5 Simple Steps to Get Your Kenya eTA and Begin an Unforgettable Safari

The dream of a Kenya safari begins long before the first game drive — in a spark of wonder, a conversation, a photograph that stops you mid-scroll. But between that spark and the moment you first set eyes on the Maasai Mara, there are practicalities to attend to. One of the most important is understanding how to enter Kenya legally and seamlessly.

The good news is that Kenya has made this refreshingly straightforward. Since January 2024, Kenya operates as a visa-free destination — replacing the old eVisa system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) that can be obtained entirely online, from anywhere in the world, in a matter of minutes. No embassy queues. No paperwork posted across borders. Just a simple digital process standing between you and one of the greatest wildlife destinations on Earth.

Here is everything you need to know.

What Is the Kenya eTA, and Who Needs One?

The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a pre-approval system introduced by the Kenyan Government in January 2024, replacing the previous eVisa. It is a mandatory digital permit that all foreign visitors — including infants and children — must obtain before travelling to Kenya.

Importantly, Kenya is now officially a visa-free country. The eTA is not a visa in the traditional sense; it is an electronic authorisation that confirms you have been cleared to travel. It is obtained online before departure and presented digitally upon arrival.

A small number of nationalities are exempt from the eTA entirely, including citizens of East African Community partner states such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Citizens of certain Commonwealth and African nations may also be exempt. Always verify your specific nationality’s requirements at the official eTA portal before travelling.

What You Will Need Before You Apply

Gathering the right documents before you begin saves time and prevents unnecessary delays. Here is what to have ready:

A valid passport with at least six months’ validity from your planned arrival date in Kenya, and at least one blank page
A recent passport-style photograph, or the ability to take a clear selfie via webcam during the application
Your confirmed travel itinerary — arrival and departure flight details, including flight numbers
Proof of accommodation in Kenya for at least one night (hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation if staying with friends or family)
A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if you are travelling from a country designated as a yellow fever endemic zone by the WHO
A valid credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard) to pay the processing fee

Children under 18 must also have an eTA. A parent or legal guardian is responsible for completing the application on their behalf.

How to Apply: 5 Simple Steps

The Kenya eTA application is completed entirely online through the official government portal at etakenya.go.ke. The process is designed to be user-friendly and takes most applicants under 30 minutes to complete.

Visit the official eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke and create an account. Use a valid email address — this is where your authorisation will be delivered.
Complete the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Double-check all entries carefully before proceeding — errors can cause delays.
Upload the required documents: your passport biodata page, passport photograph, flight itinerary, and accommodation confirmation. If required, your yellow fever certificate.
Pay the processing fee of USD $30 using your credit or debit card. A small bank handling fee may also apply. The eTA fee is non-refundable, so ensure all your details are correct before submitting.
Submit your application and await approval by email. Standard processing takes three working days, though many applications are approved more quickly. For time-sensitive travel, an expedited processing option is available at an additional cost.

Once approved, download your eTA confirmation and carry it with you — digitally on your phone or printed — to present at check-in and again to the immigration officer upon arrival in Kenya.

Arriving in Kenya: What to Expect

Kenya welcomes international visitors through ten recognised airports, ten seaports, and eleven official border crossings. The majority of safari travellers arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, or — for those heading directly to the coast — Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

Upon arrival, present your approved eTA confirmation alongside your passport at the immigration desk. If all is in order, you will be granted entry for a stay of up to 90 days. Should you wish to extend your stay beyond that, extensions can be arranged through the Kenya immigration portal at fns.immigration.go.ke.

It is worth noting that possession of an approved eTA does not constitute an absolute guarantee of entry — the final decision rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry. Ensure your passport is valid, your documents are in order, and that you can clearly state the purpose and duration of your visit

Park Fees and the eCitizen Platform

If your Kenya travel plans include game parks and reserves managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service — and they almost certainly will — it is important to know that all park entry fees are now payable through the government’s eCitizen platform.

This change, introduced alongside the eTA system in 2023, applies to both resident and non-resident travellers. Park fees are paid digitally in advance or at the point of entry using the eCitizen platform, and receipts are generated electronically. This system has significantly streamlined the process of entering Kenya’s national parks and conservancies, reducing queues and improving the overall visitor experience.

At Kwezi Safaris, we manage the park fee payment process on behalf of all our guests — ensuring everything is settled well in advance so that your first experience of the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Samburu begins the moment the gates open, not in a queue at the kiosk.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Kenya Entry

Apply for your eTA at least two weeks before your travel date to allow comfortable processing time — earlier is always better, especially during peak safari season.

Applications can be submitted up to 90 days in advance of your arrival. We recommend applying as soon as your flights and accommodation are confirmed.

If you experience any difficulties with your application, email the Kenya Immigration Department at etakenya@ecitizen.go.ke or reach them via WhatsApp on +254 110 922 064.

Kwezi Safaris can assist guests who encounter challenges with the eTA process — from guidance on documentation to submitting the application on your behalf.

Always carry a digital or printed copy of your approved eTA and check-in to your flight with your authorisation confirmation in hand.

Your Kenya Safari Begins Here: Let Kwezi Safaris Handle the Rest

The eTA process is one small step on the path to one of the greatest experiences of your life. Once it is done, the only thing between you and Kenya’s golden plains is the flight itself — and the anticipation that builds with every hour in the air.

At Kwezi Safaris, we take care of the details so you can focus on the dream. From eTA guidance and park fee management to expertly crafted safari itineraries that take your breath away — we are with you every step of the way.

Kenya is waiting. Let us take you there.