© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
No visa — but yes, an eTA. Since January 2024, Kenya has replaced its visa system with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), so there is no visa sticker to collect and no embassy appointment to arrange. Every visitor must instead hold an approved Kenya eTA before travelling. Some travellers assume that, as a fellow African nationality, Ghanaians are exempt — they are not. The eTA exemption applies to citizens of the East African Community, and Ghana is an ECOWAS member, not an EAC member, so Ghanaian citizens do need an approved eTA to enter Kenya.
The eTA covers the usual reasons Ghanaians visit Kenya — tourism and safari trips, visiting friends or family, and business travel from Accra. It is requested entirely online, so there is no need to visit an embassy or consulate. You can review the destination on our Kenya travel hub or go straight to the Kenya eTA page.
The eTA is not the old visa under a new name — it is a different kind of clearance. It is an electronic authorization linked to your passport that lets an airline allow you to board, while the final decision to enter Kenya is made by an immigration officer when you land. Use this comparison to see how the eTA differs from a traditional visa:
| Feature | Kenya eTA | Old Kenya visa |
|---|---|---|
| How you apply | Online, before departure | Embassy, consulate or visa on arrival |
| Format | PDF emailed to you | Sticker or stamp in passport |
| Required for Ghanaians? | Yes, mandatory for every traveller | No longer issued — replaced by the eTA |
| Grants entry? | Authorises boarding only | Authorised entry subject to checks |
The eTA is mandatory for every Ghanaian citizen travelling to Kenya, regardless of age or reason for travel. There is no group or family eTA: each person who will board the flight needs their own approved authorization tied to their own passport. This includes children and infants, even when they are travelling on a parent's itinerary.
The only travellers generally exempt from the Kenya eTA are citizens of the East African Community. Because Ghana belongs to ECOWAS rather than the EAC, Ghanaian passport holders fall outside that exemption and must apply. The eTA covers the typical reasons Ghanaians visit Kenya — safaris and holidays, visiting friends or relatives, and business meetings. If your plans involve long-term work, study, or residence rather than a short visit, confirm the correct permit before you travel, as the eTA is intended for temporary stays.
Unlike an embassy visa, the eTA is requested online, but Kenya still expects you to meet its entry conditions. Have the following ready before you apply, and keep them available for the airline and for immigration on arrival:
Flights from Accra (Kotoka International Airport) typically route through Nairobi, so apply early enough that your eTA is approved well before your departure from Ghana.
For Ghanaian applicants, the Kenya eTA is usually processed within up to 3 business days, with the approval emailed as a PDF. Kenya advises travellers to apply at least 3 days (about 72 hours) before departure, so the best practice is to submit your application several days ahead rather than at the last minute. Apply early, allow time for any additional checks, and respond quickly if extra information is requested so your approval is not held up before your flight from Accra.
The Kenya eTA is issued for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days, which must begin within a set window after your authorization is approved. Because it is a single-entry authorization, leaving and re-entering Kenya on the same eTA is not possible — a separate trip means a separate application. The eTA is also tied to the specific passport you used to apply, so if you renew or replace your Ghanaian passport, or plan a future trip, you will need to apply for a new eTA linked to the current document.
The eTA gets you onto the plane, but entry is granted at the border only once an immigration officer is satisfied you meet the conditions. For Ghanaian travellers, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is especially important: it is commonly required for visitors arriving from West Africa, including Ghana, and you may be asked to show it on arrival. Be ready to present your valid Ghanaian passport, your approved eTA, a return or onward ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation or host details, evidence of sufficient funds, and your yellow-fever certificate. Carrying these in an easy-to-reach folder — printed or on your phone — makes the arrival process faster and smoother.
An approved eTA allows you to board your flight, but the final decision to enter Kenya rests with the immigration officer on arrival. Present the same passport you used to apply, along with your eTA, and be ready to explain the purpose and length of your visit, where you will stay, and that you have the means to support your trip. Have your yellow-fever certificate to hand as well. Provided your documents are in order and consistent with your application, the officer will admit you and you can begin your stay in Kenya.
Every traveller needs their own eTA, including children and infants, because each one is linked to an individual passport. A parent or guardian can complete the application on a child's behalf using the child's own passport details. If you are travelling as a Ghanaian family, simply submit a separate application for each member, and make sure each child's accommodation, return ticket and yellow-fever certificate are covered just as they are for the adults.
No traditional visa. Since January 2024, Kenya has replaced visas with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Ghana is an ECOWAS member, not an East African Community member, so Ghanaians are not exempt and must hold an approved eTA before they travel.
No. The eTA is an electronic clearance linked to your passport that authorises an airline to let you board. It is not a visa. Once you arrive, an immigration officer makes the final decision to admit you to Kenya.
There is an official charge for the eTA. If you apply through an assisted service, an optional service fee may be added for help completing the form, error checks and support. You can see the details on the application page before you submit.
Processing is typically completed within up to 3 business days, with the approval sent by email as a PDF. Kenya advises applying at least 3 days (about 72 hours) before departure, so apply early rather than at the airport.
A yellow-fever vaccination certificate is commonly required for travellers arriving from West Africa, including Ghana. Carry a valid certificate, as you may be asked to present it on arrival in Kenya.
The Kenya eTA is single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days, which must begin within a set window after your authorization is approved. A separate trip requires a new eTA application.
Yes. Every traveller needs an individual eTA linked to their own passport, including children and infants. A parent or guardian can apply on a child's behalf using the child's passport details.
No. The eTA authorises you to board your flight, but the final decision is made by an immigration officer on arrival. Be ready to show a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, sufficient funds and your yellow-fever certificate.