Kenya has made it easy to get a pass to visit in 2025–2026. Now, more people can come to see the wild animals, land, and ways of life there. Here is what you should know:
- ETA (Electronic Travel Pass): Go online at etakenya.go.ke before you come. You can’t get a pass when you land anymore.
- Price: $32.50. You can pay with a bank card.
- Wait Time: It takes 1–3 work days.
- Who Can Get It: Most people, even from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, need an ETA. People from East African Community (EAC) places may not need a visa.
- How Long It’s Good For: You can stay for up to 90 days.
- East Africa Pass: If you want to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda in one trip, you can get this special pass.
You Need These:
- Passport good for 6 months or more.
- A new photo of your face for your pass.
- Some other things may be needed, like proof that you will leave or a shot for yellow fever, if asked.
Kenya may let more people from Africa in without a visa soon, which will make it simple to visit nearby places. If you like going on trips and seeing new things, make sure you have your travel cover, health shots, and OK papers for things you want to do, such as seeing wild animals or hiking up Mount Kenya.
Start early, keep both a print and digital copy of your ETA with you, and get ready for fun in Kenya.
Kenya’s ETA System Explained
What is the Kenya ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is the way Kenya lets guests get travel papers on the web before they come. You can ask and get the okay to come to Kenya online. Go to etakenya.go.ke to do this.
The Immigration Office runs this system. If you need help, visit immigration.go.ke. Note that you can no longer get a visa when you land in Kenya. You must get your ETA online before you fly. You cannot do this later when you get to Kenya.
The old way – getting a visa – meant lots of lines and paper. Now, it is all done on the web. It is fast and saves time for all. You fill out your form, send it in, and wait for them to say yes or no. All before you leave your home.
Benefits of the ETA System
Kenya is known for wild sights and fun trips. The ETA makes it simple to get set to go. With the web system, you can apply from any spot on earth. You do not have to go to a far-off office. This helps, most of all, if you are making many stops on your trip or if you live far from where you can get a visa the old way.
The ETA is also fast. When you send your form in early, you will not have to wait in long lines at the edge when you get there. Just show your ETA and your passport. They can check right away and let you in.
It also makes Kenya more safe. The guards can check who is coming before the plane lands. This helps stop mix-ups and keeps the trip safe for all.
The ETA helps you plan your trip easy. Once you have your okay, you can get your plan set. You know you can book your wild ride, your room, and get set to fly to other parts of Kenya. You have your ETA, so you know you are good to go.
How to Apply for the KENYA E-Visa (eTA) Online – Step-by-Step Application Guide (2025)
Who Needs a Visa or ETA to Enter Kenya in 2025–2026
Are you going to Kenya soon? Then, it is good to know if you need a visa or an ETA to get in. Kenya now uses an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Most people must ask for it online before they go. To be sure, check the Kenya ETA site for current rules. Here’s a quick look at who gets in with no visa and who must get an ETA.
Travelers Who Don’t Need a Visa
Some people can visit Kenya without a visa. This is due to deals Kenya has with some other lands, or from local groups. For example, if you are from an East African Community (EAC) country, you may not need a visa. These rules can change, so check if you are free by looking at the Kenya ETA site or by asking at a Kenyan embassy close to you.
Those Who Need an ETA
Most people from other places will need to get an ETA. This is a must for those from, for example, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many parts of Europe or Asia. If you want to see wild animals, climb big hills, or enjoy city life in Kenya, you need to get your ETA before you leave.
This ETA lets you stay in Kenya for up to 90 days. You can use it at all ways to enter Kenya – by plane, by land, or by boat. Each person, even a small child or baby, needs their own travel pass.
To get in easy and fast, go to the main ETA site for needed forms or news (https://etakenya.go.ke). If you plan to go for a safari or want a special trip, look at our Best Amboseli Safari Packages 2026 for trips we made just for you.
How to Get Kenya ETA Online
You can use the web to ask to visit Kenya. It’s simple, and you can do it from home with just an internet link.
Steps to Apply for ETA
- Go to the Website: Type etakenya.go.ke in your browser. Hit “Apply Now” to begin. Use only this site for Kenya ETA.
- Make Your Account: Put in your email and pick a password. Check your email to make sure you’ve signed up.
- Fill the Form: Tell them your name, passport info, why you come, and when you will get to Kenya.
- Send in Your Papers: Follow the steps and upload the files they ask for.
- Check Your Answers and Submit: Look at all you wrote before you send. After you send it, you get a number to see how your ETA is going.
- Wait: It may take 1 to 3 work days to get your ETA. You can look up how it is doing on the site. When it is done, they send it to your email as a PDF. Print it and bring it with your passport.
Do these steps, and your trip to Kenya can start soon, with no fuss.
ETA Price and How to Pay
The price for the Kenya ETA is $32.50 USD. Pay with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards, or with a debit card.
