Kenya
Kenya replaced visas with a universal eTA — all visitors apply online before travel.
Official Visa & Immigration Links
Capital: Nairobi · Always verify requirements on these official websites before travel.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01 · Source: Official government websites
Kenya Passport, Visa, Embassy & Consulate Guide
Kenya is an East African nation with Nairobi as its capital, welcoming millions of visitors each year for wildlife safaris, coastal beaches, and cultural experiences. As of 2024, Kenya has modernised its border entry system by replacing the traditional visa with a streamlined Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) that all foreign nationals must obtain before arriving in the country.
Regardless of your nationality, you are required to apply for the eTA online prior to travel — there is no longer a standard visa-on-arrival or embassy visa process for most travellers. This guide covers what you need to know about Kenya's entry requirements, the eTA process, and how to find Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Kenya has replaced its previous visa system with a universal Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), meaning virtually all visitors — regardless of nationality — must apply online before travel. This applies whether you are visiting for tourism, business, transit, or other purposes. You should check the latest entry conditions for your specific nationality by visiting the official links on this page.
Ensure your passport meets Kenya's validity requirements before you apply for the eTA. Immigration officers may refuse entry if your travel document does not satisfy the minimum validity period at the time of arrival.
eVisa / Electronic Travel Authorization
Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is the official, government-mandated pre-travel permission required for entry into Kenya. Applications are submitted entirely online through the official eTA portal — see the official links on this page to access it. You should apply well in advance of your travel date to allow sufficient processing time.
When applying, you will typically need a valid passport, a recent passport-style photograph, details of your travel itinerary, and any supporting documents relevant to your visit. Once approved, your eTA will be issued electronically and should be presented alongside your passport upon arrival in Kenya. For the most current fee schedule, processing times, and eligibility rules, always refer to the official eTA portal linked on this page.
Passport Validity & Entry Rules
Before travelling to Kenya, confirm that your passport has sufficient remaining validity, as immigration authorities may require your passport to be valid for a minimum period beyond your intended stay. If your passport is due to expire soon, consider renewing it before applying for your eTA.
Citizens should contact their own country's passport-issuing authority to arrange passport renewal or replacement. For specific validity thresholds required by Kenya, refer to the official links on this page for authoritative, up-to-date guidance.
Immigration & Customs
On arrival in Kenya, you will pass through immigration where officers will verify your eTA approval and travel document. Ensure you carry a printed or digital copy of your eTA confirmation, your valid passport, and any supporting documents you submitted during the application process.
Kenya enforces customs regulations governing the import and export of goods, currency, and certain restricted items. Travellers should familiarise themselves with Kenya's customs rules before departure. For authoritative guidance, consult the official links on this page or speak with Kenya's immigration and customs authorities upon arrival.
Embassies & Consulates
Kenya maintains diplomatic missions in a number of countries to assist Kenyan citizens abroad and to handle official matters. Among the missions represented in our directory are the Kenya High Commission in London and the Embassy of Kenya in Washington, D.C. If you are a Kenyan citizen requiring consular assistance — such as emergency passport services or other documentation — contact the nearest Kenyan mission to your location.
Foreign nationals in Kenya who require assistance from their own government should contact their home country's embassy or consulate in Nairobi. Our directory currently includes one foreign diplomatic mission based in Kenya. For a full and current list of embassies and consulates in Nairobi, consult the official links on this page or your home government's foreign affairs website.
Emergency Assistance Abroad
If you are a traveller experiencing an emergency in Kenya — such as a lost or stolen passport, a medical crisis, or an urgent legal matter — contact your home country's nearest embassy or consulate in Nairobi as soon as possible. Embassies can provide guidance on emergency travel documents and connect you with local support services.
Kenyan citizens abroad in distress should reach out to the nearest Kenyan diplomatic mission. For contact details and further guidance, refer to the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs link on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya no longer issues traditional visas. Instead, all visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before travelling. This applies to nearly all nationalities. Check the official eTA portal linked on this page to apply and confirm current requirements for your passport.
You can apply for the Kenya eTA entirely online through the official portal. See the official links on this page to access the application. You will need a valid passport, a passport-style photo, and details of your trip. Apply well in advance of your departure date to ensure you receive your authorisation in time.
It is strongly recommended to apply as early as possible before your travel date. Processing times can vary, and applying early gives you time to resolve any issues with your application. For current processing time estimates, refer to the official eTA portal linked on this page.
If your passport is lost or stolen in Kenya, report it to the local police immediately and obtain a police report. Then contact your home country's embassy or consulate in Nairobi, which can assist with emergency travel documents. Keep digital and physical copies of your passport and eTA separate from the originals to help speed up this process.
Entry requirements, fees, and procedures can change. Always verify the latest rules through the official Kenyan government sources linked on this page, including the eTA portal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, before making any travel plans.
Drafted from verified official sources on file; reviewed content defers to government authorities. Generated 8/13/2026 — sources & verification: see official links above.
Foreign embassies & consulates in Kenya
Kenya embassies & consulates around the world
Help While Abroad
If you experience a lost or stolen passport, arrest, serious illness, accident or other emergency while abroad, contact your own country's nearest embassy or consulate — they provide emergency travel documents and citizen assistance. Use the Embassy & Consulate Finder to locate the right mission, and check your government's travel advisory service before departure.
Important: Visa, passport, immigration and entry requirements can change without notice. TravelerPulse.pro provides information and links for travel planning purposes only. Travelers should always verify current requirements directly with the destination country's government, embassy, consulate or immigration authority before traveling.