ENTRY & VISA REQUIREMENTS
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 Authorization (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 authorized 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 biographical information and answers eligibility questions from the traveler. 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.
People who are exempt from obtaining the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Holders of valid Kenya Passports or one-way Emergency Certificates issued by Kenya Missions abroad.
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits and Passes.
- Holders of valid United Nations Conventional Travel Documents issued by the Government of Kenya.
- Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations Accredited to Kenya (exempt from payment only).
- Citizens of the East African Partner States: Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Transit passengers who remain within the airport premises.
- Ship passengers who arrive and depart on the same vessel without disembarking.
Benefits of Kenya eTA system
- Allow travelers to submit relevant information and documentation online.
- Reduces the need for paperwork on flights or upon arrival.
- Facilitates smooth verification by transport carriers and authorities.
- Improves arrival processes at Kenya’s entry points, reducing queue times.
TYPES OF VISAS
Single Entry Visa
Issued for single entry to persons whose nationalities require visa to enter Kenya either for business, tourism, medical or other reasons.
Transit Visa
Issued to persons whose nationalities require visa to enter Kenya and are connecting through Kenya to other destinations for a period not exceeding 72 hours. Those connecting flights directly without leaving the airport don’t need to apply for Transit visas.
Multiple Entry Visa
Issued for multiple entries to persons whose nationalities require visa to enter Kenya either for business, tourism, family visits, medical or other reasons.
Five (5) Year Entry Visa
Issued to USA nationals who require visa to enter Kenya either for business or tourism or other reasons.
East African Tourist Visa
This is a Joint Tourist Visa issued to persons traveling to and within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for tourism.
Courtesy Visa
This is a visa issued to Diplomatic, Official and Service passport holders coming into the country on official business or duties, and to Ordinary passport holders where it is considered by the Director General to be desirable on the grounds of international courtesy. It can be issued for either Single, Transit or Multiple entries.
HEALTH GUIDELINES
COVID-19 COUNTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & TRAVEL ADVISORIES
Kenya currently has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry for U.S. and Canadian residents. Visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of Canada at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for up-to-date information and travel advisories. All requirements are subject to change.
Travelers may be subject to medical screening on arrival, including a temperature check, questionnaire, and visual assessment.
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION & MALARIA PREVENTION.
A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Tanzania if you are arriving from, or has transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa – including East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda.
This means that if your itinerary includes visits to both Kenya and Tanzania, you may be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination when entering either country. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries.
If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it.
Please Note:
If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting.
Regarding the Malaria vaccination, we strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling in any prescriptions before you depart.
MONEY & TRAVEL TIPS
CASH & CREDIT CARDS
Kenya has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted on big outlets lodges/hotels but very limited in many rural setups.
Access to ATM machines is available in large cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa. One can either opt to access the local currencies or the US Dollars. Be sure to check the local conversions.
TRAVELLING WITHIN EAST AFRICA
On flights within East Africa, each passenger is limited to a maximum baggage weight of 33 pounds (15 kilograms). This includes the weight of purses and camera equipment in addition to regular luggage. Luggage restrictions are adhered to very strictly and passengers should pack their bags accordingly. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on vehicles and on light aircraft used throughout East Africa. Dimensions should not exceed 23 inches (58 centimeters) long x 13 inches (33 centimeters) high x 10 inches (25 centimeters) wide.
We shall be availing our branded luggage tags to aid in luggage identification, especially when the bush flights take several stops before reaching your destination.