Countries
Kenya border technology
Short answer
- Start
- 5 January 2024, replacing evisa.go.ke 2
- Legal basis cited by the embassy
- Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 1 of 2 January 2024 2
How the eTA works
Kenya's eTA replaced visas for most visitors. The Kenya High Commission in London says that from January 2024 Kenya is a visa free country, and that travellers must apply at least 72 hours before travel 1. It states that no eTAs are issued on arrival 1.
The Kenya Embassy in Washington D.C. says the Government of Kenya brought in the eTA in line with a presidential directive on a visa free regime 2. It says the etakenya.go.ke portal replaced www.evisa.go.ke from 5 January 2024. Travellers must apply and pay before the journey, subject to exceptions 2.
The official portal states that all travellers to Kenya must submit information before departure. It warns that failure to comply may lead to denial of boarding or a penalty fee on arrival 3.
Who did not need an eTA under the 2024 rules
The Kenya High Commission in London lists these groups as exempt from obtaining an eTA 1.
- Holders of valid Kenyan passports, or one-way Emergency Certificates issued by Kenyan missions abroad 1
- Holders of Kenyan permanent residence, valid work permits and passes 1
- Members of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Kenya 1
- Citizens of Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, for six months 1
- Transit passengers who stay within airport precincts on the same aircraft, and crew on a carrier manifest travelling onward 1
Who applied without paying
The High Commission lists a second group that must apply but does not pay. It includes holders of diplomatic, official or service passports on official duty, and holders of listed laissez-passers such as those of the UN, the African Union and the IMF or World Bank on official business 1.
The same group covers citizens of 18 countries, among them Ethiopia, Ghana, South Africa and Zambia 1.
Fee and processing
Citizen Digital reported on 22 January 2025 that a November 2023 gazette notice set the eTA charge at US$30 from January 2024 4. The EastAfrican reported on 7 June 2025 that the fee is US$30 and that the eTA is valid for 90 days 5.
Citizen Digital reported that a faster processing option was introduced, with approvals possible within 72 hours depending on capacity 4.
Changes in 2025
On 22 January 2025 Citizen Digital, reporter Moses Kinyanjui, reported that the Cabinet, meeting in Kakamega County, approved an exemption from the eTA for visitors from African countries 4. Somalia and Libya were left out, with the Cabinet citing security concerns 4. African visitors may stay two months and East African Community nationals keep a six-month stay 4.
On 7 June 2025 The EastAfrican, reporter Luke Anami, reported that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the exemption for citizens of all African countries except Somalia and Libya 5.
On 14 July 2025 The Star, reporter Tabnacha Odeny, reported that Kenya waived visa requirements for most African and Caribbean nations, with Libya and Somalia excluded 6. The Star did not name a Legal Notice number or an effective date 6.
What the records reviewed do not show
None of the official pages reviewed for this page names a technology supplier or an operator contract for the eTA platform 1,23. This page does not name one. Kenya's immigration services portal lists passport, temporary permit and inter-state pass applications next to the eTA 7.
Common questions
Do I need an eTA to visit Kenya?
Most visitors from outside Africa apply online before travel at etakenya.go.ke 3. Since the January 2025 Cabinet decision, as reported, visitors from African countries other than Somalia and Libya are exempt 4,5.
How much does the Kenya eTA cost?
US$30, as reported by Citizen Digital and The EastAfrican, citing a November 2023 gazette notice 4,5. Check the official portal before paying 3.
Can I get a Kenya eTA on arrival?
No. The Kenya High Commission in London says no eTAs are issued on arrival and asks travellers to apply at least 72 hours before travel 1.
What is the official Kenya eTA website?
The Kenya Embassy in Washington D.C. names https://www.etakenya.go.ke as the portal. It replaced evisa.go.ke from 5 January 2024 2.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@africabordertechnology.com.
Sources
- Kenya High Commission, London: Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) (accessed 24 October 2026)
- Kenya Embassy Washington D.C.: eVisa (accessed 24 October 2026)
- Government of Kenya: Your visit to Kenya begins here, Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (accessed 24 October 2026)
- Citizen Digital, Moses Kinyanjui: Kenya grants ETA exemption to African countries as Libya and Somalia left out (22 January 2025)
- The EastAfrican, Luke Anami: Kenya exempts more countries from eTA rules (7 June 2025)
- The Star, Tabnacha Odeny: Kenya waives Visa requirements for most African and Caribbean nations (14 July 2025)
- Kenya immigration services portal: Electronic Travel Authorization (accessed 24 October 2026)
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- Ethiopia border technology
Ethiopia's e-visa since 2017, the IOM MIDAS border system and its two phases, and Immigration and Citizenship Services records, with sources.
- Rwanda border technology
Rwanda's visa on arrival and Irembo applications, e-gates at Kigali and Poids-Lourds, the EAC e-passport, ICAO PKD and cargo tracking, with sources.