Kenya is a popular destination for travellers, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and rich and varied flora and fauna. To enter this African country, most visitors have been required to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) since 1 January 2024. The Kenyan government has simplified this process by introducing the ETA following the abolition of electronic visas.
What is the Kenyan ETA?
The Kenyan ETA is an official document issued by the Kenyan government that allows foreign travellers to enter the country for short stays (less than 90 days). This "form of visa" (but technically not a visa) is granted exclusively online, avoiding queues and unnecessary trips to Kenyan consulates or embassies.
Conditions of use and period of validity of the Kenyan ETA
The ETA for Kenya is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. During this period, you will need to enter Kenyan territory. Once you arrive in the country, your ETA will allow you to stay for up to 90 days. All nationalities are covered, except those from Kenya's neighbouring countries.
To qualify for an ETA, a number of conditions must be met:
- Be a citizen of one of the member countries authorised to receive this document (almost all nationalities are covered)
- Have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Kenya
- Provide a digital copy of your passport photo and passport
- Pay the application fee by credit card
Can a previously obtained ETA be reused?
Now that we understand how the Kenyan ETA works, it is important to answer the question posed in the title of this article: "Can I return to Kenya with an ETA I have already obtained before?" .
Valid for a single journey
First of all, it's essential to know that the Kenyan ETA is only valid for one trip. In other words, once you have entered and left Kenya, you cannot use this document for another stay. Beware, it is tolerated to re-enter Kenya another time as part of a land visit from a neighbouring country, if you stay within 90 days of the first use.
New request for a new route
If you intend to return to Kenya after a first trip with an ETA, you will need to make a new application. This process can be completed quickly thanks to the electronic system set up by the Kenyan government. You should also check that your eligibility requirements remain unchanged and that your passport is still valid.
