Kenya Entry Requirements for Irish Citizens (eTA Explained)
If you ask any traveler to name an African country, there's a good chance they'll say Kenya. Because of its tourist-friendly infrastructure, exciting safari expeditions, and bustling modern cities, Kenya is one of the most visited destinations in Africa. You can see the Big Five animals up close, as well as explore Nairobi's streets, see the flamingoes at Lake Nakuru, or hike Mount Kenya.
However, it is important to note that most visitors, including Irish passport holders, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering Kenya.
The Kenyan Authorities have recently changed their entry requirements. Previously, you would have been required to apply for an e-visa before arrival. They have now replaced this with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which still needs to be applied for before you arrive in the country.
Thankfully, the process to get an eTA for Kenya from Ireland is fast and simple. The method of obtaining a Kenya eTA (previously the eVisa) for Irish citizens is straightforward and can be done online.
1. What is the Kenya eTA (previously the eVisa) for Irish citizens:
Kenya implemented the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in January 2024, replacing the old eVisa system. All passengers who previously needed a visa for Kenya must now get an ETA.
The ETA is only valid for one trip, and affected travelers must obtain a new ETA for each visit to Kenya.
All eligible travelers, including Irish citizens, must obtain a Kenya eTA (previously known as an eVisa). It is a completely digital travel document that is electronically linked to your passport.
The Kenya eTA for Irish citizens is an electronic travel authorization document that allows visitors to enter legally.
Irish visitors can use the Kenya eTA to enter the country for reasons of tourism, business, medical reasons, or to visit friends or relatives
Irish travelers who wish to visit Kenya can now complete and submit a Kenya eTA application from any location with an internet connection.
An approved Kenya eTA is valid for three months from the date of issue and allows a stay of up to 90 days per entry. Once in Kenya, your stay is limited to 90 days from the admission date.
For those who plan to move to or work in the country, it is necessary to obtain a long-term visa or work permit from the Kenyan Embassy.
Can I work while in Kenya with the ETA?
No, Kenya ETA holders are not permitted to work in Kenya. It's only for short-term trips. To work in Kenya, you must get an employment-specific visa or permit.
2. Kenya eTA (previously the eVisa) requirements for Irish citizens:
Before you can apply for an eTA for Kenya from Ireland, there are a handful of Kenya eTA requirements for Irish citizens that you must prepare ahead of time. They include the following items:
- A valid passport – All travelers must have a valid, up-to-date passport issued by the Irish government. Before they can legally enter Kenya, their passport must be valid for at least six (6) months.
- Passport information – During the application process, you will be asked to provide information about your passport, such as your passport number, nationality, date of birth, passport expiration date, and so on.
- A digital photograph – Please provide a recent, clear, and colorized photograph of yourself (taken within the last six months).
Once you have collected all the Kenya ETA requirements for Irish passport holders, it is time to move into the application.
3. How to apply for a Kenya eTA from Ireland
Irish travelers who wish to apply for a Kenya eTA online should continue to fill out and submit their Kenya eTA application form for Irish citizens after thoroughly reviewing the online eTA requirements.
eTA applicants from Ireland will typically encounter personal questions (e.g., name, status, gender, etc.) in a Kenya eTA application form, passport details (expiry and issuance date, passport number, and a copy of the biographical page), travel details (reason for visit, date when they will leave Kenya), and other security-related questions.
After all of this information has been entered, the system will ask Irish passengers to pay the Kenyan eTA processing fee
A Kenya visa waiver for Irish citizens will take between 24 and 72 hours to process. After that, Irish citizens will receive an email containing the approved eTA. It is usually recommended to print out a copy of the Kenya eTA so that Finnish nationals can keep it with them throughout their trip.
Irish eTA applicants must submit their applications in advance for the eTA to be processed on time and to avoid any complications that may arise before the scheduled departure date.
For purposes not covered by the eTA, travelers should contact the Kenyan Embassy in Ireland.
4. Kenya eTA (previously the eVisa) fees for Irish citizens:
Thanks to the online application process and the elimination of the need to visit an embassy, Kenya is one of the most inexpensive permits. You can pay the Kenya eTA fee by using a credit or debit card, Visa card, Master Card, PayPal, American Express
The Kenya eTA fee consists of a government fee and a service fee.
When it's about the Kenya service fee, it will vary according to how fast you want the eTA. We provide you with three options; keep in mind that the option you choose determines the cost of your Kenyan eTA. You have the option of selecting one of the following:
- Normal: You get your Kenya eTA in 3 Business Days
- Urgent: Things move quite faster if you select this option. Your application will be processed within 2 Business Days
- Super urgent: This is the most expensive option, but it is also the quickest. Your travel document will be ready in just 1 Business Day
In addition, we also provide other service packages to help customers have a safe and time-saving trip when coming to Kenya, including Kenya travel insurance, Kenya travel Sim, and Car Pick-up service in Kenya.
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