Foreign nationals traveling to Kenya for a range of purposes can now take advantage of the eTA for Kenya, the quickest and most efficient way to gain access to the country.
Conveniently, the same eTA is valid for tourism, business activity, and visiting family, although the requirements differ depending on the purpose of the visit.
Tourists must provide proof of travel in the form of a Kenyan accommodation reservation, while business people, those staying with family, and students on an educational trip require an invitation letter.
The information below explains what this document must contain and how to upload it during the Kenya eTA application process.
What Is a Kenyan ETA Invitation Letter?
An invitation letter acts as proof of travel. It allows the authorities to verify that you have a legitimate reason for entering the country.
An invite is needed by foreign nationals for whom tourism is not the primary activity and is therefore applicable to the following 3 groups:
- Business people
- Foreigners visiting family or friends in Kenya
- Students on an educational trip
An invitation letter is a simple document and easy to obtain. Below you can find an explanation of the different types, and how to get one.
Invitation letter to obtain a business eTA for Kenya
The business invitation letter should be issued by sponsoring company located in Kenya who you’ll be working for/with during your stay.
The invitation letter must meet the following criteria:
- Written in English
- State the reason for the business trip
- Include details of the host company
- Include details of the visitor’s trip itinerary
- Signature or full name of the host at the end
The invitation letter will be accepted in color or in black and white.
The document is submitted electronically, with a copy of the company registration, when applying for the Kenya eTA.
What do I do if I am going to Kenya on my own business and have no host company?
If you have your own business in Kenya and are not being invited by any particular company, you may instead provide a statement explaining your business and reason for going to Kenya. You must sign or print your full name at the bottom of your statement.
Visiting family and friends with a Kenya eTA invitation letter
Given that foreign citizens staying with family or friends do not need to book accommodation, it is not possible to provide a reservation as evidence of travel.
In these situations, it is necessary to submit an invitation letter from the host family.
In their note, the relative or acquaintance should provide the following information:
- Full name, residential address and contact information (telephone number)
- Their relationship to the invitee (family/relative is not specific enough)
- Reason for visit
- Arrival and departure dates
The invitation letter must be written in English.
Like the business invite, this document is used to verify that the candidate has somewhere to reside and an acceptable reason for spending time in Kenya.
It should be submitted along with a copy of the ID card (Kenyan nationals) or passort bio-data page or immigration status page (foreigners living in Kenya).
Educational trips with the Kenyan online eTA
Students taking part in educational activities in Kenya also need an invitation letter for their trip.
In this instance, the letter should be from the school or university. The document should clearly state the reason for the trip and include full contact details, including the address.
Pupils should ask the school or other educational institution to provide them with the letter before beginning the eTA application process.
How to Submit a Kenyan eTA Invitation Letter
Travelers applying for the Kenya eTA do not need to present paperwork in person at a consulate or embassy. Conveniently, the form and all supporting documents are submitted electronically instead.
When filling in the eTA questionnaire, applicants are prompted to provide their proof of travel, which is the invitation letter for business people, those residing with family or friends and students.
The document should be uploaded in either PDF or JPG format. There are no size restrictions, but it is advised that the archive is no larger than 450kb.
Documents Required for a Kenyan eTA in Addition to The Invitation Letter
As well as providing the proof of travel which corresponds to the type of Kenyan eTA required, all eligible foreigners need to have:
- A passport which is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry
- A minimum of one blank page in the passport
- A return transport ticket or evidence of an onward journey
A yellow fever certificate for Kenya may be needed by people who have recently spent time in a high-risk country.
Other documentation is requested depending on the purpose of the trip. Travelers should consult the Kenya eTA requirements.
Check If You Can Apply for a Kenya eTA
Once the applicant has all the necessary documentation to hand, the online form can be filled in with basic personal information and passport details.
Provided all the data and supporting documents, including the invitation letter, are approved, the Kenya eTA will be sent by email within approximately 72 hours.
