Kenya eTA for Chilean citizens - Requirements and Fees

No. Chilean citizens don’t need a visa for Kenya. With effect from January 2024, all travelers to Kenya will be required to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). 

The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a semi-automated system for determining a traveler's eligibility to travel to Kenya. The eTA application collects the traveler's data and answers to eligibility questions. 

The eTA provides travel authorization and is approved by the government of the Republic of Kenya. The eTA does not determine whether the traveler is permitted to enter Kenya. Immigration officials will determine the traveler's admissibility upon arrival.

The Kenya ETA is valid for a single entry, except for travelers who visit Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania or Uganda immediately after visiting Kenya and who do not visit any other country before returning to Kenya, and whose Kenya e-Visa will remain valid upon their return. Travelers who meet these requirements can use their e-Visa to return to Kenya

For Chilean citizens intending to visit Kenya, the electronic travel authorization (eTA) is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Travelers need to plan their travel within these timeframes to ensure compliance with Kenya's immigration rules.

A stopover differs from a transit in terms of visa needs. A stopover might be a simple halt of your aircraft in a Kenyan airport or a change of flight within the airport without leaving the international zone, but a transit may need an exit from the airport and, therefore, admission into Kenya. A visa will consequently be necessary just for transit, not a stopover.

As of January 2024, the Kenya Transit Visa has been replaced by the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The requirements for transit or stopover in Kenya still depend on the length of your stay.

• If your stay does not exceed 72 hours, a visa is not required. You only need to stay in the transit area of ​​the airport.
• If your stay exceeds 72 hours, you must obtain a transit visa. You can apply for a transit visa online or at your nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.

Required documents: Although the transit visa has been replaced by the ETA, the required documents remain similar. You will need to provide:

• A valid passport.
• A recent passport photo.
• Your flight itinerary.
• Pay the ETA fee (if applicable), which varies depending on the length of transit and your nationality.

In short, while traditional transit visas are no longer valid, the Kenya ETA offers a fast and efficient solution for managing your transit requirements electronically.

If you are planning to visit Nairobi, Kenya and want to know how to easily manage your transit visa online, you need to know about this option.

Kenya offers the option of obtaining a transit visa online through the e-Visa program. This streamlined process allows travelers to apply for a transit visa before arriving in Nairobi. It is designed to provide a faster and more convenient visa application process.

One of the main advantages of applying for a transit visa online is the simplicity of the process. Travelers can apply from home, without having to apply for the visa in person at the Kenyan embassy or consulate. Moreover, online applications are usually processed faster, which is crucial for layover travelers who have limited time at the airport.

The process of applying for a transit visa online usually involves the following steps:

• Visit the official Kenyan ETA application website or the provider’s website.
• Fill in the online application form with your details, flight details, and other required documents.
• Download the necessary documents, such as your passport, passport photo, and a copy of your flight plan.
• Pay the visa fee online using an acceptable payment method (if applicable).
• Submit your application online.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive an electronic confirmation of your transit visa, which you must produce to immigration upon arrival at the Nairobi airport. 

The paperwork required may differ based on your nationality and the duration of your layover. In general, you must supply a valid passport, a current passport photograph, and a flight itinerary, and pay the visa cost if necessary. Fees vary depending on the length of transit and the applicant's nationality.

The easiest way to get to Lamu Island is to fly into Manda Airport (LAU) on neighboring Manda Island. Domestic airlines such as Kenya Airways Express, Safarilink, Fly 540, and Mombasa Safari Air offer daily flights from major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi. 

Ferries depart from Manda Island and Mokowe on the mainland to the ancient city of Lamu. If you are traveling to Shela or other parts of the island, you will need to take another dhow to reach your final destination. You can also take a bus from Mombasa to Mokowe. The best company to use is Tawakal, which offers air-conditioned buses that operate twice a day. The journey takes about eight hours.

Once you arrive on the island, it is easy to explore on foot. For longer journeys between towns, rent a donkey or travel along the coast in a dhow. Keep in mind that there are no street lights, so you should bring a flashlight if you plan to return home after dark.

The easiest way to travel from Mombasa to Watamu is by road, covering a distance of approximately 110 kilometers. You have the option of driving or taking a bus/matatu, both of which are handy modes of transportation. The trip takes around 2 to 3 hours over the gorgeous Mombasa-Malindi route, which is in good condition. 

By Bus

Major bus terminals in Mombasa, such as the Coast Bus Terminal and Mwembe Tayari, serve as important boarding points for buses bound for Watamu. When buses arrive at Watamu, they typically drop passengers off at the main bus terminals in the town center, from where you can easily reach your final destination by tuk-tuk or taxi.

Bus services are typically inexpensive and regular. However, they may make many stops along the way, which might increase travel time. It is important to board early to avoid traffic delays in Mombasa.

By Matatu

Mombasa's primary matatu boarding sites are near bus terminals, such as Mwembe Tayari and the Likoni Ferry area. In Watamu, matatus normally let passengers off on the main road in town, at marketplaces or crossroads, from whence it is simple to go to your desired destination by motorbike or tuk-tuk.

Matatus are noted for being quick, inexpensive, and easily accessible, although they may be tight and occasionally overcrowded. Matatus may be a speedier choice than buses, but they are often less comfortable.

By Self-Drive Car

The picturesque 110-kilometer drive from Mombasa to Watamu follows the coastal A14 route. The most usual route is to go north from Mombasa on the Mombasa-Malindi Road (A14), passing via Kilifi and continuing to Watamu. 

The travel takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions, particularly while leaving Mombasa. Along the trip, you'll see breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean and the beautiful coastal terrain.

By Flight

Flying from Mombasa to Watamu is not a direct option, as Watamu does not have a major airport. However, you can fly to Malindi, which is about 20 kilometers from Watamu, and then drive to your destination.

• Airlines: Several airlines offer daily flights between Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA) and Malindi Airport (MYD). Airlines such as Safarilink, Fly540, and Jambojet typically operate this route.
• Duration: Flights from Mombasa to Malindi take about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Cost: One-way flights typically range from Kshs 8,000 to 15,000, depending on the season and time of travel.
• Airport Transfer: Upon arrival in Malindi, you can hire a taxi or use the bus to get to Watamu. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and covers a distance of 20 kilometers.

By flight

From Nairobi, travelers can reach Nanyuki via the A2 highway. The drive is approximately 200 kilometers and usually takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

By road 

Nanyuki's nearest international airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, about 200 km away. From there, take a short domestic flight to Nanyuki Airport, about 20 minutes from the town center. Safarilink operates two daily flights from Nairobi to Nanyuki, with a direct flight taking about 40 minutes from Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Domestic airfares vary, but typically range from $250 to $400 for a return ticket.

By train

A weekly passenger train runs between Nairobi Central Railway Station and Nanyuki Railway Station. It leaves Nairobi at 9:00 a.m. on Fridays and returns from Nanyuki at the same time on Sundays. The train has two classes: First Class ($7) and Economy Class ($1.50). The travel takes six hours. Tickets may be purchased on board, so come at least an hour before departure. Though slower than the bus, the train is cheaper, costing less than half as much.

By bus

Alternatively, bus (matatus) services run from Nairobi to Nanyuki, with journey times varying from 4 to 6 hours. Bus rates vary, but are typically around $5 per person for a one-way trip.