Kenya’s New Visa Rules Explained
Following President William Ruto’s announcement that Kenya will eliminate visa requirements for visitors, a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will be implemented to identify individuals entering Kenyan territory.
1. What is the Kenyan ETA System, and How Does It Assess Traveller Eligibility?
The Kenyan ETA, a semi-automated platform, is crafted to evaluate the eligibility of travellers seeking entry into Kenya.
While awaiting official communication regarding the system’s rollout, the government has delineated the essential steps for prospective visitors to secure the ETA. This process entails furnishing biographic details and responding to eligibility queries.
2. What Requirements Should Visitors Be Aware Of? A Detailed Look at ETA Application Necessities
- A valid passport with a minimum of six (6) months validity beyond the planned arrival date and at least one blank page.
- A selfie or passport-type photo.
- Contact information (email address and phone number).
- Details of the arrival and departure itinerary.
- Confirmation of accommodation booking(s).
- Means of payment, such as credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or other acceptable methods.
The government highlights that additional information, like financial assets and return flight details, may be necessary based on the visitor’s citizenship and country of residence. Furthermore, yellow fever certificates and other vaccination or test results might be required.
For specific visit purposes:
- Business visits necessitate an invitation letter from the company and proof of company registration.
- Family visits require invitation letters from hosts and the host’s identity card/passport.
- Diplomatic visits mandate a diplomatic passport and an official letter from the visitor’s home country.
It’s noteworthy that all East African Community (EAC) partner states are exempt from the ETA requirement. To ensure timely authorization, visitors are encouraged to submit applications at least 3 days before travel, with the option to apply up to 3 months in advance. The government advises prompt application post-booking accommodations and transport tickets.
An upcoming Kenya Travel Authorization mobile app, expected in January, will empower users to securely store profiles and travel documents for future use.
3. What’s the Application Process for ETA? A Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit www.etakenya.go.ke
- Click “Apply Now” and follow instructions.
- Verify all entered data.
- Submit the application.
- Receive an email confirming receipt of the application and payment.
- Upon the Immigration officer’s decision, an email confirming Approval/Refusal will be sent.
- Approved applicants should print the attached PDF document or save it in the Kenya Travel Authorization mobile app, presenting the ETA at all entry and exit points. Denied applicants must contact support@etakenya.go.ke for further details.
4. Despite ETA, Do Visitors Still Need Visas?
Despite the introduction of the ETA system, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority emphasizes that visitors will still require visas, with ETA issuance commencing on January 4.
5. Visa and ETA Fees: What Changes Are Effective from January 1, 2024?
According to a November 2023 gazette notice, ETA charges will be $30 (approximately Ksh.4,500) from January 2024. The notice also details changes in visa fees, including Single Entry Visa at $100, Multiple Entry Visa at $500, 5-year Multiple Entry Visa at $160, and an extension of the visa after six months at $200. Sanctions for overstaying, Referral/Multiple Entry Visa processing fees, Transit Visa, and East African Tourism Visa fees have also been updated. These changes were intended to be effective from January 1, 2024.
6. Kenya Visa Eligibility: Do I Need a Visa?
Passport holders travelling to Kenya are classified into three categories:
Visa category 1
In this category, nationals and individuals enjoy visa exemption for entry into Kenya. This privilege extends to countries with established agreements or exemptions, allowing their citizens and select individuals to enter Kenya without a visa.
Notable countries in this category include the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cape Verde, Comoros, Congo {Brazzaville}, Congo {Democratic Rep}, Cyprus, Darussalam, Djibouti, Dominica, East Timor, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guyana, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia (For less than 30 days stay), Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar {Burma}, Namibia, Nauru, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa (For less than 30 days stay), South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Nationals and Persons who do not require visas to enter Kenya.
Visa Category 2
This category comprises nationals from specific countries who are required to apply for visas before entering Kenya. The application process involves the submission of necessary documentation and adherence to criteria set by Kenyan immigration authorities.
Countries falling under this category include: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Bermuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Rep, Chad, Chile, China {P.R}, China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong {SAR}, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland {Republic}, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kampuchea, Kazakhstan, Kirghizistan, Korea South, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Macau {SAR}, Madagascar, Malagasy, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar {Burma}, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pacific Isles, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russian Federation, Salvador, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Stateless, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Sahara, Yugoslavia and former States of Yugoslavia. Nationals issued with visas on application. Processed within 48 hours.
Visa Category 3
This category includes countries and individuals subject to a referral process, with additional scrutiny before being granted entry into Kenya. Countries in this category include: Iraq, Libya, Syria, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea North, Stateless individuals, Yemen
7. Key Points Regarding Your Visa to Kenya: What Every Traveller Should Know
- The visa processing fee is non-refundable, and applicants should be mindful of this policy.
- Incomplete applications will be rejected, underscoring the importance of providing all required information accurately.
- Possession of an eVisa does not grant the final authority to enter The Republic of Kenya; additional conditions may apply.
- Engaging in any form of business or employment without the requisite permit or pass is considered an offence.
- A visa must be obtained before entry into The Republic of Kenya, highlighting the necessity of prior application.
- The e-Visa printout must be presented at the port of entry for verification purposes.
- It is advisable to allow at least 2 working days for the processing of your eVisa.
- Each adult visitor to the Republic of Kenya is required to submit eVisa applications individually through their personal eVisa account. Parents can apply for their children within the parents’ account.
8. Need Assistance? Contact Information for Visa Queries
- Telephone Number: +254202222022
- Email Address: evisa@immigration.go.ke
