FAQs

Yes, you need to transmit your passport in order to obtain a Kenya ETA. Kenya's government has implemented an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, which allows you to apply for and get an ETA online. The Kenya ETA is a digital document connected to your passport that immigration officers may readily verify upon arrival in Kenya. You will need to enter your passport number, date of birth, and other personal details when applying for a Kenya ETA. You must also submit a current passport-style image as well as a scanned copy of your passport biodata page. After submitting your application, you will get a decision within three business days. You will be able to get a copy of your ETA if your application is granted. When you arrive in Kenya, simply show your ETA. There is no need to bring your passport or any other supporting documentation. Here are some of the benefits of applying for a Kenya ETA: Convenience: You can apply for ETA online from anywhere in the world. Security: ETA is a digital document linked to your passport and can be easily viewed by immigration officers when they arrive in Kenya. Cheap: ETA costs are generally cheaper than applying for a traditional visa at the Kenyan embassy or consulate. If you are planning to travel to Kenya, I recommend that you apply for a Kenya ETA. It is a convenient, secure, and affordable way to obtain a visa to Kenya.  

No, a Kenyan visa cannot be obtained at the airport. For Kenyan visas, visa on arrival is no longer available. All travelers to Kenya must apply in advance for a visa, either online or at a Kenyan embassy or consulate. Due to security concerns, the Kenyan government ended the visa-on-arrival program in 2020. Some passengers were also accused of abusing the scheme by overstaying their visas. Beginning in January 2024, President William Ruto has launched a big reform for travelers: the customary visa process will be streamlined. All nationalities will now benefit from a more efficient electronic travel authorization (eTA) system, making your Kenyan experience easier. You can submit your application online through the Kenya Immigration Services website. The application procedure is quick and uncomplicated. Here are 3 steps of apply for a Kenyan ETA online: Fill out the Kenyan visa application form for Polish citizens Pay the Kenya ETA fees Receive the approved ETA by email After completing the payment,  please check your email us for your confirmed information, and we will let you know when you will have your Kenya ETA The processing period for a Kenyan ETA varies based on the kind of visa requested. A tourist visa, for example, normally takes 3 business days to complete.  

Yes, you can leave Kenya if you have overstayed your ETA. However, you may face a fine or deportation. The length of the overstay determines the penalties for overstaying your Kenya ETA. For example, if you overstay your visa by one day, you will be fined 500 Kenya shilling (about USD5). If you overstay your visa by one month, you will be fined Ksh. 15,000 (about USD 150). You may be deported if you are unable to pay the fine. Deportation is a severe problem that might jeopardize your future travel plans. If you overstayed your visa in Kenya, contact the Kenyan Immigration Department to discuss your options. They will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed. Here are some pointers on how to leave Kenya after overstaying your visa.: Be prepared to pay the fine. You may be deported if you are unable to pay the fine. Be kind and cooperative with immigration officers. This will assist you in ensuring that you are treated fairly. Do not attempt to enter Kenya on a tourist visa again. If you are found entering Kenya on a tourist visa after being deported, you may be barred from entering the country for an extended length of time. If you follow these tips, you should be able to leave Kenya after overstaying your visa without any problems.  

Overstaying your ETA in Kenya is a breach of immigration regulations, and it can result in a variety of repercussions, including arrest, fines, deportation, and future entrance prohibitions. The severity of the fines might vary according to the length of the overstay and other variables. If you overstay your ETA in Kenya, you may face the following penalties: Fines: Kenyan authorities have the authority to levy penalties for each day of overstay. The longer you stay over the allowed period, the bigger the fine. Detention: Individuals who overstay their visas may be detained by immigration officials in some situations. Detention might occur during the investigation of your immigration status or before you are deported. Deportation: Overstaying your visa might lead to expulsion. If an overstay is found, you may be asked to leave the country immediately, and future re-entry into Kenya may be restricted. Entry Bans: Overstaying your visa may lead to a ban on re-entry to Kenya for a specified period. The length of the entry ban can vary depending on the circumstances of the overstay. To prevent these repercussions, it is critical that you follow all Kenya ETA requirements and depart the country before your ETA expires. If you find yourself in a scenario where you have overstayed your Kenya ETA, you must move quickly to settle your immigration status. Contact the Kenyan immigration officials or the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate for assistance in dealing with your overstay and exploring your alternatives.  

The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is available to citizens of all countries who wish to visit Kenya for short-term purposes such as tourism, business, or transit. Some nationalities in the East African Community (EAC), including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, are exempted from a Kenya ETA. Applying for a Kenya ETA is simple and quick. Applicants can do it online on the Kenya Immigration Services website. The entire application process includes 03 steps: Step 1: Fill out the online application form with essential personal information, passport details, and travel plans. Step 2: Review all the details in the application form and pay the ETA application fees.  Step 3: Kenya Immigration Services may ask you to email us the supporting documentation. After you complete all the necessary steps, we will handle the rest. Your application result will be emailed to you within 03 business days with normal processing service. Those who wish to obtain their Kenya ETA sooner can consider our Rush ETA service, which takes only 05 business days to process an ETA. Travelers should verify their eligibility and meet the requirements outlined by the Kenyan Immigration Services before initiating the ETA application process.  

