard single-entry eTA for tourism or business. Fill in your full name exactly as it appears in your passport. Enter your date of birth, passport number, and nationality. Double-check every field; the system doesn't tolerate typos in your name.

Select your intended arrival date and intended length of stay. Upload your passport bio page scan and your photo. Review everything before submission.

Pay the fee using your card or M-Pesa. You'll receive a payment confirmation. Screenshot this or write down your reference number—you'll need it to check your application status and download your approved eTA.

After You Submit

Check your email (including spam) for your approval within 72 hours. Once approved, log back into etakenya.go.ke, download your eTA as a PDF, and print it. Carry the printed copy to the airport. Some immigration officers accept a digital copy on your phone, but printing is safer.

Your eTA is valid for 90 days from the date it's issued. You must enter Kenya within that window or reapply.

If Your Application Gets Rejected

The portal tells you why. Common reasons include unclear photos, bank statements that look insufficient, or missing information. Fix the problem and reapply immediately. There's no waiting period between rejections. For complex situations—work visas, multiple-entry permits, or unclear documentation—consider consulting visa application experts who know Kenyan immigration requirements. They charge a fee but save you time and rejection headaches.

Visa-Exempt Countries

As of May 2025, most African nationals are exempt from obtaining an eTA, along with other countries that were previously visa-exempt before the eTA introduction. Check etakenya.go.ke to confirm your nationality before assuming you need to apply. Citizens of Singapore and a few others don't need an eTA at all.

Extending Your Stay or Changing Visa Status

An eTA allows a single 90-day stay. If you need to stay longer or change to a work or residence permit while in Kenya, apply online at fns.immigration.go.ke. You must apply before your current entry permission expires; overstaying leads to deportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a faster way to get an eTA?

No. The system processes all applications at the same speed—up to 72 hours. Paying extra for "urgent" processing through third-party websites is a scam. Apply directly on etakenya.go.ke, and allow at least a week before your trip to account for delays or document requests.

What if I'm already in Kenya and my visa is expiring?

Apply to extend your visitor pass through fns.immigration.go.ke before your current status expires. Don't wait until the last day. Processing takes time, and overstaying has serious consequences.

Can I use my old eCitizen visa account to apply for an eTA?

No. Your eCitizen account login works on etakenya.go.ke, but each visa type has its own application process. Create a fresh eTA application on the eTA portal. Don't confuse the two systems.

What happens if my eTA is approved but I don't travel within 90 days?

Your eTA expires unused. You can apply again for a new one when you're ready to travel. There's no penalty, but you'll pay the fee again.