Entering Kenya is only permitted with a valid visa or eTA. Travelling with a visa for Kenya comes with certain requirements. Make sure you meet these, so your trip to Kenya can proceed without any problems. The visa requirements mentioned on this page apply to tourists and business travellers holding a Kenya eTA.

How can I apply for the Kenya visa (eTA)?
Since 2024, all travellers heading to Kenya must apply for an eTA. It is only possible to apply for this travel authorisation online, so you will not have to visit an embassy or consulate. Once your eTA is granted, you will receive it by email.
Apply for your Kenya visa here

Your passport and nationality

First, you must possess a passport to make a holiday or business trip to Kenya. This can be a regular, diplomatic or emergency passport. The passport must be valid for at least six more months on arrival in Kenya and contain at least three empty pages. Check this before submitting your visa application. Do you need a new passport for your trip to Kenya? Hold off on applying for your visa until you have received your new passport. Identity cards, residency permits or travel documents do not meet the requirements.

The online application procedure for the visa is available to tourists and business travellers with the nationality of the United Kingdom, Ireland and all countries in the European Union. Travellers with the nationality of Switzerland, as well several other nationalities you can find on this page, also meet the requirements for the eTA for Kenya.

The purpose of your trip to Kenya

The eTA Kenya is suitable for your trip to Kenya if you have a business, tourist or medical travel purpose. Visiting family or friends that live in Kenya is also permitted.

You are not allowed to work for an organisation located in Kenya during your trip. Voluntary work is also not allowed with the eTA. More information about the possibilities for visas that are suitable for (voluntary) work can be acquired through the Embassy of Kenya.

When travelling with children

Children travelling to Kenya must always have their own passport and eTA. Therefore, always make sure to apply for an individual visa for each child travelling with you. You can apply for the eTA for yourself and your accompanying children using a single online application form. Some special rules also apply to international travel with minors. For instance, all persons with parental authority must give permission for the trip. Do you have any questions about this? Then consult the frequently asked questions about the visa for Kenya.

The Masai - an indigenous people in eastern Kenya

Your itinerary

A requirement to apply for the Kenya eTA is that you must have already started making an itinerary. On the application form you must specify the dates and places of entry and exit from Kenya. It is only possible to enter and exit Kenya through a number of permitted airports, seaports and border posts. When applying for your visa, you must already provide a booking confirmation of your outward and return journeys.

In addition to your journey to and from Kenya, you must also have already booked your first accommodation before applying for the eTA. During your visa application, you must in fact provide a booking confirmation of this. Are you staying with friends or family? Then you must provide a letter of invitation written in English by the friend or family member you will be staying with. In addition, in this case, you must provide a photo or scan of this friend or relative's Kenyan passport, Kenyan ID card or Foreigner Certificate. Are you travelling for business? Then you must provide a letter of invitation issued by the Kenyan organisation that you will be visiting.

Did your travel plans change after applying for the visa? Then you do not need to pass that information on.

Important documents to take with you to Kenya
• The passport used to apply for the eTA
• The booking confirmation of your first overnight stay in Kenya
• A letter of invitation, if you are staying with friends or family
• A letter of invitation, if you plan to visit a Kenyan organisation
• Your return or transit ticket, with which you will be leaving Kenya

Arrival location

With an eTA, you may only arrive in Kenya at certain airports, seaports and border crossings. Therefore, you are advised to check whether the following list contains your arrival location.

Permitted arrival locations by plane

• Eldoret International Airport (EDL)
• Isiolo Airport (HKIS)
• Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
• Kisumu Airport (KIS)
• Lokichogio Airport (LKG)
• Malindi Airport (MYD)
• Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA)
• Wajir International Airport (WJR)
• Wilson Airport (WIL)

Permitted arrival locations by sea

• Kilindini Sea Port, Mombasa
• Kisumu
• Mbita Point, Nyanza
• Old Port, Mombasa
• Shimoni
• Vanga

Permitted arrival locations by land

• Busia
• Isebania
• Loitokitok
• Lungalunga
• Lwakhakha
• Malaba
• Moyale
• Muhuru Bay
• Nadapal
• Namanga
• Suam
• Taveta

Do you meet all the requirements?

If you meet all the visa requirements listed on this page, you can apply for an eTA for Kenya. Make sure to also take into account the validity term of the visa for Kenya.
Apply for the Kenya visa (eTA) now