Planning a trip to Kenya? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Kenya's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Kenya need electronic travel authorisation (eta), with an official government fee of US$30 (+ small processing charge; ~US$34 total).
Kenya visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) |
| Government fee | US$30 (+ small processing charge; ~US$34 total) |
| Processing time | 24–72 hours (apply ≥3 days before travel) |
| Validity | Single entry, use within 90 days |
| Permitted stay | Up to 90 days |
| Where to apply | etakenya.go.ke (official) only |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Kenya?
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Nearly all non-exempt visitors incl. India, China, Japan, South Korea, USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, NZ, Russia, Brazil, GCC — including infants.
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): All non-exempt travellers, incl. ordinary Indian passport holders
eTA Exemption (Singapore & listed countries): Singapore passport holders and other exempted nationalities (and EAC citizens)
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): All non-exempt travellers, incl. ordinary Indian passport holders
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): All non-exempt travellers, incl. ordinary Indian passport holders
Kenya visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) | US$30 (+ small processing charge; ~US$34 total) | Up to 90 days | 24–72 hours (apply ≥3 days before travel) | etakenya.go.ke (official) only |
| Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) | 30 USD | 90 days | Advised to apply at least 3 days (72h) before travel | https://www.etakenya.go.ke |
| eTA Exemption (Singapore & listed countries) | Free | 90 days | On arrival | https://www.etakenya.go.ke |
| Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) | 30 USD | 90 days | Advised to apply at least 3 days (72h) before travel | https://www.etakenya.go.ke |
| Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) | 30 USD | 90 days | Advised to apply at least 3 days (72h) before travel | https://www.etakenya.go.ke |
Documents required
For the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA):
- Passport valid ≥6 months
- Photo / selfie
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking / host details
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic country
- Card payment
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): etakenya.go.ke (official) only — allow 24–72 hours (apply ≥3 days before travel).
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): https://www.etakenya.go.ke — allow Advised to apply at least 3 days (72h) before travel.
- eTA Exemption (Singapore & listed countries): https://www.etakenya.go.ke — allow On arrival.
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): https://www.etakenya.go.ke — allow Advised to apply at least 3 days (72h) before travel.
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): https://www.etakenya.go.ke — allow Advised to apply at least 3 days (72h) before travel.
- Arrival formalities: eTA doubles as arrival declaration
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Kenya visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Kenya visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Kenya.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: eTA doubles as arrival declaration — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Kenya application.
- Processing: allow 24–72 hours (apply ≥3 days before travel). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Kenya
- Arrival card / declaration: eTA doubles as arrival declaration
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda) US$100 also available.
Kenya visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Kenya visa?
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): US$30 (+ small processing charge; ~US$34 total). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): 24–72 hours (apply ≥3 days before travel).
Official sources
- Kenya eTA — Directorate of Immigration Services — verified 16 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.