Kenya eTA for Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda

Whether you're traveling for leisure, business, or transiting or have other plans, you'll need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Kenya from Antigua and Barbuda. Here's everything you need to know about applying for and using a Kenyan eTA as an Antiguan or Barbudan passport holder. To ensure a smooth entry into the country, make sure to apply for Kenya eTA in advance and follow all the official application guidelines carefully.

Do Antigua and Barbuda Citizens need an eTA to travel to Kenya?

Yes, Antigua and Barbuda citizens must obtain a Kenyan eTA to enter the country. This is a mandatory digital travel authorization introduced by the government in 2024 to streamline entry for short stays. The eTA can be used for tourism, business, transit, and many other purposes.

You must apply for the eTA online before your trip, and it will be sent to your email upon approval. Travelers without a valid eTA will not be allowed to board their flights to Kenya.

How Long Does the Kenya eTA Approval Take?

The typical processing time for the Kenya eTA is within 3 - 5 working days. However, processing times can vary, so it's strongly recommended to apply early, at least two or three weeks before departure. You'll be notified via email once your application is approved or if any additional information is needed.

Validity & Stay Duration of the Kenya eTA for Antiguan and Barbudan Citizens

Below is a breakdown of the Kenya eTA's validity, permitted duration of stay, and extension options for Antiguan and Barbudan travelers:

Aspect	Details
eTA Validity	90 days from the date of issue
Allowed Stay Duration	Up to 90 days from the date of entry
First Extension Option	You may apply for a 90-day extension at a Kenyan immigration office
Second Extension Option	A second 90-day extension may be granted
Maximum Total Stay	180 days in total (original stay + two extensions)
Extension Requirements	Must visit the nearest immigration office in Kenya

Types of Kenyan eTA for Antiguan/Barbudan Travelers

Kenya offers a single eTa covering a number of purposes. Including:

Tourism
Visiting Friends & Family
Business
Conference
For Crew (planes or ships)
For Crew (Positioning)

To Work
Seaman fishing vessel
Medical Care
Religious visit
Study / Education
Transit

Kenya eTA Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda Citizens

To apply for the eTA, make sure you have the following:

A valid passport : Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival. It should also have at least two blank pages for stamping
A passport-style photo: You’ll need to upload a recent passport-sized photo taken against a plain background. It should clearly show your face without any headwear (unless worn for religious reasons).
Accommodation proof: You must provide confirmation of where you’ll stay while in Kenya. This can be a hotel booking, Airbnb reservation, or an invitation letter from your host if you’re staying with friends or family.
Return or onward travel ticket: A copy of your return flight ticket or a confirmed ticket to your next destination is required. This helps prove you don’t intend to overstay your visa.
Invitation letter and host’s ID : If you're planning to stay with friends or relatives, you must include an invitation letter from your host in Kenya, along with a copy of their national ID or passport. The invitation should outline your relationship and length of stay.

Documents must be uploaded digitally and accurately during the application process. Additional documents might be required depending on your travel purpose.

Application process of the Kenya eTA

Applying for a Kenya eTA is simple and entirely online. Follow these key steps to ensure your application is successful and processed without delays:

Choose the Correct eTA Purpose

Select the appropriate eTA based on your purpose of travel (Tourist, Business, Transit etc). Each purpose has specific requirements, so make sure you apply under the correct category.

Complete the Online Application

Visit the official Kenya eTA portal and fill out the form with accurate personal and travel details exactly as shown on your passport. Mistakes can delay or invalidate your application.

Upload Documents & Make Payment

Attach all required documents, such as your passport photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and invitation letter (if applicable). Pay the eTA fee using a valid debit or credit card. Cash and cheques are not accepted.

Re-entry and visa options for East Africa travel

While the Kenya eTA is generally a single-entry permit, Antiguan and Barbudan travelers can re-enter Kenya without a new eTA if they visit only neighboring countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, or the DRC, and their original eTA is still valid.

For those planning multiple trips or a regional East African tour, Kenya also offers two convenient alternatives:

The East Africa Tourist Visa: Ideal for traveling to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with one visa (entry must start in Kenya; not extendable).
The One-Year Multiple Entry Visa: Perfect for frequent visitors or business travelers, allowing multiple entries over 12 months (stay limited to 90 days per visit, exit required for re-entry).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Kenya eTA must be obtained before traveling. Applications are made exclusively online, and travelers will not be allowed to board their flight to Kenya without a valid, pre-approved eTA.

If your Kenya eTA application is denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason. You can correct any issues (e.g., document errors or missing info) and reapply, or contact the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services for further guidance.

Yes, minors also require a valid eTA to enter Kenya. Their application must be submitted by a parent or guardian, and should include a birth certificate and the guardian’s travel documents along with the standard requirements.

Yes. While your eTA is sent via email, it is highly recommended to print a hard copy and carry it with you during travel. You may be asked to present it at boarding, immigration control, or check-in in Kenya.