Kenya eta Eligibility Criteria: What you need to know
To enter Kenya you need to obtain the Kenya eTA or Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization, however in order to apply for the Kenya eta you need to fulfill the Kenya eta eligibility criteria.
Kenya has always been a favorite destination for the best wildlife safari and game drives in the world. To make entry into Kenya easy for tourism, business or transit, the government has introduced the Kenya online visa or Kenya eta (which stands for Electronic Travel Authorization).
In the past travelers had to apply for the traditional Kenya visa which required the applicants to visit the embassy to submit the application and documents and passport to get a physical visa stamp before traveling to Kenya.
The Kenya eta is an online travel authorization offered to travelers who need to visit Kenya for short stays for reasons related to tourism or business. The Kenya government has made it mandatory for Foreign nationals to obtain the eta before boarding the flight to Kenya. The foreign nationals are no longer eligible for visa on-arrival.
On arriving at the airport, the immigration officials will verify your approved Kenya eTA before letting you pass the security check and providing a visa stamp on your passport.
However, foreign nationals must know that to obtain the Kenya eTA they must fulfill the eligibility criterias, only then they are eligible to apply and their application will be accepted.
Therefore before you rush to fill the Kenya online visa application form, you must know the Kenya eta eligibility criteria.
What is the Kenya eTA / Kenya e visa?
The Kenya eta or Kenya e visa is an online visa, also referred to as Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization, issued by the immigration department of Kenya to make entry into Kenya smooth and convenient. With this visa foreign nationals will be able to travel to Kenya for short stays for reasons such as tourism, business meetings, and family visits, and to transit through Kenya's airport.
Main features of the Kenya e visa:
- It is a complete online application procedure
- Once approved, the Kenya eTA will be linked digitally to your passport.
- Apart from some African countries, the Kenya eTA is mandatory for all foreign nationals.
- Anyone who fulfills the Kenya eta eligibility criteria are eligible to apply.
- The Kenya evisa must be applied by all foreign nationals (all adults, children, and infants).
How does it work for the Kenyan government?
The Kenya eTA allows the government to pre-screens the travelers, before providing them the eTA. This simplifies the process for both the government and the people who have submitted their application (as they will know about the visa status in advance).
Who Must Apply for a Kenya eTA / Kenya online visa?
Foreign nationals wishing to visit Kenya should apply for the Kenya eTA or Kenya e visa in advance. The Kenya eTA must be applied or can be applied by travelers who are entering the country for:
- Tourism like wildlife safari and leisure activities
- Business meetings, conferences, seminars, and trade fairs.
- Family visits
- Transiting (if passing through the airport)
Who is Exempted from the Kenya eTA / eVisa Requirement
There are some travelers who do not have to apply for the Kenya eTA or they are exempted from applying for the Kenya eTA or eVisa. These individuals are:
- Kenyan citizens who have their Kenyan passports.
- Kenya work permit holders or any other valid permits.
- Permanent residents of Kenya who are holding the residence permit.
- Foreign nationals whose country is part of the East African Community (EAC) Partner States. The countries who belong to the EAC include Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
- Transit travelers who only need to be in the transit area to board a flight to another country.
- Official or Diplomatic passport holders whose country has signed a treaty or agreement with Kenya.
- Airline staff or cruise ship staff members who are on official visit.
What are the Kenya eta Passport Requirements?
For the Kenya eTA application, travelers do not need any complicated documents. The main Kenya eta eligibility criteria is that you must have a valid passport.
To Kenya eta eligibility criteria includes:
- A valid passport with minimum six months validity (must be valid till the time you return from Kenya).
- The passport must be in good condition and have blank pages for visa stamps on arrival.
- Passports with manual alterations or extensions may not be accepted.
- Invalid passport will be rejected, it must be valid throughout your stay, till you return back to your country.
Can I travel to Kenya with a passport in less than 6 months?
