Requirements for the Kenya eTA

Requirements for Kenya eTA include the set of documents to be provided and conditions that must be satisfied in order to successfully apply for an electronic travel authorization to Kenya.

The required documents for Kenya eTA may vary, depending on the traveler's nationality and purpose of travel - whether it's leisure, business, transit, diplomatic visit, etc. Usually, the documents requested from all visitors are a valid passport, face photo, accommodation booking, and itinerary.

There are also technical requirements that apply to all applicants: having an email address, an electronic device connected to the internet, and means of online payment.

Important: The eTA Kenya is necessary for every eligible foreign citizen willing to visit Kenya, including babies and infants. The Kenyan eTA application for underage visitors must be completed by their parents or legal guardians.

kenya visa online

Required documents for Kenya eTA

When completing the application form for eTA Kenya, you will be requested to upload copies of mandatory documentation. Copies can be made either by scanning or by taking photographs with a smartphone camera.

The set of documents differentiates between purposes of travel. The documentation for all travelers consists of:

  • a passport with a minimum 6-month validity period
  • a photograph face
  • itinerary
  • accommodation reservation

You also may need to attach:

  • employment contract
  • bank statements
  • conference invitation/participation letter
  • resettlement documents
  • letter from a hospital or referring doctor (for purposes of medical treatment)

Persons traveling on business must additionally provide:

  • invitation letter from a Kenyan company
  • company registration

Those traveling to Kenya in order to visit friends or family members must have:

  • a letter of invitation from a relative or Kenyan host
  • ID card/passport/alien card/entry permit of the relative/host

Diplomatic travelers must present:

  • diplomatic/official/service passport
  • official letter from the country of origin/Foreign Affairs/organization

It is also required to have an international yellow fever vaccination certificate (vaccination should be done at least 10 days prior to the intended date of arrival in Kenya) if traveling from the countries included on the list below:

  • AngolaAngola
  • ArgentinaArgentina
  • Burkina FasoBurkina Faso
  • BeninBenin
  • BrazilBrazil
  • CongoCongo
  • Central African RepublicCentral African Republic
  • Republic of the CongoRepublic of the Congo
  • Ivory CoastIvory Coast
  • CameroonCameroon
  • ColombiaColombia
  • EcuadorEcuador
  • EthiopiaEthiopia
  • GabonGabon
  • French GuianaFrench Guiana
  • GhanaGhana
  • GambiaGambia
  • Guinea BissauGuinea Bissau
  • GuineaGuinea
  • Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea
  • GuyanaGuyana
  • LiberiaLiberia
  • MaliMali
  • MauritaniaMauritania
  • NigerNiger
  • NigeriaNigeria
  • PanamaPanama
  • PeruPeru
  • Sierra LeoneSierra Leone
  • SenegalSenegal
  • ChadChad
  • TogoTogo
  • UgandaUganda
  • VenezuelaVenezuela
  • RwandaRwanda
  • ParaguayParaguay
  • SudanSudan
  • South SudanSouth Sudan

Kenya eTA photo requirements

A face photo requested in the Kenya eVisa application form must also meet certain requirements:

  • it must be recent and not cut from any document
  • it must show the entire face from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin
  • it must be front-view and passport-style
  • your eyes must be open

Documents required on arrival

Upon arrival in Kenya, you will have to show the immigration officer the following documents:

  • valid passport (the one that was used in the Kenya eTA application)
  • Kenya eTA paper copy
  • International yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)

Note: Kenya eTA only serves as a travel permit and does not guarantee that you won't be denied entry. At the entry port in Kenya, you will be required to provide the necessary on-arrival documents (the list is mentioned above) and answer questions regarding your trip. If the immigration officer considers your answers suspicious or confirms the lack of mandatory documentation, you may not be allowed into Kenya.

Other requirements

Since the application procedure for a Kenya eTA takes place entirely online, applicants should also meet specific Kenya eTA requirements in terms of technical aspects:

  • a working electronic device (a smartphone/tablet/laptop/PC)
  • a stable internet connection (mobile, hardwired, Wi-Fi)
  • an active email address
  • the ability to make the payment online