Kenya Entry Requirements for UK citizens : eVisa & ETA

Kenya visa for UK citizens: Traveling abroad can be quite complicated, as every country has its own entry requirements. Travelers planning a trip to Kenya may find the entry requirements more complex to understand. Specifically, UK passport holders are required to obtain a Kenya ETA before visiting Kenya because of specific rules and regulations in this country. In this article, we will explain the Kenya ETA requirements for UK citizens.

Kenya ETA for UK Citizens – How to Apply from the United Kingdom

Moreover,  Kenya Immigration Services will also explain Kenya ETA fees, services, available types, and application requirements for UK citizens currently available and discuss how to apply for an online Kenya visa waiver from the United Kingdom as simply and quickly as possible. After that, you can fully enjoy your wonderful time in this beautiful country. Let's get started!

Do I need a visa for Kenya from the UK?

No, British citizens do not need a traditional visa. However, they must apply for a Kenya ETA before entering the country.  You just need a Canada ETA to enter and stay in the country for vacations, business activities, visiting friends and relatives, and medical treatment

The Government of Kenya has announced that from 1 January 2024, visitors to Kenya will no longer need a traditional visa and must instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya and is now in effect.

UK citizens planning to visit Kenya must apply for a Kenya ETA before traveling. This electronic authorization replaced the previous eVisa system. Therefore, all foreign visitors, including those from the UK, must have this card before traveling to Kenya.

The Kenya ETA is a semi-automated system that determines travelers’ eligibility to enter Kenya. An eTA issues a travel permit and is authorized by the government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not mean that a traveler will enter Kenya. Immigration officers determine acceptance upon arrival.

Key details for travelers: Kenya ETA

You can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days with an eTA. You can also extend your one-time visit to Kenya for 90 days.

The Kenya ETA for UK citizens is valid for entry within 90 days from the date of issue.

eTA for Kenya allows a single entry. For multiple trips to Kenya, travelers must reapply online.

Once approved, the Kenya eTA for UK Citizens will be sent electronically to the applicant, and you will receive a PDF copy by email.

Does the Kenya online eTA allow single or multiple entries?

The Kenya online eTA is a single-entry travel authorization, which means you can only enter the country once.

Let’s Check Kenya EVisa / ETA Requirements For UK Citizens

Although getting a Kenya visa online is not difficult, UK applicants may still face rejection if the submitted documents do not meet requirements.

There are some documents that UK citizens have to prepare. For all types of visas, the basic requirements include:

• A recent passport photo taken within the last six months.
• A passport with at least one blank page.

Additionally, each type of Kenya visa will need separate extra documents.

• For those who enter Kenya for tourism: Hotel bookings, travel itinerary, and return flight ticket.
• For those who enter Kenya for business: Copies of the registration of the company, Invitation Letters of the company, or Invitation letter for business visits, and a return flight ticket.
• For those who enter Kenya to visit family and relatives: Invitation Letters from family,  Identity card/ Passport of the host, and a return flight ticket. 
• For those who want to transit in Kenya: A round-trip ticket.

It is obvious that the return flight ticket is required in almost all cases. Fortunately, you can get it quickly with us. We also highly recommend that you get Kenya travel insurance (including COVID-19 treatment expenses). With these preparations, your application will be faster approved eTA by the Kenyan government.

Check Kenya eTA requirements for UK citizens

Need To Know All Types Of Kenya Visa For UK Citizens Currently Available

To enter Kenya, UK citizens must obtain the appropriate Kenya ETA based on the purpose of travel. Depending on the reason of their trip, UK nationals can get a variety of Kenya visa.

The Kenya visa for UK citizens is the most common, and it may be applied for and obtained online before to your travel. This type of Kenya visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and is appropriate for visitors entering Kenya for pleasure, business, medical, or transit purposes.

There are several Kenya ETA categories depending on the purpose of the visit.

Kenya Tourist visa

Mostly used for traveling and sightseeing. Kenya tourist visa for UK nationals allows for a single entrance and a stay of up to 90 days.

Kenya Business visa

is crucial for your work trip to Kenya. With a Kenya business visa, UK citizens will be able to stay in the nation for 90 days from the date of issue

Apply for a Kenya ETA For UK Citizens Right From Your Home

For each reason why you want to enter Kenya, the government has a suitable type of visa. It is too convenient that they allow visitors to get a Kenya visa completely online, named the Kenya electronic visa, also known as the Kenya ETA. Despite UK citizens still being able to apply for a Kenya ETA online from the UK at the Kenya embassy, British citizens prefer applying for it online rather than having to get out and stand in line at the embassy.

