Kenya eTA for Qatari citizens: What You Need Before You Travel

Citizens of Qatar, like other nationalities visiting Kenya for tourism, may obtain an electronic eTA if they meet Kenya's eTA requirements. Fortunately, this application process is completed entirely online. It makes it easier for foreign visitors to obtain permission to visit Kenya without having to go through the lengthy process at a Kenyan embassy or consulate. The Kenya Immigration Services team assists with the online Kenya eTA application process.

The Kenyan government has declared that beginning January 1, 2024, tourists entering Kenya will no longer require a visa and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. In Kenya, the ETA system has superseded the eVisa system and is now in use.

Applicants may begin their application through the Kenya immigration services website to learn more about the Kenya eTA for Qatari citizens.

Even though online applications are simple, you must have all of the necessary information and documents. Keep on reading this article to learn more about the Kenya eTA for Qatari citizens

1. What is a Kenya eTA for Qatari citizens: Latest update

From January 2024, Qatari citizens traveling to Kenya no longer require a traditional visa and must instead apply for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to visit Kenya.

The ETA replaces the former Kenyan eVisa system. Unlike the former eVisa, the ETA functions as a pre-arrival travel authorization rather than a traditional visa. The procedure is faster and simpler than a standard visa application process.

The Kenya eTA allows Qatari citizens to stay in the country for up to 90 consecutive days from the date of arrival.

Under Kenya’s eTA policy, Qatari citizens must apply for a Kenya eTA if they plan to visit the country for short-term stays, including:

• Business
• Tourism
• Medical care
• Visiting friends or relatives

Qatari travelers visiting the country for other reasons (to live, work, or study, for example), or for longer stays than those permitted with an eTA, must apply in person at Kenya Embassy in Qatar

Kenya eTA types for Qatari citizens:

Depending on the purpose of travel, Qatari citizens may choose from several Kenya travel authorization options.

• Kenya tourist e-visa: The Kenya Tourist e-Visa allows citizens of Qatar to go on holiday to Kenya. It permits tourism and leisure activities while staying in the country. You can stay for a maximum of 90 days with a single entry to the country.
• Kenya transit e-visa: The Transit e-Visa is a great option for longer layovers or if you don't have much time to spend sightseeing. With the Transit e-Visa, you can stay in Kenya for up to 72 hours before continuing on your journey.
• Kenya business e-visa: This visa allows Qatari citizens to travel to Kenya on business. It also allows for a variety of business-related activities such as attending conferences, establishing new ventures in the country, and recruiting employees. The validity of a Kenya business e-visa is 90 days after issuance. Travelers have a single entry and stay for up to 90 days.
• Kenya East Africa visa: Want to really experience the beauty of Africa? With the East Africa E-Visa, you’ll have access to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for 90 days. You can enter and exit Rwanda and Uganda as many times as you want.

2. Kenya eTA / Evisa requirements for Qatari citizens:

To be eligible for the electronic travel authorization (ETA), Qatari nationals must meet the Kenya eTA requirements. Qatari travelers need the following to get started with their application:

• A Qatari passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Kenya, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Digital photo: The online Kenya eTA application requires all travelers to have a recent passport-size photo in digital format (either in JPEG or PNG format).
• A valid e-mail address: this is how you'll receive the eTA and other important emails. As a result, you must provide a valid email address.
• A scan of your passport – we only need the information page of your passport. This button contains instructions for creating the best passport scan for your application.
• Return flight ticket – this simply indicates that you intend to return to your country of origin before your eTA expires.
• Proof of accommodation – a hotel reservation confirmation is sufficient, and if you intend to stay with family or friends, have them write an invitation letter.
• Business documents (for Business e-visa): to get qualified, you need to provide an invitation letter from your company's partner in Kenya, a company COI, and your information card (staff ID/business card).

If the passport is about to expire, citizens from Qatar must obtain a new passport before applying.

The Kenya eTA application form is linked to the passport number electronically. The eTA request will be denied if the information does not match.

Any Qatari applicant who is a dual national must travel to Kenya using the same document used to apply for the eTA.

If all the eTA requirements for Qatari citizens have been met, the eTA will be received in a matter of days.

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

The Kenya eTA application process is as simple as filling out and submitting a brief electronic application form.

This form will ask the applicant to provide some basic information about themselves, such as:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Contact information
• Passport number, issuing, and expiry date

Applicants can apply for a Kenya visa online from Qatar in 3 simple steps:

• Step 1: Fill in the online eTA application form
• Step 2: Pay the  eTA fee for Qatari travelers
• Step 3: Print out the Kenya eTA

Read more: How to get a Kenya online eTA

When applying for a Kenya eTA online, visitors from Qatar should double-check the information they provide. This will make it easier to avoid delays or other problems while the Kenya eTA application is being processed.

The processing of the Kenya eTA for Qatari citizens is quick and efficient. Most applications are processed and approved within five business hours. However, travelers are advised to apply at least 48 business hours in advance.

The applicant receives the approved Kenya eTA via email, ready to print and present when traveling from Qatar to Kenya.

4. Kenya eTA fees for Qatari citizens:

Kenya eTA fees are generally lower than traditional embassy visa fees. Kenya eTA fees that you have to pay include the Kenya eTA service fee and the Kenya Government fee. 

The price of your eTA is affected by the processing time and the type of eTA you choose. As for the processing time.  Applicants may choose from three processing time options.

• Normal: When you choose this processing time, your Kenya eTA will arrive via e-mail within 3 Business Days.
• Urgent: This option will cut the application processing time by one day. Your application will be completed within 2 Business Days.
• Super Urgent: This is the option for you if you're in a hurry and need to get to Kenya as soon as possible. Within 1 Business Day, your form will be processed.

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.

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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