The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, State Department for Immigration Directorate of Immigration Services has developed and is operating the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller. eTA applications for Kenya are usually processed in 3 days and there is an urgent processing service, however it is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.

Persons who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

1. Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificate issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
2. Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
3. Holders of valid United Nation Conventional Travel Document issued by the Government of Kenya.
4. Members of the Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya (exempt from payment only).
5. Citizens of the East African Partner States; These countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
6. All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of Airports in Kenya.
7. All passengers arriving and leaving by the same ship, and who do not leave the ship.
8. Members of crew of any ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; whose name and particulars are included in the crew manifest of the ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier; and who is proceeding in such ship, aircraft, train, vehicle or carrier to a destination outside Kenya.
9. Owners of private aircraft stopping over for refuelling in Kenya and who do not leave the precincts of the airport.

Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It is mandatory to use the Government's official website to submit your application. Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.

Benefits of Kenya eTA system

• Kenya eTA enables travellers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their homes before starting their trip. Travellers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.
• Travellers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or upon arrival.
• Transport carriers can easily verify that travellers have been authorised to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and are in possession of an approved eTA.
• Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections.
• Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitise its government processes.rt/Alien card/Entry permit of the family member/host