Kenyan Transit eTA

Apply for Transit eTA

Travelers changing flights in Kenya with transit periods of less than 3 days (72 hours) are able to leave the airport if they hold a transit eTA.

Foreign nationals taking a connecting flight can apply for a Kenya transit eTA online before travel and make the most of their waiting time in the African country.

The transit eTA is an opportunity for visitors to see some of the local area before heading on to their final destination. There are various natural and cultural sights within easy access of the airports.

What Is a Kenya Transit eTA?

The Kenya Transit eTA is an online visa waiver. It is ideal for foreign nationals connecting to other destinations through Kenya. Travelers are only allowed to leave the airport between flights if they are in possession of an approved Transit eTA.

If a Transit eTA is not obtained, the traveler must remain at the airport until their flight out of the country.

The Transit eTA replaced the old Kenya Transit eVisa, which in turn replaced embassy-issued Kenya Transit Visas. Now, the eTA is the only authorization for transiting passengers.

Kenya Transit eTA Requirements

In order to obtain a transit eTA for Kenya, foreign travelers must meet certain requirements.

Firstly, the total amount of time spent in the country cannot exceed 72 hours. If it does, the individual must enter “tourism” as their purpose of visit when applying for the eTA.

The visitor is required to provide the following documents to receive an approved Kenyan transit eTA:

  • Passport (or other acceptable travel document) with a minimum validity of 6 months
  • Onward or round trip ticket
  • Recent photograph of the traveler (passport-style)
  • Proof of accommodation (if applicable)

Applicants are also required to pay a Kenya transit visa fee.

Photo requirements for the transit visa for Kenya

The Kenya transit visa requirements state that the photograph must meet the following criteria:

  • Taken within the last 6 months
  • Shows the traveler’s full face from the front
  • Sharp, in focus
  • Not cropped or edited
  • No hats, headgear, or accessories that are not normally worn

Do I Need a Visa to Transit Through Kenya?

No, Kenya has eliminated its transit visas.

Instead, you need to get a Kenyan eTA for transit online. You will need this electronic document if you plan to leave the airport during your stopover.

A Kenya transit eTA is required if the time spent in the country is no more than 72 hours.

International Airports in Kenya

Passengers from overseas can fly into one of the following international airports in Kenya:

  • Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
  • Moi International Airport, Mombassa

The majority of international flights arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, located in the Embakasi suburb. With flights to over 50 countries, travelers changing flights are likely to do so here.

Those visitors with 2 or 3 days between flights are able to leave the airport, providing they have previously obtained the transit visa.

To see as much as possible in 72 hours, it is recommended that visitors hire a car. Several car hire companies are located at the airport. The road conditions in that part of Kenya are good.

There is also a selection of hotels in the vicinity of the airport. Booking a room in advance is advised.

How to Stay in Kenya Longer than 72 hours

As there is so much to see and do in Kenya, travelers may decide that they wish to spend longer in the country before moving on to the next destination.

Tourists can make the most of more time in the country by visiting some of its impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Travelers staying in the country longer than the 3 days permitted by the transit eTA should apply for a tourist eTA. Citizens of 141 countries are able to apply for the Kenya eTA, which allows visitors to stay in Kenya for 30 days.