Kenya eTA Requirements for Children

Envision your family’s excitement as you prepare for a journey across Kenya—perhaps your children’s first safari or a stroll through Nairobi’s leafy parks.

Before you fasten seatbelts and set out for adventure, there is one essential requirement for every traveller, regardless of age: each child, including infants and teens, must apply for Kenya eTA and have it approved prior to travel.

This ensures a smooth entry into the country and avoids delays at the airport, so your family can focus on creating unforgettable memories in Kenya.

This guide provides parents, guardians, and accompanying adults with all the current information, practical checklists, and tips to ensure your young travellers are fully prepared for entry.

Who Needs a Kenya eTA? New Rules for Families

Set aside any assumption that children travel on a parent’s paperwork. Every visitor to Kenya, from newborns to teenagers, must secure a Kenya eTA in their own name before the journey begins. This is non-negotiable and applies to all nationalities and travel purposes.

• Parents, guardians, or responsible adults must apply for and complete the eTA for every minor.
• Double-check every entry: Kenyan officials require perfect accuracy in children’s names, dates, and documents.
• Traveling with just one parent or another adult? A notarised consent letter from the absent parent(s) or guardian(s) is required.

No child is exempt—whether your toddler is on your lap or your teenager is part of a school group.

Understanding the Kenya eTA: Essentials for Families

The Kenya eTA is more than just an online form; it is your family’s official travel authorisation for Kenya’s legendary wildlife parks, coastal cities, and warm communities. Here is what every parent or guardian needs to know:

• Single Entry Only: Each eTA is valid for one trip of up to 90 days.
• Validity: Your eTA must be used within 90 days of issue.
• For Every Purpose:
  • Tourism and Holidays
  • Family Visits
  • Business or Work
  • Medical, Religious, Crew, Diplomatic, Conferences, Transit, and more
• No On-Arrival Exception: Applications must be approved before boarding your flight.

Missing even a single requirement may lead to denied boarding or refused entry; be thorough from the start.

Documents Checklist: Preparing Your Child’s Kenya eTA Application

Applying for a Kenya eTA for a minor is straightforward if you gather all documents in advance. Here is your practical, purpose-based checklist:

Core Documents for Every Application

• Passport (for the child):
  • Valid for at least six months past arrival date
  • At least one blank page
• Recent Colour Photograph:
  • Front-facing, plain background, no hats or sunglasses
• Contact Details:
  • Parent/guardian’s email and phone number
• Travel Itinerary:
  • Dates of arrival and departure, and flight numbers
• Accommodation Details:
  • Hotel bookings or invitation letter from a Kenyan host
• Payment Method:
• Credit/debit card or accepted digital payment

Purpose-Based Additional Documents

• Tourism: Hotel booking confirmation
• Family Visits:
  • Invitation letter from your Kenyan host
  • Host’s ID, passport, or permit copy
• Business:
  • Invitation letter from the company
  • Kenyan company registration certificate
  • Host’s staff ID/ID copy
• Medical:
  • Referral letter from home doctor/hospital
  • Appointment from receiving Kenyan doctor/hospital
• Transit:
  • Proof of onward or return ticket
• Travel Without Both Parents:
  • Notarised consent letter from absent parent(s)/guardian(s)
  • Copies of parent/guardian passports if needed
• Adopted/Legal Guardianship:
  • Adoption or guardianship documentation

Pro Tip: Name your digital files clearly and keep both scanned and paper copies. Double-check every upload for clarity.

How to Apply: Kenya eTA Process for Children and Minors

The application is fully digital—no embassy visits or complicated paperwork.

Step 1: Begin the Application

• Go to the Kenya eTA portal.
• Select “Apply Kenya eTA” or add your child to a group/family application using the ‘add applicant’ option.
• Enter all personal details as shown in your child’s passport.

Step 2: Upload Supporting Documents

• Scan and upload the child’s passport, recent photo, and any purpose-based documents.
• If applying for more than one child, repeat for each applicant.

Step 3: Review, Pay, and Submit

• Double-check all entries—accuracy prevents avoidable delays.
• Pay the application Kenya ETA fee securely online.
• Save your reference number for updates.

Step 4: Await Approval

• Kenya eTA decisions are typically issued within 3 - 5 working days.
• Approval will be emailed; please print a copy for each child and keep a digital version on your device.

Parent’s Checklist: Apply at least a week before your trip, and earlier during school holidays or peak travel periods.

Travel Day and Arrival: What Families Should Expect

At the airport or border, have the following ready for each child:

• Printed eTA approval
• Passport
• Consent letter (if travelling without both parents)
• Supporting documents (invitation, hotel bookings, etc.)
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Border officials may ask:

• To see letters of consent
• About the purpose of the visit
• For supporting documentation, especially for non-parent guardians

Some hotels in Kenya may also request your child’s eTA and passport at check-in.

Keep your documents in a single, easily accessible folder—digital and paper—so nothing gets lost during your journey.

Family Travel Checklist: Final Steps Before Departure

• Every passport and eTA: double-checked, printed, and saved digitally
• Consent letters and supporting paperwork: notarised and accessible
• Accommodation and itinerary confirmations: ready to present
• Contact details and emergency information: shared with family and saved on your phone
• Keep snacks and comfort items for younger children, just in case border checks take time

Careful preparation means less stress for you and a confident, happy start for your children.

Conclusion

From the Maasai Mara to the bustling markets of Nairobi, Kenya is an unforgettable place for families. With every child’s eTA secured, you are ready to let curiosity lead the way, knowing you have met every requirement and left nothing to chance. 

Preparation today is the first step toward a journey your children will never forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I really need to apply for a Kenya eTA for my baby or toddler?
  Yes. Every person, from infants upward, must hold an individual Kenya eTA.
• Can I submit a single application for all my children?
  Each child needs a separate eTA, but the Kenya eTA portal allows grouped applications managed by a single adult.
• What if only one parent or a relative is accompanying my child?
  A notarised consent letter from the non-travelling parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is required. Some officials may also ask for copies of parent IDs.
• How long does approval take?
  Most are processed within 3 - 5 working days. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
• What if a mistake is found after submitting?
  Contact the eTA support team immediately and correct the information as instructed.
• What happens if my child’s eTA is refused?
  You’ll receive a reason by email. Correct the issue and reapply, supplying any missing documentation.
• Can travel dates change after approval?
  You may travel any time within the 90-day validity window, but for changes outside this period, a new eTA application is needed.

Content Disclaimer: This website provides expert guidance on Kenya eTA applications. All official authorisations are granted by the Government of Kenya. Additional service fees may apply. Always consult official sources for the latest requirements before travel.