Kenya eTA for U.S. Citizens
Before you can board your flight to Kenya, there's a new, required step for U.S. citizens: obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). To apply for Kenya eTA Online, first make yourself familiar with the Kenya eTA Fee validity, stay duration, entry type, application process, etc.
How Can U.S. Citizens Apply for a Kenya eTA Online?
The process of an eTA application is very simple and straightforward. The applicant can complete the process within 5-10 minutes from anywhere in the world. The application steps are as follows:
Complete the Application Form
Go through the Kenya eTA application website and complete the online form. You will be required to provide personal information, passport details and travel plan
Upload the Requested Documents
Upload the requested documents and submit the form
Pay the eTA Fee
Pay the eTA fees using a debit or credit card
Receive Approved eTA
It is essential to take several printed copies of the approved ETA and save its digital copy on the handheld device to show border control officials upon your arrival in Kenya.
What are Kenya eTA Requirements for U.S. Citizens?
All U.S. passport holders should fulfil certain eligibility criteria before applying for a Kenya eTA.
- A valid U.S. passport with a minimum of 6 months validity left in its expiry, starting from the date of arrival in Kenya and 1 blank page
- A recent, coloured, passport-sized digital photograph taken against a white background. The picture must present the applicant’s current appearance and should not be more than 3 months old
- An onward flight ticket (in case of transit from Kenya) or a return ticket to the home country
- Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter from the Kenyan hosts
- A valid and active email address is required to receive the eTA
- A valid debit/credit card to pay the eTA fees.
Different eTA purposes may necessitate the applicant to submit additional documents. Please refer to the list of Kenya ETA Requirements for U.S. Citizens for complete information.
Kenya eTA Validity
Kenya offers two types of electronic travel authorisations (eTA) for US citizens, each designed to meet different travel needs: the Single-Entry eTA and the Multiple-Entry eTA.
Feature |
Single-Entry eTA |
Multiple-Entry eTA |
Validity |
3 months from the date of issue. The eTA must be used within this period |
5 years from the date of issuance |
Entries |
Single-entry only. Once you leave Kenya, the eTA expires |
Multiple entries. You can enter and exit Kenya as many times as you need within the 5-year validity period |
Maximum Stay per Visit |
90 days |
90 days |
Ideal for |
Tourists or business travellers planning a single trip to Kenya |
Frequent travellers to Kenya for tourism, business, or other purposes |
Extension of Stay: Possible to extend for a maximum of an additional 90 days by applying in person at the Immigration Headquarters in Nairobi. The extension must be requested before the eTA expires |
Front Cover of USA Passport
Kenya eTA Eligibility
- United States citizens can apply for a Kenya eTA
- United States citizens can enjoy fast entry using the Kenya eTA program
- Here is information about Kenyan Embassy in Washington
Online eTA Types
Kenya eTA Application Processing Time
The Kenya eTA application processing does not take too long. If there aren’t any issues identified in their eTA application, they can expect to receive an approved ETA within 3-5 Days. If you need the eTA urgently, expedite your application and receive approval within 1 - 2 Days (additional fee may apply)
Do American Citizens Need Any Vaccinations for Kenya?
There aren’t any mandatory vaccinations for U.S. citizens to visit Kenya. However, if the traveller has recently visited a yellow fever high-risk region, they must present proof of vaccination. They can present the Yellow Fever Certificate when they arrive in Kenya.
As a general rule, all U.S. citizens must possess a travellers Health Insurance Form before arriving in Kenya. Moreover, they should get in touch with their physician at least 6 to 10 weeks before their intended date of travel to Kenya to discuss necessary vaccinations depending on their medical history and current situation.
Can U.S. Citizens Obtain an ETA on Arrival?
The Kenyan government discontinued the eTA on arrival facility from January 1, 2021. Now all foreigners must apply for an eTA before arriving in Kenya.
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Embassy Registration for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens travelling to Kenya can register with the STEP (Smart Traveller Enrollment Program) system using their eTA application and receive important updates and information from an American consulate or embassy closest to their residence in Kenya.
Kenya Embassy and Consulate in the United States of America
Kenyan Consulate General in Los Angeles, United States
Park Mile Plaza, Mezzanine Floor
4801 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90010
United States
(+1) (323) 939-2408
(+1) (323) 939-2412
cg@kenyaconsulatela.com
http://www.kenyaconsulatela.com
Kenyan Embassy in Washington, D.C., United States
2249 R Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
United States
(+1) 202 387 6101
(+1) 202 462 3829
washington@mfa.go.ke
Kenyan Consulate in New York, United States
866 UN Plaza, Suite 4016
New York, NY 10017
United States
(+1) (212) 421 4741
(+1) (212) 486 1985
newyork@mfa.go.ke
FAQs
Please refer to the Kenya eTA Fee webpage for complete information on the required fee amount
Yes, every traveller—including minors—must have their own individual eTA, regardless of age.
Validity starts from the date of issue, not from the date of travel
No, extensions must be done in person at the Immigration Headquarters in Nairobi, before the current eTA expires
Overstaying is considered a violation of Kenyan immigration laws and may result in fines, penalties, or difficulties with future travel
Content Disclaimer: Even though this info was last updated in August 2025, it's a good idea to double-check with the right agencies, embassies, and airlines to make sure your travel plans are spot on.