Kenya eTA for Sri Lankan Citizens: Fees and Processing Time

No. Sri Lankan citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Kenya. Kenya repealed visa requirements for all foreign nationals wanting to visit Kenya by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2023, which were gazetted on January 2, 2024. Except for foreigners who have been excused from acquiring an eTA, all visitors to Kenya must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering the country. 

The Kenya ETA is an official Electronic Travel Authorisation. Passport holders from most countries need the ETA to visit Kenya for tourism or business.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation simplifies the visa application process for Kenya. Sri Lankan foreigners can complete the online ETA form in minutes.

Standard processing delivers the approved authorization in 5 hours to 3 business days. Kenya ETA is valid for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, and transit purposes

If you don't want to upset the natives, dress modestly. This implies you should avoid wearing shorts or skirts that are cut above the knee. It also entails wearing clothes that conceal your shoulders and cleavage.

Loosely fitting jeans and shirts are a good choice for walking to the streets and public marketplaces. When entering a religious facility, such as a church or mosque, you must exercise particular caution because the restrictions are stricter here. You do not want to get booted out for being inadequately dressed.

If you are at your hotel or in your tour van, you may relax and not worry because you will not encounter many locals in this environment.

Before leaving for the airport, inquire with your airline about particular baggage regulations, as well as the maximum size and weight limits for checked and carry-on bags.

Small, lightweight things (non-pointed umbrellas, purses, cameras, etc.) can be brought into the airplane cabin as hand baggage if they do not exceed the size and weight limits specified on the ticket.

For security concerns, several things are prohibited in the airplane cabin. These things must be checked in as hold baggage. These artifacts include the following:

• Liquids - When passing through security checkpoints in European Union airports, passengers are limited to the amount of liquids or substances of a similar consistency they can carry on their person.
• Firearms and weaponry in general.
• Weapons or things having sharp tips or edges.
• Blunt instruments.
• Substances that are explosive and inflammable.
• Chemical and toxic substances.

Although it may surprise you, several seemingly innocent things might be hazardous on an airplane if carried in your luggage.

An airplane isn't like a car. During the flight, temperature and pressure fluctuations, as well as the movement of the aircraft itself, may induce liquid leaks or the igniting of specific products. As a result, you must not, for example, bring the following items in your luggage:

• Explosives (including detonators, fuses, grenades, mines and pyrotechnic products).
• Gas: propane, butane (including small camping gas tanks).
• Flammable liquids (including gasoline, methanol, paint, solvents, glue and lighter fuel).
• Solid flammable or reactive substances (including magnesium, matches and lighters, fireworks and flares).
• Oxidizing agents and organic peroxides (such as bleaches and abrasives).
• Toxic or infectious substances (rat poison, infected blood).
• Radioactive materials (including isotopes for medical or commercial purposes).
• Corrosive materials (such as car batteries).
• Engine parts containing fuel.

Drinking tap water is generally safe for healthy persons, particularly if it comes from a reliable source. The government, via a public system, will notify you of any harmful water conditions. In this instance, you may need to boil the water or use bottled water. 

Here are safer alternatives to drinking tap water in Kenya:

• Boil water: Boil tap water for at least one minute to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Cool before serving.
• Bottled water: Choose bottled water with tight caps from well-known brands. Please make sure the seal is intact before purchasing and eating.
• Filtered water: Consider purchasing a portable water filter or using hotels and restaurants that offer filtered water options.

Remember to remain hydrated, especially in Kenya's warm environment. Following these instructions will guarantee that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your journey.

Traveling across Kenya with children is safe as long as you take the standard measures to keep them out of danger. Children are welcome in restaurants and safari lodges, and taking a safari in Kenya's national parks is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for them.

Safari trips in Kenya, particularly those in open safari vehicles, are subject to an age limit. Children aged 6 to 12 can attend a safari trip in Kenya at the discretion of the expert game ranger in charge. Younger than that may only participate on a safari trip as part of a private safari party, at the discretion of the game ranger in charge.

Here are some tips for visiting Kenya with Kids:

• If traveling on an overnight flight, look into whether your airline allows you to take inflatable travel footrests. This helps youngsters be comfortable on an airline and sleep longer.
• If you're traveling with toddlers or a baby, bring a tiny fold-up travel stroller.
• If you have older children, consider investing in some travel car seats.
• Travel with a comprehensive first aid kit because you will not have access to medical services while on safari, and having a strange belly on the bus will not be enjoyable!
• When planning a visit to Kenya with children, be sure to include both action and rest time in each day. Keep your days interesting and organize trips. For example, if you've planned a safari, be sure to also visit a Maasai Village or a local school. Children also require everyday opportunities to play with toys or in the pool. You will also discover that you must include a few days of downtime in your vacation itinerary or you will become fatigued!
• Allow employees to assist you. It is usual for Kenyan families to have help with their children, and they will frequently have specialized staff to play with them while you rest. Even if it's just for one hour.
• You can easily buy diapers in Nairobi, Mombasa, and larger shops, so plan to stop by when you arrive.
• If you plan on spending a lot of time in the van or on safari, bring food from home. We all know how much children love to eat while traveling, and nothing beats bringing your favorite snacks with you (they were a lifesaver!)

Kenya is a fascinating country, full of beautiful natural landscapes, culture, and above all history. The distance between Sri Lanka and Kenya by air is around 6,963 Kilometres (4,327 Miles). Although the geographical distance is quite far, it does not stop the Sri Lankan people from wanting to explore Kenya. To travel from Sri Lanka to Kenya, you generally need to follow these steps:

• Check Kenya ETA Requirements: Sri Lankan citizens need an ETA to enter Kenya.  They can't enter Kenya without holding a valid ETA. The Kenya ETA available for tourism allows travelers to visit Kenya for vacation, visit relatives, or participate in cultural, religious, or sporting events. It permits entry for up to  90 days from the date of issue.
• Book Flights: Search for flights from Sri Lanka to Kenya. Kenya's major international airports are Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA). You may book your flights online or through travel companies.
• Passport and Documentation: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Kenya. Carry any relevant papers, including your visa if applicable.
• Vaccinations: Consult your healthcare physician or a travel clinic to see whether any vaccinations or health precautions are required for travel to Kenya.
• Currency: Familiarize yourself with Kenya's currency, the Kenyan Shilling (KES). You may wish to convert currency before your travel or utilize local ATMs after you arrive.
• Accommodation: Make your reservations in advance, especially if you have specific preferences or are traveling during high seasons. You can see more information about the Best Luxury Hotels in Kenya.
• Transportation: Plan your transportation in Kenya, particularly if you intend to move between cities or regions. Depending on your location, you can use local buses, cabs, or fly domestically.
• Local Customs and Culture: Familiarize yourself with local customs and cultural norms in Kenya to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.
• Travel Insurance: You should consider buying travel insurance to cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
• Safety Precautions: Stay informed about the safety situation in Kenya and follow any travel advisories issued by your government. Keep emergency contact numbers and important documents secure.

Yes, the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is electronically linked to the passport you used when applying for the eTA. When you apply for a Kenya ETA online, travelers will need to provide your passport details, including your passport number. The eTA will then be electronically linked to that specific passport.

When you visit Kenya, immigration officers will verify your eTA status by reviewing your passport information. It is also critical to ensure that you travel with the same passport that you used when applying for your eTA. If you receive a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA using the information from your new passport.

Please be sure to check your eTA confirmation to make sure they match the information on your passport. If there are discrepancies, they must be corrected before traveling to Kenya.