Kenya eTA requirements for Japanese citizens in 2026

Excellent news for Japanese citizens planning a trip to Kenya! You can now apply for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online, eliminating the need to visit a Kenyan embassy. This is an excellent option for those who want to avoid a cumbersome and time-consuming process.

While the Kenya eTA process is simpler than traditional consular visas, applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements before applying. You will have a successful application process this way.

Kenya launched the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in January 2024, replacing the previous eVisa system. This new approach is intended to make entering Kenya easier, encouraging more travelers to visit this East African destination

If you want to learn more about Kenya eTA requirements for Japanese citizens, continue reading below.

1. Kenya eTA for Japanese citizens: Latest updates

Kenya electronic visa for Japanese citizens (currently the ETA) is a mandatory travel authorization that allows Japanese nationals to enter Kenya legally. The system is electronic, and the eTA is linked to your passport.

Japanese passport holders traveling to Kenya must get an eTA before their trip. Fortunately, since 2024, this process can be done 100% online.

The Kenyan government introduced the eTA in 2024, which facilitates obtaining an authorized entry permit for foreign travelers. Japanese are among the most frequent visitors to Kenya every year.

Japanese passport holders can apply for a Kenya eTA from the comfort of their homes. The Kenya eTA application can usually be completed in about 20 minutes.

The Kenya eTA for Japanese citizens allows Japanese travelers to visit the country for leisure, short-term medical purposes, to see family and friends, or for business reasons.

The Kenya electronic travel authorization (ETA) allows for a stay of up to 90 days in Kenya. In some cases, eTA holders may apply for a stay extension through Kenyan immigration authorities, subject to approval.

Kenya eTA types for Japanese citizens:

We offer 04 different e-Visas to travelers from Japan:

• Kenya tourist e-visa: If you intend to stay in the country for an extended period, the Tourist e-Visa is an excellent choice. You'll have 90 days from the arrival date with a Tourist e-Visa to relax, visit colleagues or friends, and enjoy the food, culture, and sights Kenya has to offer. This e-Visa is for a single entry and can be extended.
• Kenya transit e-visa: If you do not intend to stay for an extended period of time, the Transit e-Visa may be an option for you. Japanese citizens will be able to stay in Kenya for up to 03 days with this e-Visa.
• Kenya business e-visa: This visa allows a single-entry stay of up to 90 days for business purposes.
• East Africa e-visa: This is the ideal e-Visa for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture of East Africa. The East African Visa allows you to stay in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for 90 days. During your 90-day stay, you can even enter and exit Rwanda and Uganda as many times as you want.

2. Kenya eTA (previously the eVisa) requirements for Japanese citizens:

A number of other documents and conditions must be met by Japanese travelers to obtain a Kenya eTA for Japanese citizens. These Kenya eTA entry requirements are divided into several categories and pieces of information:

• A valid passport – The only passport requirement for obtaining a Kenya eTA from Japan is to have a Japanese passport that is valid for at least 06 months from the date of entry into Kenya. There are at least 02 blank pages available inside the passport to receive exit/entry stamps at the Kenyan border.

• Recent digital passport photo: The photo must adhere to the guidelines of a passport photo, which includes being as recent as possible. In addition, the photo should be taken against a white background.

• An email address – Applicants must have a valid email address in order to receive updates on the status of their Kenya electronic eTA and its eventual approval.

• Travel plans and a return ticket — The Republic of Kenya wants you to assure them that you are traveling to Kenya temporarily and that you will be leaving to go to your final destination.

• Business documents including Invitation letter, COI of company, staff’s ID card/Passport for Business eTA.

If Japanese applicants’ passports are bound to expire, they must be renewed before applying for a Kenya ETA online

Furthermore, dual nationals with multiple passports must ensure that they travel to Kenya using the same travel document that they used to request an eTA.

It is critical to remember that the Kenya eTA for Japanese citizens is only an authorization to travel and does not grant entry into the country. This permission can only be granted after immigration officials at the border crossing have verified the visitors' travel documents.

3. How to apply for a Kenya visa waiver from Japan:

The Kenya eTA can be obtained online from anywhere in the world.; all Japanese nationals need is a working internet connection and the necessary Kenya documents.

The application process for a Kenya visa online is quick and simple. The Kenya eTA application form only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and Japanese citizens will be asked for personal questions such as:

• Full names

• Date of birth

• Gender

• Nationality

• Passport number

Japanese travelers can get a Kenya eTA for Japanese citizens in 3 steps:

• Step 1: Complete the Apply for a Kenya eTA Online form
• Step 2: Pay for the eTA processing fee
• Step 3: Print out Kenya eTA

It is critical that all of the information provided in the application be correct. Applicants from Japan will be able to review the form before it is presented to avoid errors, so travelers are encouraged to double-check the information. If there are any errors or missing information, the eTA for Kenya may be denied.

Processing time for Kenya eTA from Japan:

If the Kenya eTA is granted, the Japanese applicant will receive an email within 05 working hours to 03 working days. The electronic eTA will have a validity period of 180 days from the issued date.

It is advised to save the eTA information online and to obtain a printed copy, as well as other official Japanese travel documents, to show to immigration officials at the port of entry.

Japanese nationals should also apply for a Kenya eTA well in advance to avoid any delays or problems with their travel authorization.

4. Kenya eTA (previously the eVisa) fees for Japanese citizens:

Japanese citizens pay the eTA processing fees online using accepted payment methods provided by the service platform.

The Kenya eTA fees include the Government fee and service fee.

Travelers may choose from different processing options depending on urgency and budget. It is why our team prepared the following 03 choices:

• Normal: The price is reasonable, despite the slower processing speed. You will receive a Kenya eTA within 72 working hours.
• Urgent: You will receive your documents much faster than with the previous option. Your application will be processed within 48 working hours.
• Super Urgent: It is the fastest option available for last-minute trips. You will receive your Kenya eTA within 24 working hours.

Some third-party travel service providers may also offer optional services such as  Kenya travel insurance, Kenya travel Sim, and Car Pick-up service in Kenya.

Our Commitment to Reliable Visa Information

At www.kenyaimmigration.org, we are committed to delivering information that is accurate, transparent, and dependable. Each piece of visa-related content published on our website undergoes careful review to maintain consistency and integrity.

We do not rely on unofficial or third-party materials. To ensure accuracy, all references are drawn from publicly available resources issued by official Kenyan government authorities.

Sources:

• Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya): https://immigration.go.ke
• eCitizen Kenya Portal: https://www.ecitizen.go.ke
• Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs: https://www.mfa.go.ke

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