Foreign citizens who wish to receive medical treatment in Kenya can apply for an eTA online.
The Kenya eTA for medical reasons is available to citizens of over 140 countries. Travelers are not required to visit a Kenyan embassy or consulate and can instead complete the application process from home using a mobile device.
In this article, travelers can find information about:
- Documents required to apply for the Kenya medical eTA
- The Kenya medical eTA application process
- Traveling with the Kenya medical eTA
Kenya eTA for Medical Treatment: Document Requirements
To apply for a Kenya eTA for medical reasons, the foreigner must meet the standard Kenya eTA requirements.
Eligible foreign nationals need the following basic documents and information to complete the application:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
- Passport-style photo that meets the Kenya eTA photograph requirements
- Credit or debit card to pay the Kenya eTA fees
- Current email address for all correspondence and notifications
Kenya Medical eTA applicants need to upload the following documents to support their application:
- Letter from the referring doctor/hospital
- Appointment letter from the receiving doctor/hospital
The paperwork is simply uploaded digitally when making the eTA application.
How to Apply for a Kenya Medical eTA
The Kenyan eTA is valid for a range of different travel purposes, including to receive medical treatment.
The only difference between applying for a Kenya eTA for tourism and a Kenya eTA for medical reasons are the supporting documents required. A list of required documents is provided above.
Completing the Kenya medical eTA application form
Foreigners receiving short-term medical treatment in Kenya should first complete the Kenya eTA application.
The following information is required to successfully fill out the form:
- Personal information: full name, date of birth, and nationality
- Family details: marital status, emergency contact
- Contact details: email, phone number
- Passport data: country, passport number, issue and expiry dates
- Travel plans: date of arrival and departure, reason for travel (select medical here)
Applicants are advised to check all the details they provide carefully before submitting the request. Any mistakes or missing information could lead to delays or rejection.
How long does it take to get a medical eTA for Kenya?
Kenya medical eTA applications are quick to complete. With all the relevant information and supporting documents to hand, the online form can be completed in minutes.
Processing is also fast. Although it is advisable to submit requests well in advance of the planned medical treatment, applications will generally be processed in 1 to 3 days.
As soon as the Kenya eTA is approved, it is sent to the applicant by email, ready to print and present along with the passport at the border.
Traveling to Kenya with the eTA for Medical Reasons
Holders of a Kenya eTA for medical reasons must plan their trip according to the eTA specifications.
Firstly, the eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This means that the foreigner must enter Kenya within 90 days of receiving the permit, or it will expire.
If the medical treatment is postponed and the new date is outside this 90-day window, a new eTA application must be made.
The second important consideration is that the Kenya medical eTA is a single-entry permit. Travelers can use their approved eTA to enter Kenya once. A new eTA is required to leave the country and return for further treatment or a follow-up appointment.
The maximum length of stay permitted with the Kenya eTA is 90 days. Patients should ensure that the proposed medical treatment does not exceed this time. A Kenya eTA extension can be applied for from within the country; however it is not guaranteed.
