Kenya eVisa Requirements – Complete Document Checklist
Before you start your Kenya eVisa (eTA) application, you need to have the right documents ready. Missing or incorrect documents are the number one reason applications get delayed or rejected. This article provides a complete checklist of everything you need, organized by document type and travel purpose.
Since January 5, 2024, all travelers to Kenya must apply through the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system at etakenya.go.ke. The requirements listed here reflect the current eTA system, not the older eVisa process.
Core Requirements for All Travelers
Every applicant, regardless of nationality or purpose of visit, must provide these documents:
1. Valid Passport
Your passport must meet these conditions:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your planned date of arrival in Kenya
- Blank pages: At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp
- Condition: Passport must be in good condition – no torn pages, water damage, or illegible text
- Format for upload: Clear color scan or photo of the bio page (the page with your photo and personal details)
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before applying. Applications with passports that do not meet the validity requirement will be rejected.
2. Passport Photo or Selfie
You need a recent photograph that meets these specifications:
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Clear, color photo showing your full face
- Plain white or light-colored background
- No sunglasses, hats, or head coverings (religious head coverings are permitted)
- Good lighting with no shadows on your face
- File format: JPEG or PNG
- Minimum resolution: ensure text and features are clearly visible
The photo does not need to be an official passport photo. A clear selfie taken against a white wall with good lighting is acceptable for the eTA application.
3. Contact Information
Provide a valid:
- Email address: This is where your approved eTA will be sent. Use an email you check regularly and that can receive attachments
- Phone number: Include your country’s international dialing code (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK)
4. Travel Itinerary
You must provide details of your planned travel:
- Arrival date: When you plan to enter Kenya
- Departure date: When you plan to leave Kenya
- Port of entry: The airport or border crossing where you will arrive (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi)
- Flight details: Airline name and flight number if available
While confirmed flight bookings are not strictly required, having a flight itinerary strengthens your application and speeds up processing.
5. Accommodation Proof
Provide evidence of where you will stay in Kenya:
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Reservation from a booking platform (Booking.com, Airbnb, etc.)
- Letter of invitation from a host in Kenya (for family or friend visits)
- Tour operator confirmation (for safari or organized trips)
The booking should cover the full duration of your stay. If you are visiting multiple cities, provide bookings for each location.
6. Payment Method
The eTA fee is paid online during the application process. Accepted methods typically include:
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Debit card with online payment capability
- Other digital payment methods supported by the portal
Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions before starting the application.
Additional Requirements by Purpose of Visit
Depending on why you are traveling to Kenya, you may need extra documents:
Tourism
No additional documents beyond the core requirements. However, having a rough itinerary of your planned activities can be helpful if questioned at the port of entry.
Business Travel
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Invitation letter | From the Kenyan company or organization you are visiting |
| Company registration | Copy of the inviting company’s registration document |
| Business purpose letter | Brief explanation of your business activities in Kenya |
Visiting Family or Friends
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Invitation letter | From your family member or friend in Kenya |
| Host’s identity document | Copy of their Kenyan national ID, passport, or alien card |
| Host’s contact details | Full address and phone number in Kenya |
Medical Travel
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Referral letter | From the referring doctor or hospital in your home country |
| Appointment confirmation | From the Kenyan hospital or medical facility |
| Treatment details | Brief description of the medical treatment you are seeking |
Conference or Event Attendance
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Invitation letter | From the conference or event organizer |
| Registration confirmation | Proof that you are registered for the event |
| Event details | Name, dates, and location of the conference |
Employment
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment contract | Signed contract with the Kenyan employer |
| Work permit documentation | If applicable, prior approval from Kenya Department of Immigration |
Transit
If you are passing through Kenya to another destination:
- Proof of onward travel (flight ticket to your final destination)
- Visa for your final destination (if required)
- You may be exempt from the eTA if you remain in the airport transit area
Diplomatic Travel
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic passport | Valid diplomatic, official, or service passport |
| Official letter | From your country of origin, organization, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Document Upload Specifications
All documents uploaded to the eTA portal must meet these technical requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG, PNG, or PDF |
| File size | Typically under 2 MB per file |
| Resolution | Clear enough to read all text |
| Color | Color scans or photos (not black and white) |
| Orientation | Correct orientation (not upside down or sideways) |
Tips for clear uploads:
- Use a smartphone camera in good lighting
- Place documents on a dark, contrasting surface
- Avoid glare and shadows
- Ensure all four corners of the document are visible
- If scanning, use at least 300 DPI resolution
Passport Validity Rules
Kenya’s passport validity requirement is strict. Here is how it works:
| Your Passport Expires | Your Arrival Date | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| March 2027 | September 2026 | Yes (6+ months remaining) |
| July 2026 | February 2026 | Yes (5 months – borderline, renew recommended) |
| May 2026 | December 2025 | No (less than 6 months) |
If your passport validity is borderline, renew your passport before applying. The 6-month rule is calculated from your intended arrival date in Kenya, not your application date.
Who Is Exempt from the eTA?
Certain travelers do not need to apply for an eTA. The main exempt categories are:
East African Partner States citizens (up to 180 days):
- Burundi
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Select nationalities (up to 90 days):
- South Africa
- The Bahamas
- The Gambia
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Fiji Island
- Papua New Guinea
- And several others
Other exempt categories:
- Kenya permanent residence holders
- Valid work permit holders
- Transit passengers who do not leave the airport
- Crew members on manifests
- UN and international organization Laissez-Passers holders on official business
- Diplomatic passport holders from select countries (Brazil, India, Turkey, China, Iran) for limited periods
If you are unsure whether you are exempt, check the official etakenya.go.ke portal or contact the nearest Kenyan embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: complete Kenya eVisa guide | application process | US citizens guide | common mistakes
Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?
No. Kenya requires a full passport book with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page. Passport cards are not accepted for international travel to Kenya.
Do I need a return ticket to apply?
A confirmed return or onward ticket is not strictly required for the eTA application, but you must provide intended arrival and departure dates. Having a flight itinerary strengthens your application. At the port of entry, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel.
What if my name has changed since my passport was issued?
Your eTA application must match your current passport. If your name has changed (due to marriage, legal change, etc.), update your passport before applying for the eTA. Airlines and immigration will compare your eTA to your passport.
Do I need travel insurance for the Kenya eTA?
Travel insurance is not a requirement for the eTA application. However, it is strongly recommended for any international trip. Some travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
Are there any vaccination requirements?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. This is not part of the eTA application itself but will be checked at the port of entry. Check the latest health requirements before traveling.
Can I submit documents in a language other than English?
Documents should be in English or accompanied by an English translation. Official documents in other languages may need to be translated by a certified translator.
Checklist Summary
Use this checklist before starting your Kenya eTA application:
- Passport with 6+ months validity and 1+ blank page
- Clear color scan/photo of passport bio page
- Recent passport-style photo or selfie
- Email address (active and checked regularly)
- Phone number with international code
- Flight itinerary with arrival and departure dates
- Accommodation booking or host invitation letter
- Credit or debit card for payment ($30 USD + fees)
- Additional documents based on travel purpose (invitation letters, business documents, etc.)
Having all these items ready before you begin will let you complete the application in one sitting and reduce the chance of delays or rejections. For more tips on avoiding common issues, see our guide on common Kenya eVisa mistakes.