Every purpose of visiting Kenya has a type. Besides that, the three neighboring governments, which are Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, allow travelers to legally travel within these countries with one time application for a Kenya visa online fromthe  UK

With your available document and our support, UK citizens could easily apply for a Kenya eTA in minutes through some steps right at home. 

After deciding on the type of visa, you simply apply online on our website with some basic information. OOur experts will support you with inquiries, document preparation, status updates, and result delivery via email.

Once your Kenya visa application is approved by the UK, it will be sent by email. The standard processing time for Kenya’s online eTA application is, on average, 3 days. Kenya immigration services ensure that you get a response within that time.

How do I check the status of my Kenya eVisa application?

The main advantage of applying for an e-Visa to Kenya on our website is that you can check your Kenya Visa status online.

• To check Kenyan visa status, go to the Kenya Immigration Services website and select the "check status" option from the Useful Information section on the home page.
• Once you've completed the Check Status form, you'll need to provide some vital information, such as the application reference number (or full name), passport number, email address (the one you used to apply for the visa), and your special requirements.
• The final step is to click the "Submit" button to submit your application. You will receive the application status within 30 minutes. Check your Kenya Visa Status on a frequent basis to confirm that your application is moving as planned and to take any required measures.

Apply for a Kenya eTA for UK citizens online

Learn More About Kenya ETA Fees for UK Citizens

UK citizens as well as foreigners who want to apply for a Kenya eTA will pay for two kinds of eTA fee including the government and admin fee, and service fee. 

In addition, Kenya Immigration Services currently also provides other package services to assist UK citizens while traveling to Kenya, such as Kenya travel insurance, Car pick-up service in Kenya, and Kenya eSim.

Lean about Kenya eTA fees for UK citizens

Kenya Visa services for UK citizens

Kenya Immigration Services is currently offering 3 options of Kenya visa service for UK citizens, depending on your needs.

• Normal

UK travelers will get a Kenya visa approval in a guaranteed maximum of 03 business days.

• Urgent

UK citizens can get this Kenya visa in a guaranteed maximum of 48 hours.

• Super Urgent

This is the quickest Kenya visa option available, and it is only utilized in emergencies. UK citizens can obtain a Kenya ETA within as little as 24 hours

Note about the Kenya visa for UK citizens

• Please notice that UK citizens need to download and print their Kenya ETA, then bring it with them to show the Kenya Immigration officers upon arrival.

We are also set up to support British citizens in the situation of needing a Kenya visa urgently. It may be the context that you are in line at the airport in Kenya, while you had been too busy to prepare for the eTA before. Or your flight to Kenya will take off in the next 48 hours, so don’t worry about getting a visa to enter Kenya legally. Our expert with 10 years of experience will help you, and in return, you will pay an amount.

Kenya Visa Requirements for United Kingdom Citizens FAQs

Do I need a visa for Kenya from the UK?

No. All foreign citizens who wish to travel to Kenya do not require a Visa from January 2024 and will now instead apply for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). To enter Kenya legally, UK passport holders (i.e., citizens of the United Kingdom) must have an ETA. The reason is that the Kenya Government does not exclude the UK from the visa exemption list.

Thankfully, the ETA makes the procedure of obtaining an ETA to Kenya for British passport holders quicker and easier. UK travelers need to submit an online application, wait for 05 to 72 hours while their ETA is reviewed and approved, and then check their email to receive their Kenya eVisa.

Depending on the reason why UK citizens want to visit Kenya and the length of their stay in the country, they can apply for a suitable visa. Once the Kenya ETA application is approved, it is valid for 90 days. UK nationals should consider entering Kenya within the validity period of their ETA

It is too convenient that UK travelers can obtain a Kenya ETA online, from anywhere at any time. Within 15 minutes, they can complete the online application form and make the payment for the visa fee. Upon arrival, the valid visa along with their passport shall be presented to the Immigration Officer so that UK citizens can enter Kenya and enjoy what this country has to offer.

 

How much is a visa to Kenya from the UK?

In order to obtain a visa to Kenya, UK citizens have to pay two types of fee, including the Government fee and the Service fee. The cost of a Kenya eVisa is cheaper than a regular visa at the Embassy or Consulate.

The Government fee is mandatory for all UK applicants because the UK is not listed on Kenya's visa exemption. This fee is categorized based on the type of visa. The Government fee for a Kenya East Africa Visa is US$ 150.00, and a Tourist Visa and a Business visa are US$ 95.00. UK citizens who want a Kenya Transit visa need to pay US$ 65.00 to the Kenya Immigration Department.

