Kenya eTA for U.S. Citizens

Apply for Kenya eTA from US

Most foreign nationals must obtain a Kenyan eTA, including visitors holding a U.S. passport.

Thankfully, the process is simple. U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the electronic travel authorization (eTA) for Kenya entirely online, from anywhere in the world.

Find more information below regarding the application process, the Kenya eTA requirements for American citizens, and everything you need to know to secure a Kenyan visa waiver from the U.S.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya?

No, Kenya has now eliminated all visas for foreign visitors. Citizens of the United States of America no longer need to apply for a Kenya visa for short-term trips to the country.

However, American citizens must still have authorization to enter Kenya.

Fortunately, Americans can request a Kenyan eTA online in just a few minutes.

Do Americans need a Kenyan eTA?

Yes, the eTA is a requirement for US passport holders visiting Kenya. You must register online for the eTA before you make the journey to the African country.

You will not be allowed to board a flight to Kenya from the US or cross the Kenyan border without a valid eTA.

Kenyan eTA from the United States: Requirements for Americans

There are some requirements travelers must meet to obtain their Kenya eTA for American citizens:

Some applicants, such as those visiting a friend or receiving medical treatment, may also be asked to provide an invitation letter.

Applicants must also be traveling for the purposes covered by the eTA:

kenya-visa-information

Kenya eTA Application for US Passport Holders

Travelers must fill out the Kenya eTA application for U.S. citizens with the required information, which includes personal details, passport information, travel plans, and a few security questions.

Afterward, visitors must submit their application and wait approximately 1 to 3 days to receive their approved eTA in their email inbox.

  • form

    Fill out the Kenyan eTA application form for Americans

  • card

    Submit a digital copy of your valid US passport and other relevant documents (if applicable)

  • mail

    Await eTA approval and receive your travel authorization in your email inbox

How Long Can U.S. Citizens Stay in Kenya with the eTA? Toggle faqs

The Kenyan eTA permits a stay of up to 90 days.

If eTA holders wish to stay longer than 90 days, there is an option to extend the stay at an Immigration Office in Kenya. It is often easier to simply leave the country for a few days, apply online for a new eTA, and return.

Travelers are advised to print out a copy of their eTA in case the immigration officer requires it upon arrival.

Can US Citizens Get a Visa on Arrival in Kenya? Toggle faqs

The Kenyan government announced that as of January 1, 2021, all Kenyan visas have become electronic and must be applied for online.

From the start of 2024, all visas have been replaced by the eTA.

This means that visa on arrival services have been discontinued for U.S. citizens and all other foreign nationals.

What vaccines do American citizens need for Kenya? Toggle faqs

There are no mandatory vaccinations for American citizens. The only case, in which U.S. nationals are required to provide proof of vaccination for Kenya is when they have recently visited a yellow fever high-risk area. In this case they should show proof that they were vaccinated at least 10 days before arriving.

In all other cases, American visitors are strongly encouraged to get in touch with their physician 6-10 weeks before traveling to discuss recommended vaccinations for Kenya.

Embassy Registration for U.S. Citizens

U.S. travelers can register with the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) system through their Electronic Travel Authorization application. This program registers the traveler with the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.

Thanks to the Embassy Registration Service, U.S. citizens in Kenya can receive important updates and information from the American embassy or consulate that is closest to them.

Registering with the Embassy Registration comes with the following advantages:

  • Staying up to date with the latest safety alerts and security situations in Kenya
  • Providing the U.S. embassy in Kenya with your contact information for easy communications and traceability in case of an emergency
  • Faster communication with friends and family back home in case of emergency

It is a simple and effective way of leaving with greater peace of mind.

Reviewed by

Autor
Ombo Malumbe, Esq.

Co-founding partner of Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP and a member of the Law Society of Kenya’s Cross-Border Practice & Immigration Committee

Ombo Malumbe is a practicing lawyer in Kenya, co-founder of Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP, and a member of the Law Society of Kenya’s Cross-Border Practice & Immigration Committee (2022-’24). His law firm received the Immigration Law Firm of the Year award from GlobalLawExperts in 2022.