US and UK passport holders no longer need a traditional Kenya visa. Since January 2024 you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before you travel. At the time of writing (October 2026) the fee is reported at roughly US$30 to $35 and approval usually takes about three working days, so apply well before you fly.
The eTA replaced Kenya's old eVisa system, so if an older guide told you to apply for an eVisa, it is out of date. Fees, processing times and rules change, so always confirm the current details on the official government eTA portal, etakenya.go.ke, before you apply. Beware of lookalike sites that charge extra.
What is the Kenya eTA?
The eTA is an online travel permit linked to your passport. You apply before you travel, pay the fee online and receive approval by email. You then show it, printed or on your phone, when you check in for your flight and on arrival in Kenya. It is not a guarantee of entry: immigration officers make the final decision when you arrive.
Who needs one?
Most visitors, including US and UK citizens, need an eTA for tourism. Some nationalities, mainly from within East Africa, are exempt. If you hold more than one passport, apply with the one you will travel on.
How to apply
Go to the official eTA portal and create an application. Enter your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport, upload the documents the portal asks for, add your travel dates and where you will stay, pay the fee online and wait for approval by email. Save the approval as a PDF and print a copy.
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
Sources we checked put the fee at roughly US$30, plus a small card or bank processing fee that brings the total to about US$34 to $35. Processing is usually around three working days. We recommend applying at least two to three weeks before you fly to leave room for questions or delays. Some sites quote higher fees for faster processing, so check the official portal for the options available to you.
How long can I stay?
Tourist stays of up to 90 days are commonly cited. Confirm the permitted length of stay on the official portal when you apply.
Other things you need
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have blank pages. Airlines may ask to see a return or onward ticket at check-in, and immigration may ask for proof of where you are staying. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended for any safari. Check current health requirements, including whether you need a yellow fever certificate based on where you have travelled from, with your doctor or the Kenyan authorities.
Travelling on to Tanzania or Uganda
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda each have their own entry rules. If you are combining countries on one trip, check each country's requirements separately, and allow time for each application.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying through a lookalike site and paying double. Entering a name that does not exactly match your passport. Applying the week you fly. Forgetting to print the approval.
Frequently asked questions
Do Americans need a visa for Kenya?
No visa, but an eTA is required before travel.
Do British citizens need a visa for Kenya?
The same applies: apply for an eTA online before you fly.
How long does the Kenya eTA take?
About three working days according to most sources, so apply early.
Can I get the eTA on arrival?
Do not rely on it. Apply online before you travel.
Is the eTA the same as the old eVisa?
No. The eTA replaced the eVisa in January 2024.
Plan your safari: Entry rules change, so confirm everything on the official portal before you apply. If you are still planning your trip, tell us your dates and we will help.
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