Kenya does not issue visas on arrival. Foreign visitors must now apply for an eTA in advance.
The visa on arrival for Kenya was discontinued at the end of 2020. From January 1, 2021, tourist visas were made exclusively available online.
Since the start of 2024, visas have been completely replaced by the online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The change is part of the Kenyan government’s move towards digitalization of its services.
All nationalities, bar a few neighboring African countries, are eligible for a Kenya eTA. They must meet the requirements set by the Kenyan Government.
The Kenya eTA application is fast and efficient. Travelers submit their request online and receive the approved permit by email.
Does Kenya Have a Visa on Arrival?
Kenya does not have a visa on arrival. All foreigners visiting the country for tourism, medical, or business purposes need to apply for a Kenyan eTA online.
Before 2021, some passport holders could get a visa on arrival in Kenya. However, travelers who were previously eligible for a visa on arrival must now get an eTA.
Kenya’s eTA system is convenient for travelers as the process is 100% online. Applicants receive their eTA before departure, reducing waiting time on arrival at the airport.
Can you still get a visa on arrival in Kenya?
No, travelers can no longer get a visa on arrival in Kenya.
Passengers on international flights to any Kenyan airport need to have a valid eTA. Visa on arrival facilities at Kenyan airports, including Nairobi, have been discontinued.
All visitors must get an eTA, whether they are traveling to Kenya by air, sea, or land.
How to get permission to visit Kenya now
Travelers who could previously get a visa on arrival now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. Visit visas cannot be obtained at Kenyan diplomatic missions either.
Applicants provide the same basic personal details and passport information as before. Instead of filling out the Kenya visa application form on arrival, travelers complete all paperwork electronically, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
eTAs are processed and issued by email within 1 to 3 days. Travelers must print the eTA and present it to Kenyan border officials.
Which Countries Can Get a Kenyan Visa on Arrival?
No nationalities can get a visa on arrival for Kenya. Passport holders from all countries need to get an eTA online (unless from one of the exempt nations).
Passengers who, until 2021, applied for a visa on arrival for Kenya, now need to use the electronic system.
Passport holders from EU nations, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are required to obtain an online eTA before departure.
Why the Kenya Visa on Arrival Has Been Discontinued
The old visa on arrival for Kenya has been replaced with a more efficient, electronic system. The eTA application process is fast and convenient.
Passengers previously had to wait in line to request a Kenya visa on arrival at the airport, and people often faced long waiting times.
Now, travelers receive the approved travel authorization before departure. They do not have to queue up for a visa on arrival and can move through immigration more quickly.
Kenya visa on arrival fee was paid in cash
The Kenya visa on arrival previously cost $50 (USD). Passengers had to make sure they had the correct amount in US dollars.
Kenya eTA fees are paid securely online using a debit or credit card.
eTA for Kenya approved before departure
Passengers who applied for a Kenya tourist visa on arrival traveled to the country without an approved entry permit. The request could be denied and entry refused.
Although an eTA does not guarantee entry to Kenya, as the final decision is made at the border, visitors can now travel with greater peace of mind knowing their travel authorization has already been approved.
Kenya Visa on Arrival Application Form Replaced
As explained above, travelers no longer fill out the Kenya visa on arrival application form on arrival. Instead, they complete the form online and submit their request electronically. The Kenya eTA form requires the following information:
- Full name, gender, date of birth, nationality
- Home address and email
- Passport number, date of issue, and expiry
- Date of arrival and departure
- Reason for travel
- Recent travel history
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
There are also some additional eligibility questions.
Visa waiver supporting documents are uploaded digitally
Depending on the reason for traveling to Kenya, different supporting documents will be required, such as a hotel reservation or business invitation letter. These documents are uploaded electronically.
Applicants have the opportunity to review all the details before submitting the request. The approved eTA visa waiver is delivered by email in 1-3 days.
Arriving in Kenya with an eTA
Passengers do not need to fill out any further visa forms on arrival in Kenya. They simply present the printed eTA and passport, along with any other additional documents that may be required (such as vaccinate certificates).
The Electronic Travel Authorization is valid at all international airports, including Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi and Eldoret International Airport. It is also valid at major seaports and land borders.
Like the Kenya visa on arrival, the eTA is a single-entry permit. Travelers can stay in the country for up to 90 days with an eTA.