Easy Tips for Your ETA
To keep it fast, follow these simple tips after you send your form. If you run into trouble, reach out to the help team. You can email them at [email protected], call +254 717 436 070, or use WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064.
If you will stay in Kenya for a long time or do many things, it is best to ask for your ETA after you book your plane tickets. Having your plan set makes things go smoother, so you are set to enjoy your trip in Kenya. Whether you want to book a Safari in Amboseli in 2026 or go across borders, having your ETA will make all steps simple.
What You Need for ETA
Before you start your Kenya ETA, make sure you have all the things you need. Most of the time, what you need is the same for all, but it is wise to check the full list on the official Kenya ETA site (https://etakenya.go.ke) to be sure.
Must-Have Things
- Passport: Your passport must be good for at least six more months after you plan to leave Kenya. It also should have enough free pages for new stamps.
- Photo: You will need a photo of your face, taken not long ago, and in the right size as Kenya needs.
You may also need more things like proof that you will leave, or show where you will stay. Keep these close by, just in case you are asked.
More Needed for Those Who Want Adventure
If you wish to go to far-off places like Mount Kenya, Turkana, or wild lands up north, you must plan a bit more. If you come from or pass through a place with yellow fever in the last six days, you will need a yellow fever shot paper.
For big trips, try and have these as well:
- Proof you have enough money, like a bank paper or card bill.
- Health plan that covers you in case you get hurt on your trip.
- Notes that tell where you will go and where you will stay.
These extra things help show your plans and can make your steps easier. When you have all you need, you can fill out your online ETA with peace of mind and start to dream of your trip.
Update on Visa-Free Travel for Africans (2025)
There are new plans to let more people from Africa travel without a visa. The goal is to help more people come and see places nearby. No full details are out yet from the main offices about changes for mid-2025. But these new rules could make it much easier to go from place to place in East Africa. This might work well alongside the system called ETA, which now helps people get permission to visit. With these steps, fans of travel and adventure will find it even easier to see the sights and explore the land. Kenya wants to make it smoother and simpler for people who love travel and for those who want to try new things.
How Visa-Free Travel Will Help African Travelers
When these new visa-free rules get going, people from Africa may spend less time filling out forms, waiting, and getting papers for travel. Crossing borders could be much faster and more easy. Instead of working through many different visa steps, those who wish to travel can spend their time making fun plans for trips. This will be good for people who want to see more countries, try new things, and find new places in East Africa. Going from country to country will feel less like work and more like a fun adventure.
Rules for Visa-Free Travel
Right now, no clear official list of rules is out for African passengers under these planned travel changes. People who want to travel should still follow Kenya’s normal entry steps.
Based on where you came from or where you have been, you may need to show health papers, like proof of yellow fever shot. For more news, go and check the Kenya ETA website at https://etakenya.go.ke before you go on your trip. Always look for fresh news and updates before booking your trip or leaving your home. This way you can stay safe, ready, and up to date.
Types of Entry Permits and ETA Choices
The main way to enter Kenya is with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This is a simple, safe way to get the right permit for your trip. You use the web to get it, so you do not have to fill out papers in person. This is good for any person who comes to Kenya to see the sights, go on a trip, or for other reasons. Below are the top kinds of permits for different trips to Kenya.
Single-Entry ETA
The Single-Entry ETA is the one most people use when they travel to Kenya. You can stay in the country for up to 90 days with this permit. This works well if you want to go on a safari, hike, or try other fun things. Whether you go to see wild animals, walk up Mount Kenya, or spend time with the local people, this permit gives you the time to see much of Kenya.
It is smart to look at the main Kenya site for rules, who can get this permit, costs, or if you can stay longer. This will make sure you have the newest info.
East Africa Tourist Visa
If you want to see more than just Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa is for you. This permit lets you go in and out of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with the same printed card or slip. This is great for those who love travel and want to see more than one country in East Africa. With it, you can see the big parks in Uganda, see gorillas in Rwanda, or spot big cats in Kenya. People who like a long trek or trip across this part of Africa use this visa a lot.
This way, your adventure goes past borders, and you get to see more wild and new places.
Transit ETA
If you do not plan to stay long and just need to pass through, the Transit ETA is a good choice. This is for short stops, like when you change planes or spend a short time in Kenya on your way to somewhere else. The permit lets you leave the airport and look at parts of Kenya before you leave again. This is also great for those who use Kenya as a start point for trips in all of East Africa or just need to stop for a bit.
No matter if you come to Kenya for a few hours or many days, there is a permit for you. Pick the one that fits your trip best and check the rules before you go.
How to Make Your Stay in Kenya Longer
Do you need to stay in Kenya for more days? Maybe you want to see more wild animals or go on more trips. Maybe you just want more time to enjoy all the things Kenya has. Good news – you can ask online to stay longer. The Kenya government has made it simple to ask for extra days. Here, you will learn the steps, how long you can stay, and what happens if you stay too long.
