Travelers of all ages must follow Kenya’s entry requirements for international visitors.
To travel to Kenya with minors, each child must meet the entry restrictions that apply to them. This could be one of the following:
- No eTA or visa required
- Kenya eTA
- Kenya embassy visa
Do Children Need a Visa for Entry into Kenya?
A child may need a travel authorization or visa depending on how long they will stay in Kenya and what they will be doing there.
Immigration rules for Kenya state that all foreign nationals must have an eTA to visit the country. This includes children.
If a family is moving to Kenya in the long term, they will need to get the appropriate visas to allow all family members, including dependents, to stay and live in the country.
Kenya eTA requirement for children
All children must have an eTA to enter Kenya for short-term trips. Even infants must have an eTA registered to their name.
Parents and guardians are responsible for completing the eTA application for minors in their care.
Kenya eTA requirements for minors based on nationality
Children of almost all nationalities are required to have a valid eTA for their visit.
However, if a child has a valid passport issued by any country in the East African Community (EAC), they may visit Kenya without any eTA or visa.
This includes minors from Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization Requirements for Minors
To apply for an online eTA to Kenya for a minor, applicants simply need:
- Valid passport
- Email address
- Debit or credit card
Parents of minors can use their own email address and make the payment on the child’s behalf.
How to Submit a Kenyan eTA form for Children
The Kenya visa waiver for children is quick and simple to obtain.
Parents applying on behalf of their children just need to fill in the online application form for the Kenya eTA with basic personal information, such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Travel details
Once the information has been completed, the eTA fee can be paid securely online with a debit or credit card.
The approved eTA for Kenya is then sent to the email address registered in the application form. A printed copy should be shown to immigration officials upon arrival in Kenya.
How long does it take for a child to get a Kenyan eTA or visa?
The Kenya eTA can be approved in as little as 24 hours, however applicants are advised to allow at least 3 days to avoid any delays in processing.
A Kenyan embassy visa takes longer to process. Travelers applying for a Kenya visa through a diplomatic government office should check the expected approval time of their chosen embassy. This can sometimes be a number of weeks.
Can my child travel to Kenya without a passport?
No, children cannot travel to Kenya without a valid passport.
It is advisable to have a biometric passport for Kenya (ePassport), as it makes the immigration process much faster.
Document Requirements for Minors Traveling to Kenya
To travel to Kenya with a child, they must have the following:
- Visa or eTA (if applicable)
- Passport registered to eTA
In cases where a minor is not traveling with both of their parents or guardians, they must have a permission slip from the adult who is not present. There are strict immigration rules for these circumstances, to avoid children traveling without permission.
Is Kenya Safe for Children?
Kenya is a very safe destination for tourists of all ages. Crime rates against tourists are very low and taking simple safety precautions will ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Safari vehicles are safe for children and the only problem you might encounter is car sickness. Public transport in big cities can feel chaotic and some parents decide to avoid it.
Consult a doctor for health advice and vaccinations for Kenya in advance. Keep in mind that malaria tablets are not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
