Travelling to Kenya as a national of one of the programme countries "East African Partner State requires you to follow a few specific procedures. Obtaining an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) is a simplified process designed to make it easier for foreigners to enter the country. In this article, we will explore in detail the various steps involved in obtaining an eTA for Kenya, as well as the documents required and the conditions to be met.
What is a Kenya eTA and why is it necessary?
A eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a compulsory travel authorisation for visitors from certain foreign countries, including those in the East African Partner State programme. This tool aims to simplify the entry process while ensuring internal security. It allows rigorous monitoring of visitors while offering a relatively quick application procedure that is easy to complete online.
The benefits of eTA
L'eTA was introduced for several reasons:
- Process simplification of application compared with the traditional visa.
- Improving national security thanks to prior filtering.
- Reducing lead times treatment for foreigners wishing to visit the country.
Difference between an eTA and a traditional visa
While the visa generally requires a visit to an embassy or consulate and involves longer procedures, theeTA can be obtained entirely online. This makes it ideal for travellers who are planning their trip at short notice or who prefer a less cumbersome application process.
Steps to obtain an eTA Kenya
To obtain your eTAFollow these essential steps:
Preparing the necessary documents
Before you start your application, make sure you have the following documents on hand:
- A valid passport valid for at least six months after the planned date of entry.
- A valid e-mail address where you will receive your eTA.
- A credit or debit card to pay the application fee.
Fill in the online application form
Access the form dedicated to eTA requests. You will need to provide personal information such as :
- Your full name as it appears on your passport.
- Your nationalityspecifying that you are a national of a country in the East African Partner State programme.
- Your date and place of birth.
- Information about your passport with its expiry date.
Payment of application fees
Once you have filled in all the required information, proceed to the payment of fees of the request. Make sure that the transaction is successful to avoid delays in processing the application.
Submission and confirmation
Once you have submitted your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation to the e-mail address provided. Keep this confirmation, as it contains a tracking number useful for tracking the status of your application.
Deadline and follow-up
Learn what the usual processing time and how to keep track of your request is crucial to organising your trip correctly.
Processing time
In general, the majority of Kenya eTA applications are processed within a few working days. However, it is advisable to submit your application on as soon as possible before your planned departure date to compensate for any unforeseen extensions.
Follow-up
With the reference number provided at the time of confirmation, you can check the progress of your application online.
Validity and conditions of use of the eTA
It is important to understand the validity of a eTA and its conditions of use before entering Kenya.
Period of validity
Once approved, theeTA will be valid for a certain period. Usually, this allows a single or multiple entry for a fixed period, often up to 90 days. Consult the specific official guidelines to ensure that your trip complies with the requirements.
Conditions of stay
The holder of a eTA must comply with all local laws during their stay. It is forbidden to work without an appropriate work permit. Violating the terms may result in severe penalties such as deportation or a future ban on entry.
Tips for a successful application
Some tips can help ensure that your eTA application is successful and that your travel experience runs smoothly.
Ensure the accuracy of your information
Check carefully that all the information entered corresponds exactly to the details of your passport. Errors can lead to delays or even the refusal of your eTA.
Plan your application in advance
Avoid the stress of last-minute procedures by submitting your application several weeks, or even months, before your planned trip. This gives you time to resolve any problems.
Keep your proof
Print out and save electronically all the documents relating to your eTAincluding confirmation and payment emails. These documents may be requested at the airport or by the local authorities on arrival.