Steps for Extra Days
First, go to the Foreign Nationals Management Services part of the Kenya Immigration website (immigration.go.ke). Hit “APPLY HERE” to open the form. Next, you need to give:
- A simple reason for staying longer, like more trips, your flight got moved, or you have more work to do.
- Some proof that you have money for your longer stay.
- Your new travel date or plan to leave later.
It can take a few days for them to look at your form and say yes or no. It is smart to ask for extra days before your time runs out.
How Many Extra Days You Can Get
How many extra days you get depends on your reason and what the officials think. If you give good info and a clear reason, you may be more likely to get more time.
What Happens If You Stay Too Long
If you stay past your end date, you may pay a fee, be asked to leave, or have problems coming back later. Always check your end date. Ask for more days early or make plans to go before your time ends. If you think you might stay too long, talk to the immigration team fast so you can fix your issue.
Tips for Travelers Going on an Adventure
Are you planning a trip to Kenya for some fun and new things to do? Getting your ETA set is step one. Think ahead and plan well so you can have a safe, easy trip full of joy and fun in Kenya.
Get Ready for Adventure Places
Once you get your ETA, do these things so you can make the most of your time in Kenya:
- Go when the land is dry (June to October, December to March) for great views and good climbs.
These are busy times, so ask for your ETA early so you do not rush. - Say what you want to do in your ETA form.
List big things, like going on a trip to the Amboseli parks or hiking up Mount Kenya, instead of just saying “tourist.” This helps you at the border. - Find out if you need more papers for some events.
Some parks or trips, or things like climbing or looking for rare animals, may need special OKs. Check with leaders there or look up what you need before you go. - Make sure you have papers for your gear.
If you bring high-tech things, like hiking gear, flying drones, or special photo stuff, check you have the right forms so you have no problems at the border.
For ideas, look up things like “Best Amboseli Safari Packages 2026: From Cheap to Fancy.” This can help you dream up a trip that feels just right. These tips help you have a nice trip in Kenya, and help you in other places too.
Tips for Going to Neighboring Places
- Remember your ETA for Kenya works only for Kenya.
If you want to visit places close by, like Tanzania or Uganda, check what you need to enter each country on their own sites. - Have both phone and print copies of your travel forms with you.
Border rules can differ, so having extra copies of your ETA can help save your time and keep you out of trouble.
Staying Safe and Healthy
- Buy travel insurance that lets you do wild things.
Regular plans may not cover hiking, boat rides, or wild animal trips, so make sure you read and pick what you need. - Check what vaccines you need.
Some are must-haves, like yellow fever, if you visited risky places or countries. Others like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, or meningitis are smart to get, mostly if you go to far-off places. - Sign up your trip with your embassy.
This makes it easier to get help if things go wrong in hard-to-reach places. - Get ready for problems.
Look up hospitals before you go, download maps you can use without the web, and bring things that let you talk when there is no phone signal.
Kenya is full of big views and fun moments. But some things can make it hard. If you are ready – your ETA, your special papers, your safety tools – then you can spend your time soaking up the sun and enjoying new things, not worrying about the small stuff.
End
Kenya’s new online travel pass makes trips smooth for those who want to visit in 2025 and 2026. You can now see wild animals, climb tall hills, or enjoy local food and music with less fuss before you go. The easy system lets you fill out a form on the web and get ready in less time.
This way to travel is simple and clear. People from any place can send in their form, pay about $32.50, and get a quick answer, often just one to three days. This quick method shows Kenya cares for its guests and wants more people to see its land and help care for animals and nature. With this new system, Kenya opens its doors wide to all who wish to come see its beauty.
“Astride the equator, Kenya is home to intimate, awe-inspiring, and magical travel experiences”
- etakenya.go.ke
Kenya is known as a top spot for fun and wild trips in Africa. In March 2025, the country opened the Mt. Elgon Biosphere Reserve for people to visit. Then, in July 2025, Kenya said yes to more people from Africa by not needing a visa, which makes seeing new places much simpler and fast. Kenya’s plan from 2025 to 2030 fights against things that hurt wild animals, making sure nature stays safe and strong while the people and those who visit can share and learn from each other.
President William Ruto said, “Kenya is the home of humanity,” and many who travel agree. Folks come to see the roots of us all and to feel real life in this land where it all began.
These ideas open doors for many amazing and deep trips. You could pick the Best Amboseli Safari Packages 2026: From Budget to Luxury to see wild life and big open lands, or choose the Gikomba Market Tour Experience: Authentic Nairobi Life to see the colors, sounds, and heart of the city. Booking your ETA early helps you start your trip with little worry.
To have a good time, try to get your ETA a week before you go. Bring both a phone and paper copy with you. It’s smart to read about what you need for what you want to do, so you won’t be shocked later.
If you want your trip to be smooth, Wild Springs Adventures can set you up with great safari plans and tips from people who know Kenya well. They help make the start of your journey easy and fun, so you can enjoy every step and memory in Kenya.