Kenya eVisa Fees and Processing Time – What to Expect in 2026
Understanding the cost and timeline for your Kenya eVisa (eTA) is essential for trip planning. The fees are straightforward, but knowing the full breakdown – including bank charges and expedited options – helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
This guide covers everything about Kenya eTA costs, processing times, payment methods, and what to do if your application takes longer than expected.
Kenya eTA Fee Structure
The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization has a simple fee structure set by the Kenyan government:
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Standard processing fee | $30.00 |
| Bank/transaction fee | ~$1.50-$2.00 |
| Total standard cost | ~$32.50 |
The $30 government fee is the same for all nationalities. The bank transaction fee varies slightly depending on your payment method and card issuer.
Expedited Processing
For travelers who need their eTA faster, expedited processing is available:
| Processing Type | Cost (USD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $30 + fees | Up to 72 hours (3 working days) |
| Expedited | Higher fee | Faster turnaround |
The exact expedited fee varies and is displayed on the portal during the application process. Expedited processing is recommended for last-minute travel plans.
Third-Party Service Fees
If you use a visa agency or third-party service instead of applying directly, expect significantly higher costs:
| Application Method | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Direct via etakenya.go.ke | ~$32.50 |
| Third-party visa service | $70-$150+ |
| Travel agency | $100-$200+ |
Third-party services charge for the convenience of handling your application. While some offer legitimate value (document review, customer support), the actual government fee is always $30. Applying directly through the official portal saves money.
Payment Methods
The eTA portal accepts several payment methods:
- Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted
- Debit cards: Cards with international online payment capability
- Mobile money: Available for some payment options
- Bank transfer: May be available depending on your region
Before paying, ensure your card:
- Is enabled for international transactions
- Has sufficient funds (at least $35 USD equivalent)
- Has online/ecommerce payments activated
- Is not blocked for transactions to Kenya or East Africa
If your payment fails, try a different card or contact your bank to authorize the transaction. Payment failures are a common cause of application delays.
Processing Time Breakdown
The standard processing time for a Kenya eTA is 3 working days (72 hours). However, several factors can affect how long your application actually takes:
Standard Timeline
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Application submission | Instant |
| Document verification | 1-2 working days |
| Background check | 1-2 working days |
| Approval notification | Same day as decision |
| Total standard | 1-3 working days |
What Affects Processing Speed
Faster processing factors:
- Complete and accurate application
- Clear, properly formatted document uploads
- Applying during off-peak seasons
- Having all required documents ready
Slower processing factors:
- Incomplete applications
- Blurry or illegible document uploads
- Peak travel seasons (December-January, June-August)
- National security screening flags
- Name matches requiring additional verification
- Applications from certain nationalities that require enhanced screening
Peak Season Warnings
Kenya’s peak tourist seasons can significantly affect processing times:
| Season | Period | Expected Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (safari season) | July-October | 3-7 working days |
| Peak (holidays) | December-January | 3-7 working days |
| Shoulder | March-May | 1-3 working days |
| Standard | February, November | 1-3 working days |
During peak seasons, apply at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date to account for potential delays.
How to Check Your Application Status
You can track your eTA application at any time:
- Log into your account at etakenya.go.ke
- Go to “My Applications” or “Application Status”
- Enter your reference number
- View the current status
Status meanings:
| Status | What It Means | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted | Application received | None – wait for processing |
| In Review | Being processed | None – wait for processing |
| Approved | eTA granted | Check email, download and print |
| Additional Info Needed | More documents required | Upload requested documents promptly |
| Denied | Application rejected | Review reason, reapply if possible |
What to Do If Processing Takes Too Long
If your application has been pending for more than 5 working days:
Step 1: Check your email
Look for any messages from the eTA system requesting additional documents or information. Check your spam or junk folder.
Step 2: Log in and check status
Your application status may show “Additional Information Required” without a separate email notification.
Step 3: Contact support
If no issues are shown and processing exceeds 7 working days:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +254 110-922062, +254 110-922063, +254 110-922064
- Include your application reference number and passport details
Step 4: Contact your airline
If your flight is within 48 hours and your eTA is still pending, inform your airline. Some airlines have processes to verify pending applications.
Step 5: Consider reapplying
As a last resort, if your application is stuck and your travel date is approaching, you may need to submit a new application. Note that you would need to pay the fee again.
Refund Policy
The Kenya eTA fee is generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted and processing has begun. Cases where a refund may be considered:
- Duplicate payment (paid twice for the same application)
- System error resulting in charges without application submission
- Government policy changes affecting your application
If you believe you are entitled to a refund, contact the eTA support team with your payment confirmation and application reference number.
Cost Comparison: Kenya eTA vs Other East African Countries
For context, here is how Kenya’s eTA cost compares to similar electronic travel authorizations in the region:
| Country | Electronic Authorization | Cost (USD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | eTA | $30 | 3 working days |
| Tanzania | eVisa | $50 | 10+ working days |
| Uganda | eVisa | $50 | 5-7 working days |
| Rwanda | eVisa / Visa on Arrival | $50 | Instant (VoA) or 3 days |
| Ethiopia | eVisa | $52-$82 | 1-3 working days |
Kenya’s eTA is among the most affordable electronic travel authorizations in East Africa, with a competitive processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Kenya eVisa guide | application process | eTA vs visa on arrival
Why was I charged more than $30?
The $30 is the government processing fee. A bank transaction fee of approximately $1.50-$2.00 is added on top. If you were charged significantly more ($70+), you may have applied through a third-party service rather than the official portal at etakenya.go.ke.
Can I pay in a currency other than USD?
The eTA fee is set in USD. Your bank will convert the amount to your local currency at their current exchange rate. Your card statement may show a slightly different amount due to exchange rate fluctuations and foreign transaction fees.
Is expedited processing guaranteed to be faster?
Expedited processing prioritizes your application but does not guarantee a specific timeframe. During extremely busy periods, even expedited applications may take longer than expected. However, expedited applications are typically processed faster than standard ones.
Do children pay the same fee?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs a separate eTA application and the full fee applies to each one. There is no reduced rate for children.
What if my application is denied – do I get a refund?
No. The processing fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. The fee covers the cost of processing and reviewing your application, regardless of the outcome.
Can I pay at the airport instead of online?
No. The eTA must be applied for and paid for online before your trip. There is no option to pay at the airport or at the port of entry. Airlines will not allow you to board without an approved eTA.
Summary
The Kenya eTA costs approximately $32.50 USD total ($30 government fee + ~$2.50 bank fee) for standard processing of up to 3 working days. Apply directly through etakenya.go.ke to avoid third-party markups. During peak seasons, apply 2-3 weeks in advance. Always ensure your payment card is enabled for international transactions before starting the application.