If you want to travel to Kenya make sure that the passport has an expiry date after six months. Most countries immigration departments will accept your application only if your passport has a validity period of 6-months.
Those passports which are about to expire before six months, those travelers do not fulfill the Kenya eta eligibility criteria. They will have to first renew the passport and then apply.
Can I still travel if my passport expires in 2 months?
If you have a passport that expires in 2 months and you are returning back from Kenya before that time period, even then your application will not be accepted. Some airlines will not even allow you to board the flight if the passport is not valid for six months.
Reasons you can apply for Kenya eta
The Kenya eTA is designed for short-term, non-employment travel. Eligible purposes include:
With this visa foreign nationals will be able to travel to Kenya for short stays for reasons such as tourism, business meetings, and family visits, and to transit through Kenya's airport.
Eligible purposes of the eTA
Purpose of visit is explained below which ensures that Kenya eta eligibility criteria is met.
Tourism
Foreign nationals can apply for Kenya eTA for Tourism reasons related to holidays, wildlife safaris, beach vacation, sightseeing, cultural visits, and leisure travel.
Business Travel
Business travelers can apply for Kenya eTA for business meetings, conferences, seminars, investment, and trade fairs. Do know that you cannot engage in paid employment of any kind with this eTA.
Family and Social Visits
Visitors who have family members or friends living in Kenya and are permanent residents, they can visit Kenya to meet them. All they need is an invitation letter from the host with their residence address and ID proof.
Transit
Any traveler who has to board a connecting flight to another destination from Kenya's international airport, such travelers can apply for Kenya Transit eTA.
How long can I stay in Kenya on an ETA?
With the standard eTA which is a single entry visa, travelers can stay in Kenya for a period of up to 90 days. They must leave the country within the validity period. In case they want extensions, they must apply in advance.
Those travelers who have opted for multiple entry eTA, they can enter Kenya again and again within the validity period (which may be one-year, or five years), and the stay allowed is up to 90 days each time you enter Kenya.
When can you apply for Kenya eta?
Eligibility also means submitting the Kenya online visa application on time, here some of timing options available:
- The Kenya eTA application window opens 90 days before your travel date, this means you can apply for the eTA 90 days in advance.
- Travelers are suggested to apply for the Kenya eTA at least 72 hours in advance before your date of journey.
- The Kenya eta processing time is around 24-72 hours, and sometimes more depending on certain circumstances.
What Documents are needed for Kenya eTA?
The most important Kenya eta eligibility criteria is to furnish the following documents, missing any of the documents could lead to rejection of your application.
Mandatory Documents
- Bio-page of the passport, which you are using to fill the form
- Recently clicked colored passport-style photo
- Email address and mobile number.
- Return flight ticket
- Accomodation details
- Debit/ credit for fee payment
Additional Supporting Documents
Depending on the reason of your visit to Kenya, you have to furnish the following documents:
- Invitation letter from the host (family or friends)
- Business invitation letter, if you have to attend conferences, seminars, etc.
- Proof that you have funds to spend support your stay in Kenya
- Return flight ticket or onward travel ticket
Kenya eTA Entry Approval: What to watch out for?
On arrival in Kenya, at the immigration check point you will have to present your:
- Approved eTA
- Passport
- Documents that support your purpose of visit to Kenya
NOTE: Only those travelers who fulfill the on-arrival requirements will be allowed entry, those who fail to meet the entry requirements will be denied entry and will have to return back to their country of origin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for eTA Kenya?
Only those travelers are eligible for eTA Kenya, who are traveling for tourism, business, family visits and transiting.
Can I travel to Kenya with a passport in less than 6 months?
No you cannot, most countries immigration departments will accept your application only if your passport has a validity period of 6-months.
If you have any plans to enter Kenya for tourism, business or to transit, simply go for this hassle-free visa application process. But before that Check your eligibility for Kenya eTA and apply for Online Kenya Visa 4 days in advance of your flight.