To discover the splendours of Kenya, all travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their departure. This formality is essential to guarantee a trouble-free stay in this magnificent African country. But what documents are required to apply for a Kenya ETA?
Documents required to apply for ETA Kenya
To apply for an ETA in Kenya, it is essential to bring together the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A digital passport photo
- Proof of accommodation in your name, covering all accommodation during your stay
Each document submitted must comply with the requirements specified by the Kenyan authorities to ensure that the procedure for obtaining your ETA runs smoothly.
The passport: validity criteria
The passport is undoubtedly the most important document when applying for electronic travel authorisation. It is used to confirm your identity and nationality to the responsible authorities. To be accepted, your passport must meet certain validity criteria:
- Be valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Kenya
- Have a blank double page for the country's entry and exit stamp
- Be an ordinary, diplomatic or service passport
It is essential to check these points before submitting your ETA application, as a passport that does not comply with the requirements could lead to your Electronic Travel Authorisation being invalidated.
Digital passport photos: comply with current standards
The passport photo you provide must be digital and comply with the standards imposed by the Kenyan authorities. This means that it must :
- Be recent (less than six months old)
- Have a white or plain background
- Good image quality (minimum resolution of 600 dpi)
- Respect the regulatory dimensions (35 x 45 mm)
- Do not display headgear, except for religious reasons
Don't take the photo ID requirements lightly, as a photo that doesn't comply with them may result in your electronic travel authorisation being refused.
Where to live in Kenya: details of accommodation
Finally, you will be asked to provide precise information about your place of residence during your stay in Kenya. This includes :
- The name and detailed address of the establishment where you will be staying (hotel, youth hostel, flat or campsite)
- The telephone number of the person in charge of the establishment
- The length of your stay (nights planned)
⚠️ Please note that other documents are required depending on the case:
- For a business reason only: letter of invitation and certificate of company registration in Kenya
- For a family visit reason only: letter of invitation or accommodation and copy of the host's identity card in Kenya.
ETA Kenya procedure and deadline: don't be late!
The procedure for obtaining an ETA in Kenya is entirely paperless and simply requires you to complete an online form. You will have to pay a one-off fee by credit card to finalise your application.
As regards the time taken to obtain the electronic travel authorisation, this is generally 72 hours. You will receive confirmation by e-mail and will then need to print it out to present with your passport when you arrive in Kenya.