The Kenya ETA is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance. Depending on the ETA type, the travelers can stay in the country for a different period. Currently, there are three types of Kenya ETA available for eligible nationalities: Kenya Tourist ETA: This is for individuals visiting Kenya for tourism purposes or casual visits to their families. It allows a single entry into the country for up to 90 days. Kenya Business ETA: The Business ETA is granted to foreigners traveling to Kenya for business purposes. It allows a single entry for business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations. Holders of this ETA can remain in Kenya for up to 90 days. Kenya Transit ETA: If you are transiting through Kenya to another destination, you may need a Transit ETA. This is applicable for a 03-day stay while in transit. The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is compulsory for all international visitors, except passport holders from the East African Community (EAC) countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Every eligible traveler needs to complete the eTA application process at least a week before embarking on their journey. Applicants under 18 must have their legal guardian, parent, or accompanying adult complete the application. It is recommended that families submit their applications collectively.  

The difference between a Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and a visa is primarily the application process and the purpose of travel. The Kenya ETA is an online authorization system introduced to simplify the entry process for eligible travelers. It is applicable for short stays, such as tourism, business, or transit, and is available to citizens of countries that qualify for visa-free entry. The ETA can be obtained by completing an online application, which requires some basic personal and travel information, passport details, and other necessary documentation. The ETA is typically issued within 03 business days and is electronically linked to the applicant's passport. On the other hand, a traditional visa involves a more extensive application process. Foreigners who wish to visit Kenya for extended stays must visit a Kenyan embassy or consulate in person. Visas are generally issued for reasons other than tourism, such as employment or education. The application process for a visa typically involves submitting a paper application, supporting documents, and paying the visa fee. Unlike the ETA, a visa is stamped or affixed to the passport, and travelers must carry the physical document when entering Kenya. In summary, while both the ETA and visa grant entry to Kenya, the Kenya ETA is a streamlined and electronically linked process for short-term stays, while a visa is a more traditional and involved process for longer-term purposes.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for the Republic of Kenya is administered by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services within the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. This electronic system was initially launched in January 2024, which assesses the eligibility of individuals intending to travel to Kenya. The Kenya eTA replaces the previous Kenya eVisa, now a mandatory prerequisite for all foreign visitors planning a trip to Kenya. However, citizens from the East African Community (EAC), which comprises Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, are exempt from the Kenya ETA requirement.  The Kenya ETA is valid for three months from the date of issuance for a single entry, allowing a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors should note that even children under 18 years old are mandated to obtain a Kenya eTA for entry into the country. For minors, the application process must be completed by a legal guardian, parent, or adult accompanying them on the journey. Travelers can apply for a Kenya ETA quickly and efficiently on the Kenya Immigration Services with a few simple steps. It's crucial to check Kenya ETA requirements to learn more about the documentation requirements for your application and the ETA fees.

Yes. While the official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), US dollars are widely accepted in Kenya. They can be used in various transactions, particularly tourist-centric areas, hotels, and major urban centers. In Kenya, people prefer cash payments, so you should have US dollars on hand during your trip. Some Kenyan Shillings may be more convenient for smaller purchases, local markets, and transportation, as reliance solely on US dollars may not always be practical. Additionally, many establishments, especially those catering to tourists, may accept major credit and debit cards, which helps to reduce the need for cash transactions.  Travelers can efficiently exchange currency for Kenyan shillings through banks or local forex bureaus. The prevailing exchange rate for the Kenyan shilling to the US dollar is approximately $1 for Ksh.100. Before traveling, it's wise to check the current exchange rates, and if planning to use US dollars, bring small denominations for convenience. For the most secure cash withdrawals in Kenya, it is recommended to visit a bank branch. These branches typically house ATMs that readily accept international credit and debit cards. Moreover, there are usually staff members available to assist you in case you encounter any issues during the withdrawal process. Overall, while US dollars are generally accepted in Kenya, having a mix of local currency and cards can ensure a smoother and more versatile financial experience during your stay.  

Yes, foreigners can purchase a SIM card in Kenya through Kenya Immigration Services. The process is generally straightforward and designed to accommodate visitors and tourists. To acquire a SIM card, individuals typically provide us with some of the necessary information, such as full name and passport number.  Kenyan telecommunications providers, such as Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, offer a range of prepaid SIM card options suitable for both short-term and long-term stays. These SIM cards provide access to the country's extensive mobile network, enabling users to make local and international calls, send text messages, and access mobile data services. Additionally, the availability of SIM cards at airports, major cities, and towns makes it convenient for travelers to stay connected while exploring Kenya.  Moreover, travelers should also consider an eSim, which allows them to integrate a virtual SIM card directly into their mobile phone. ESIM cards become an excellent choice for obtaining data in Kenya, provided that your mobile device supports eSim. If you are interested in acquiring an eSIM specifically for use in Kenya, please reach out to Kenya Immigration Services promptly. We provide a variety of eSIM cards globally, with specialized plans tailored for Africa and, specifically, Kenya. Overall, the accessibility of SIM cards for foreigners enhances communication and connectivity, facilitating a smoother experience for visitors in the country.