© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Evisa Rocket. All rights reserved.
Not a visa — you need an eTA. Kenya scrapped its traditional visa system in January 2024 and replaced it with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This means Indian citizens no longer queue at an embassy or apply for a visa sticker. Instead, every traveller must hold an approved Kenya eTA before departure. Your airline verifies the eTA electronically at check-in, and without it you can be refused boarding.
The eTA applies to the usual reasons Indians visit — tourism and safari, visiting friends or relatives, and short business trips. It is requested entirely online, so there is no consulate visit. You can explore the destination on our Kenya travel hub or go straight to the Kenya eTA page to begin.
It is easy to assume the eTA is just a digital visa, but they work differently. The eTA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport that allows an airline to let you board; the final permission to enter Kenya is granted by an immigration officer when you land. Use this comparison to see how the eTA differs from the old visa process:
| Feature | Kenya eTA | Old visa |
|---|---|---|
| How you apply | Online, before departure | Embassy or earlier e-visa portal |
| Format | PDF emailed to you | Sticker, stamp or earlier e-visa |
| Required for Indians? | Yes, mandatory for every traveller | Replaced by the eTA since 2024 |
| Grants entry? | Authorises boarding only | Authorised entry subject to checks |
The Kenya eTA is mandatory for every Indian 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 travel on a parent's itinerary.
The eTA covers the most common reasons Indians fly to Kenya — safari holidays in the Maasai Mara, beach stays in Mombasa or Diani, visiting friends and family, honeymoons, and short 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:
Because processing can take up to 3 business days, apply at least 3 days (about 72 hours) before departure. From major Indian hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru there are direct and one-stop flights to Nairobi, so plan your eTA timing around your booked travel date.
For Indian applicants, the Kenya eTA is usually processed within up to 3 business days, with the approval emailed as a PDF. To stay on the safe side, submit your application at least 3 days (about 72 hours) before departure rather than waiting until the last moment. Demand around peak safari and holiday seasons can stretch timings, so the earlier you apply within a reasonable window, the better. If any additional information is requested, respond quickly so your approval is not held up.
The Kenya eTA is a single-entry authorization that allows a stay of up to 90 days. It is generally used for the specific trip you apply for and is valid for travel within a set window after approval, so it is best to apply once your travel dates are confirmed. Because the authorization is tied to the passport you used to apply, if you renew or replace your Indian passport, or plan a separate future trip, you will need to apply for a new eTA linked to the current document. For a multi-stop journey that takes you out of and back into Kenya, plan ahead, as a single-entry eTA covers one entry.
The eTA gets you onto the plane, but entry is confirmed at the border only once an immigration officer is satisfied you meet the conditions. Be ready on arrival in Kenya to present your valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity, your approved eTA, a return or onward ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation or host details, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carrying these in an easy-to-reach folder — printed or on your phone — makes the arrival process at Nairobi or Mombasa 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 can support your trip. Provided your documents are in order and consistent with your application, the officer will admit you and you can begin your stay — whether that is heading out on safari to the Maasai Mara or down to the coast.
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 an Indian family, simply submit a separate eTA application for each member, and make sure each child's accommodation and return ticket details are covered just as they are for the adults.
Not a visa — an eTA. Kenya replaced its visa system in January 2024 with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization. Every Indian traveller must obtain an approved eTA online before departure in order to board a flight and seek entry to Kenya.
No. The eTA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport that allows an airline to let you board. It is not a traditional visa. When you arrive, an immigration officer makes the final decision and admits you to Kenya.
There is an official charge set by the authorities 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. Apply at least 3 days (about 72 hours) before departure, and earlier during peak safari and holiday seasons to be safe.
Apply at least 3 days (about 72 hours) before your departure, once your travel dates and bookings are confirmed. The eTA is valid for travel within a set window after approval, so applying close to your trip works well.
The Kenya eTA is a single-entry authorization that allows a stay of up to 90 days. It is generally used for the specific trip you applied for, so plan around your confirmed travel dates.
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 own 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 or host details, and proof of sufficient funds.