Most travelers receive their approved Kenya eTA within 24 hours of applying. However, a visitor can be denied a eTA if there are any issues with the application, potentially leading to delayed or disrupted travel plans.
The good news is that most of these errors can be easily avoided. eTA applicants should follow the tips and guidance below to increase their chances of success.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a Kenya eTA
When Kenya eTA are denied, it is usually because the applicant has made a mistake when completing the form, or left out some crucial information.
Other issues may occur if the traveler does not meet all the requirements for an eTA.
Kenya eTA denied due to application form errors
The following information is required to obtain a Kenya eTA:
- Family and given name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Country of passport
- Passport number
- Passport date of issue
- Passport date of expiry
It's essential that all the details provided match those printed in the passport exactly. Any differences in spelling will not be accepted. Particular care should be taken when completing the passport number, issue date, and expiry date fields, mistakes are easy to make when copying the digits.
Applications with missing information will not be accepted.
Kenya online eTA rejection if the traveler is not eligible
Foreigners should check the Kenya eTA requirements before going ahead with the application. Visitors must have a passport issued by an eligible country, valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Kenya. Anyone who attempts to use a passport that does not meet these criteria will not be granted an eTA.
Arrival and departure dates for the Kenya eTA
Applicants must ensure that the proposed departure date is within 90 days of the arrival date they provide. The maximum length of stay in Kenya with the eTA is 3 months.
Photo and Supporting Document Issues
In addition to completing the eTA form, travelers have to upload an image of their passport, a recent photograph, and proof of travel.
To be considered acceptable, the passport image must show all the information clearly, the use of a flash should be avoided as this can cause reflections. Kenya eTA rejection may occur if any of the details are not visible.
The passport-style photograph needs to meet all the Kenya eTA image requirements in order to be accepted. This includes being the correct size and format.
Finally, the proof of travel relevant to the applicant’s reason for visiting should be uploaded. Tourists require a hotel reservation and onward flight tickets. Foreigners visiting the country for other purposes such as business or medical treatment must upload the corresponding documentation. Failure to do so will prevent the eTA from being approved.
What If You Made a Mistake on Your Kenya eTA Application?
It is important to double-check all the information entered into the Kenya online eTA application form before submitting it. If you find a mistake, you can easily correct it then.
If an applicant realizes that they have made a mistake after submitting the form, it is likely that they will have their Kenya eTA denied.
Small errors are the main cause of Kenya online visa waiver rejections. In this case, travelers are advised to reapply, taking care not to make any mistakes.
Even if the Kenyan eTA is not denied due to errors, it is advisable to apply again. This is because a border official may notice the discrepancy when the traveler arrives in Kenya and could refuse them entry to the country.
What to Do If the Kenya eTA is Denied
If the Kenya travel authorization application is rejected, travelers should correct any mistakes they made before submitting a new request. The Kenya government’s eTA fee is non-refundable, to reapply the fee must be paid again.
Travelers who apply through this website will receive a full refund in the unlikely event that the eTA is rejected. Having been reviewed by experts before submission, the reason for denial should not be erroneous or missing information. Applicants will be informed of the decision via email and advised on how to proceed.
Although eTA processing is fast, visitors are advised to send the form in advance in case of any issues or delays.
Can a Kenyan eTA Be Denied after Approval?
A Kenyan eTA does not guarantee entry to the country. An approved eTA indicates the traveler is considered eligible to enter Kenya at the time of applying, for a specific purpose.
Kenyan immigration at the port of entry will conduct an inspection and decide whether the foreigner may enter the country based on immigration laws.
Most travelers do not face issues entering the country and will not have their Kenya eTA rejected at the border.
An eTA for Kenya is valid for 3 months, starting from the day it was issued. Entry with a Kenya eTA is denied if the permit was issued more than 90 days previously, and has therefore expired.
Can I Cancel My Kenya eTA Application?
No, once an application has been submitted and the eTA has been approved, it will be valid for 90 days as per its terms.
It is impossible to cancel the eTA or get a refund if the application is submitted for processing and approved.
The applicant is not obliged to travel to Kenya with it; the eTA will simply expire after 90 days if unused.
If the applicant has their Kenya eTA rejected, the application is automatically canceled.
