Kenya safari guide

Kenya eTA: how to get your entry permit

By Scott · Updated October 2026 · From our 3-week Kenya safari

We may earn a commission if you book or shop through links on this page. You choose the provider that works best for you.

Quick answerKenya no longer issues tourist visas to most visitors. Instead, you apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at etakenya.go.ke. It costs USD 30, and you can apply up to 90 days before you travel. Apply at least a few days before your flight.
A keeper bottle-feeding a baby elephant at an orphanage in Nairobi
Our photo from Kenya

What is the Kenya eTA?

Since January 2024, travelers from most countries, including the US, UK and EU, need an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Kenya instead of a visa. It's an online application, and the approval is linked to your passport.

Cost and processing time

  • Standard: USD 30, processed within about 3 days.
  • Expedited: about USD 130 for very fast approval, if you're short on time.

Only use the official government site, etakenya.go.ke. Many look-alike sites charge extra fees for the same application.

How to apply

  1. Go to etakenya.go.ke and create an application.
  2. Upload a passport photo page scan and a recent photo of your face.
  3. Add your flight details and where you're staying, such as your safari company or first hotel.
  4. Pay the fee by card and wait for your approval email.
  5. Print the approval or keep it on your phone for the airline and immigration.

Other things to sort before your safari

  • Passport: valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with blank pages.
  • Vaccines and malaria: visit a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Ask about yellow fever and malaria tablets for safari areas.
  • Travel insurance: include medical evacuation. Many parks are hours from a hospital.
  • No plastic bags: Kenya banned single-use plastic bags in 2017. Pack your toiletries in a zip pouch or cloth bag instead.
  • Cash: bring clean US dollar bills printed after 2013 for tips. Older bills are often refused.

Requirements change, so check the official eTA site and the US State Department before you go.

Ready to plan your Kenya safari?

Compare safari specialists, multi-day tour marketplaces and local experiences, then choose the one that fits how you want to travel.

Custom safari planning

Go2Africa

Work with an African safari specialist to plan a tailored itinerary, including accommodation, transfers, and experiences.

Explore Go2Africa (opens in a new tab)
Compare all planning resources

Frequently asked questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Kenya?

No visa, but US citizens need an approved Kenya eTA before traveling. It costs USD 30 and is applied for online at etakenya.go.ke.

How long does a Kenya eTA take?

Standard applications are usually approved within about 3 days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.

Do children need a Kenya eTA?

Yes. Every traveler, including children, needs their own eTA.

More Kenya guides

Wildebeest walking across green grass in the Maasai Mara

The best time to visit Kenya for a safari

Dry seasons, rainy seasons, migration months and the cheapest time to go.

An elephant family crossing a green clearing in the Maasai Mara

The Great Migration in Kenya: when and where to see it

When the herds reach the Mara, where the river crossings happen, and how to plan.

A traveler holding a glass of champagne in a safari vehicle at sunset

How much does a Kenya safari cost?

Real daily costs for budget, mid-range and luxury trips, plus park fees.