Kenya eVisa Application Process - Step by Step Guide - Kenya eVisa

Kenya eVisa Application Process – Step by Step Guide

Applying for a Kenya eVisa (now officially called the Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA) is a fully online process that takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Since January 2024, all foreign travelers must use the new eTA system at etakenya.go.ke instead of the old evisa.go.ke portal.

This guide walks you through every step of the application, from creating your account to receiving your approved eTA by email. Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays or rejections.

Before You Start: What You Need

Gather these items before opening the application form:

Essential documents:

Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from your planned arrival date
At least 1 blank page in your passport
A recent passport-style photo or selfie (digital format)
Your flight itinerary showing arrival and departure dates
Accommodation booking confirmation (hotel reservation or host letter)
A working email address you check regularly
Phone number with international dialing code
Credit card or debit card for payment

Additional documents (depending on purpose of visit):

Business travelers: invitation letter from a Kenyan company, company registration copy
Family visitors: invitation letter from host, host’s identity document
Medical travelers: referral letter from doctor or hospital
Conference attendees: invitation or participation letter
Those on employment: signed employment contract

Having all documents ready before you start prevents timeouts and ensures you can complete the application in one sitting.

Step 1: Create Your Account on etakenya.go.ke

Visit the official Kenya eTA portal at https://etakenya.go.ke. Click the “Apply” or “Get Started” button to begin.

You will need to:

Enter your email address
Create a secure password
Verify your email address through a confirmation link

Once your account is verified, log in and select “New Application” to start the process.

Important: Only use the official government portal at etakenya.go.ke. Third-party websites may charge significantly higher fees for the same service.

Step 2: Select Your Application Type

The eTA portal offers several travel purpose options:

Purpose	When to Choose
Tourism	Leisure travel, sightseeing, safari
Business	Meetings, conferences, trade
Transit	Passing through Kenya to another destination
Family Visit	Visiting relatives or friends in Kenya
Medical	Seeking medical treatment in Kenya
Diplomatic	Official government travel

Select the purpose that matches your trip. This determines which additional documents you may need to upload.

Step 3: Fill In Personal Details

Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport:

Full name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Nationality
Passport number
Passport issue and expiry dates
Country of birth
Current residential address

Critical: Every detail must match your passport exactly. Even a small discrepancy – like a middle name listed on your passport but omitted in the application – can cause delays or rejection.

Step 4: Enter Travel Details

Provide your planned travel information:

Intended date of arrival in Kenya
Intended date of departure from Kenya
Port of entry (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – Nairobi)
Flight number or airline (if known)
Purpose of visit in detail
Address where you will stay in Kenya

If you are visiting multiple destinations within Kenya, list your primary accommodation. You do not need to list every hotel if you are on a multi-city trip.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload clear, legible copies of your documents:

Passport bio page: Scan or photograph the page with your photo, name, and passport number. The image must be:

In color (not black and white)
Clear and not blurry
Showing all text readable
In JPEG or PNG format

Passport photo/selfie: A recent photo of your face:

Taken against a plain background
Showing your full face clearly
No sunglasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
Good lighting, no shadows on face

Supporting documents: Upload any additional documents based on your travel purpose (invitation letters, hotel bookings, etc.).

Step 6: Review Your Application

Before submitting, review every field carefully:

Check that your name matches your passport exactly
Verify passport number is correct
Confirm arrival and departure dates are accurate
Ensure uploaded documents are clear and complete
Check that your email address is correct (this is where your eTA will be sent)

Errors at this stage are the most common reason for application delays. Take an extra minute to verify everything.

Step 7: Pay the Processing Fee

The standard Kenya eTA fee is $30 USD. Payment options include:

Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
Debit card
Other payment methods supported by the portal

A small bank processing fee (approximately $1.50-$2.00) is added to the total. The total standard cost is around $32.50 USD.

After payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number. Save this number – you can use it to check your application status.

Step 8: Wait for Processing

Standard processing takes up to 3 working days (72 hours). During this time:

Your application is reviewed by Kenya immigration authorities
Your documents are verified
A background check is conducted

You can check your application status at any time by logging into your account on etakenya.go.ke.

What to expect:

Most applications are approved within 24-72 hours
Some applications may take longer if additional verification is needed
Peak travel seasons may result in slightly longer processing times
You will receive an email notification when your eTA is approved or if additional information is needed

Step 9: Download and Print Your eTA

Once approved, you will receive an email with your eTA. Download the PDF document and print it on paper.

At the port of entry in Kenya, immigration officers will:

Scan your eTA barcode
Verify your passport
Stamp your passport with the entry date and permitted duration of stay

Keep both a printed copy and a digital copy on your phone as backup.

Common Application Issues and Solutions

Issue	Cause	Solution
Application delayed beyond 72 hours	Peak season or additional verification needed	Wait 5-7 business days, then contact support
Photo rejected	Blurry, wrong format, or poor lighting	Retake with good lighting against a plain background
Name mismatch error	Name differs from passport	Use exact name as shown on passport bio page
Payment failed	Card declined or network issue	Try a different card or payment method
Email not received	Spam filter or wrong email address	Check spam folder; verify email on your account
Passport validity error	Less than 6 months remaining	Renew your passport before applying

How to Track Your Application Status

To check your Kenya eTA status:

Go to etakenya.go.ke
Log in to your account
Navigate to “My Applications” or “Check Status”
Enter your application reference number
View the current status

Status meanings:

Submitted: Application received, awaiting review
In Review: Being processed by immigration authorities
Approved: eTA granted, check your email for the document
Additional Information Required: More documents or clarification needed
Denied: Application rejected (reason provided in notification)

When to Apply

The official recommendation is to apply at least 3 working days before your trip. However, experienced travelers recommend applying at least 2 weeks in advance to account for:

Unexpected processing delays
Document issues that require resubmission
Payment processing problems
Peak season backlogs

You can apply up to 90 days before your intended travel date since the eTA is valid for 90 days from issuance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Kenya eTA on behalf of someone else?

Yes. You can submit an application on behalf of another person, such as a child or elderly family member. You will need all of their documents and information. Each traveler, including infants, requires a separate application.

What if I make a mistake on my application?

If you notice an error after submission but before approval, you may need to submit a new application. Minor errors can sometimes be corrected by contacting the eTA support team. Major errors (wrong passport number, incorrect name) usually require a new application and payment.

Can I apply for multiple people at once?

Each traveler needs an individual application. There is no group application option. You can use the same account to submit multiple applications, one for each traveler.

Do I need to book flights before applying?

You need to provide your intended travel dates and port of entry. While you do not need to have confirmed flight bookings, you should have a general plan for your arrival and departure dates. Having a flight itinerary strengthens your application.

What if my eTA expires before I travel?

The eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If it expires before you travel, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. Plan your application timing carefully.

Summary

The Kenya eTA application process is designed to be completed entirely online in about 15-20 minutes. The key to a smooth experience is preparation: gather all documents before starting, enter information exactly as it appears on your passport, and apply at least two weeks before your trip. Use only the official portal at etakenya.go.ke and keep both printed and digital copies of your approved eTA.