Regarding the Service charge, it is charged based on how fast UK applicants need their visas.

There are 03 types of service with different processing times at Kenya Immigration Services that you can choose:

• Normal: For $59.00, this service ensures your application will arrive within 03 business days.
• Urgent: Pay additionally $79.00, you can expect to receive your Kenya Visa within 24 hours.
• Super Urgent: This service costs you an additional $99.00 to process your visa application within 05 business hours.

The online Kenya visa fee can be paid by debit or credit card, American Express, Visa Card, Master Card, or Wire Transfer (via the Bank of Cyprus).

Can UK citizens travel to Kenya?

Yes. UK citizens can visit Kenya as long as they have a valid visa. In 2020, the Kenya Government temporarily closed its border due to the Covid-19. Until August 2020, the borders were reopened, allowing international travelers to enter Kenya for tourism purposes.

The United Kingdom is one of the largest source markets for Kenya’s tourism. Kenya is renowned for its natural settings, providing tourists the opportunity to go on safari and see wild creatures up close. Therefore, one of the most common reasons for tourists from the UK to visit the nation is to go on safari tours.

If you are a UK citizen planning to have a vacation in Kenya, you must apply for a visa before departing. In 2015, the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services launched an electronic visa system, allowing citizens of eligible countries to apply for a Kenya visa online. This eliminates the need to visit an Embassy or consulate to apply for a regular visa as before.

Once the visa is issued, the holder can enter Kenya at an entry point with a valid visa and passport. The UK can use an electronic visa to visit Kenya for many different purposes including tourism, business, and transit.

Can I use a UK Emergency Travel Document to enter Kenya?

Yes. You can use UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) for entry, transit, and exit from Kenya.

You can cross a maximum of five countries on the way to Kenya using an emergency travel document. If you currently reside in the country from which you are applying, you can typically use it to return there. Your travel details (including destinations and travel date) will be printed on your emergency travel paperwork. If your trip itinerary changes, you must apply for a new emergency travel document once you have one. When departing Kenya, ETD tourists are required to get an exit stamp from the local authorities.

In addition, you can aslo apply for a Kenya visa online to get permission to enter Kenya. Its national reserves containing some of the most endangered wildlife and diverse culture will bring you many unforgettable experiences during the trip. With a Kenya eVisa for UK citizens, you can have a 90-day trip to explore this fascinating country. Thanks to the new electronic visa system, you can apply for a Kenyan visa online in just a few minutes using smart devices with a stable internet connection. After obtaining your Kenya eVisa, traveling to Kenya will be easier and more convenient than ever before.

Can UK Travelers Stay in Kenya for Longer than 90 Days with the eVisa

The Kenya eVisa is granted to UK travelers who want to visit the country for many purposes such as tourism, business-related activities, transit, or having a trip to Rwanda and Uganda other than Kenya. It is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.

Visitors from the UK who wish to extend their stay in Kenya for more than 03 months may request a visa extension. Before their visa expires, they need to make an appointment at the Immigration Headquarters in Nairobi. UK applicants can also visit the immigration offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, Malindi and Lamu to apply for a visa extension.

A visa extension permits the maximum duration of stay for up to 90 days with a single entry. An important note is that holders of Kenya transit visas cannot extend their visas.

Before paying the cost, the applicant must complete the application form for a Kenya visa extension. The cost varies depending on the visa type. UK applicants need to provide two passport-sized photos taken within the last 06 months. The passport is also necessary because the immigration official will stamp it with a visa extension. UK travelers are also advised to bring their Kenya eVisa printout upon arrival.

 

How long does it take to get a visa for Kenya from UK

Online Kenyan visa applications are simple and speedy. On the first step, the UK nationals must fill out an application form. UK citizens must include their full name, birthdate, place of birth, and passport number as a mandatory field. After the visa application has been submitted, it may take a maximum of 03 business days to process. The Kenya eVisa for UK cittizens will be sent to the applicant's email inbox after being approved.

The simple online application for a Kenyan visa takes UK applicants about 15-20 minutes to complete. The processing time that they choose in the form determines how long they can get their Kenya visa.

Applying for a Kenya visa online on Kenya Immigration Services website, UK citizens can select one of 03 types of visa services with different processing times. :

• Standard service: With this type of service, UK citizens can obtain a visa for Kenya in 03 business days.
• Urgent: This service guarantees the processing time of visa applications in 24 hours.
• Super Urgent: UK nationals can utilize this service to obtain a Kenya visa in 05 hours. It will be beneficial should they need a visa as soon as possible.

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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