Planning a trip to Kenya involves following certain steps. One of these is obtaining the right travel document. There are two options for applying for this precious sesame: the official ETA Kenya website or an agency specialising in issuing electronic documents.
What is ETA Kenya?
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an official document that allows foreign nationals access to Kenyan territory. It is an electronic document that replaces the traditional visa affixed to the passport. This system greatly simplifies procedures and speeds up the application process.
Site officiel de l'ETA Kenya : Where can I apply?
The official website dedicated to obtaining the ETA for Kenya bears the address: etakenya.go.ke. It is on this platform that you can submit your application online and pay the application fee, i.e. 34.09 US dollars. This fee is non-refundable. As the site is accessible 24/7, you can fill in the form at any time and track the progress of your application.
The information required is simple to provide. You will need a digital copy of your passport (page with your personal details), a recent passport photo in JPEG or PNG format and a bank card to complete the payment.
Time limit and validity of e-visa
Once you have submitted your application and the necessary documents, you will usually receive a reply within 72 hours. However, it is advisable to take this step at least 7 days before your departure.
The ETA is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and allows stays of up to 90 days in Kenya. When the visa expires, you will need to obtain a new one to re-enter the country.
Is going through a visa agency a wise option?
To obtain ETA Kenya, it is also possible to use the services of a specialist agency. Some people consider this alternative to be more reassuring and secure. Here are some of the advantages mentioned:
- Save time: The agencies will help you put your application together, check for any errors and take care of the formalities on the official website.
- Payment security : Agencies generally offer a range of secure payment methods for ETA fees.
- Personalised follow-up: You benefit from a dedicated contact person and a customer service team available to answer your questions or deal with any problems with your application.
However, there are a number of disadvantages to this option that need to be considered:
- The higher cost : These agencies charge for their services. In general, they charge an additional fee of between USD 20 and USD 60 on top of the initial application fee.
- The security of your personal data: It is essential to use only a reliable and reputable agency, and to avoid fraudulent sites that could misuse your confidential information.
How do I choose an agency to obtain ETA Kenya?
If you prefer to work with a specialist agency, it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- Check its online presence and customer reviews to judge its reliability
- Make sure it offers a responsive customer service that is available if a problem arises
- Compare the ancillary charges applied and choose the one that offers the best value for money
